mike[space] dot net

April was a pretty crappy month for my running, with only four runs logged, one of which was actually an abject failure. So for May, I am endeavouring to recapture my running mojo. I basically concluded that the problems that I had developed were twofold.

First, switching to listening to music while running was a *bad* move. Maybe I didn't get my playlist right, or maybe I just need more distraction than music can offer me. Either way, it's an easy problem to solve by simply going back to my usual selection of podcasts; namely the Mark Kermode film review, radio 4 friday night comedy, Chris Moyles highlights show, The Skeptics Guide to the Universe, and Mac 20 Questions (the total length of these this is more than I actually run, so plenty of choices depending on mood)

The second, and more fundamental issue, is that I had failed to really define any goals for the running. With nothing to focus the need to get out and run, it was proving easier and easier to just sack it off and not bother. So, with the help of a friend (who has asked to remain anonymous at this point), I have decided to actually sign up for races to build to the goal of doing a marathon. Hopefully the London Marathon, but if I am one of the 90% of people who don't get picked in the ballot, I will do a different one.

The first steps of this are well in hand. A combination of injury and slackness means that I have always been able to duck out of the vague commitments I've made to run 10k in the past. But no more! No more I tell you! I've signed up for the British 10k London, and I have embarked on a training program. I just got back from my second run of the program, and in spite of it not being the most pleasant thing off the back of two nights of boozing (till 5AM last night), I am feeling like I might be getting back on track.

The intent is to find a half marathon some time in September, and then keep that going through winter to hit the full on marathon next year. Wish me luck ... I'm probably going to need it!