After taking a few weeks off the blog I thought I’d end 2018 with a round-up of the year. The highs, the lows, the laughs, the cry’s and everything in-between.
I set out this year to run one race per month and (so long as I make it to tomorrow’s 10k) I’m pleased to have succeeded as well as fitting in a few others. Last November I was lucky enough to receive an email saying I’d gotten a place in the ballot for the Berlin Marathon – so I made it my A race of the year. I hit my 50th milestone during parkrun and attended parkrun’s across the UK, even attending one in Rome. There’s been virtual runs, run streaks, half marathons, 10ks, 5ks and marathons.
Best Race of 2018
Bourne Run in the Woods 10k
I loved this run – a local one held by Bourne Rotary Club, the atmosphere was great, support was friendly and the course, though with a few uphills, was pretty through woodland. Read my full review by clicking here.
Worst Race of 2018
With the awful weather aka the beast from the east hitting the UK in March I’m torn between my worst races – both half marathons that took place during the month. I have to say due to the weather, convincing myself it wouldn’t go ahead and the super long journey to get back to the park and ride, it has to be Cambridge Half. Sadly, due to my experience and though a lovely course through the city, I won’t be returning in 2019. Click here to read the full review.
Best parkrun of 2018
I’ve been lucky enough to take part in 16 different courses throughout the year. My favourite? Luckily local to me, I really enjoyed Melton Mowbray with it’s two laps around the country park. More details on my post, click here.
Moment of 2018
As my ‘A’ race, all lay on Berlin and in the build up I went through every up and down that you can imagine – from falls and giving myself whiplash, to being caught short (TMI), to meeting new friends along the way. On the day, Berlin was everything I wanted it to be. Even having my air bnb cancelling on me less than 10 hours before my flight, upon arrival, visiting the expo, touristing in Berlin, the breakfast run and then every single second of the marathon I was in awe of. Crossing the line of my third marathon and second world major was an incredible moment and one that I will carry with me. Read all about Berlin here.
I’m ending 2018 with a snazzy pair of Brooks Ghost 11 and can’t wait to get started in 2019 and see what the year brings. Though it will be a little slower to begin with (due to a huge house renovation), I’m looking forward to keeping it up and meeting lots of lovely people along the way.
Happy New Year!
Running Abby 