So here we are in the final few hours of 2011 and, looking back on the year, I am happy to say that it has been a good one for me. Hopefully you can say the same about your year and, in a matter of hours, we will have a whole new year in which to start all over again.
If you have read any of my previous posts then you will likely already know that in 2010 I let things slip following my last race of the year, the Loch Ness Marathon. As a result, all of the running fitness accrued over the year was long gone by the time the first of the ultras came along in March. This year, in an effort to avoid a repetition of this, I set myself the challenge of running every day in November to aid in my Movember fundraising efforts and every day in December, as part of Marcothon. I completed my 61st consecutive day of running this morning, taking my total mileage up to 300 miles for the 2 months and taking my annual mileage total for 2011 up to 1386 miles, some 136 miles more than in 2010.
If the Marcothon Facebook page is anything to go by, over 700 people from around the globe joined in the shared objective:
"The rules are simply, you must run every day in DECEMBER (any other month doesn't count). Minimum of three miles or 25 minutes – which ever comes first. The challenge starts on December 1 and finishes on December 31. And yes, that includes Christmas Day."
The Marcothon started in 2009, when Marco Consani challenged himself to run every day in November. His wife, Debbie Martin Consani, decided to follow suit and run every day in December and posted the challenge, dubbing it 'the Marcothon' on her blog. The challenge has grown in popularity each year and, from reading the comments on Facebook and/or the Marcothon twitter account, it is clear to see that it has ignited a passion amongst runners in a month when running is so often put on the back burner.
If your running has ever floundered without the targets of a specific run to keep it on track then you will likely appreciate just what the commitment of signing up to Marcothon provides.
It has been great to share in the trials and tribulations of all those who have participated in the Marcothon and to receive encouragement for my own efforts. December 2011 has not seen the huge snowfalls of previous years but the weather has attempted to throw a spanner in the works at each and every opportunity, or so it would appear! From paths and trails caked in black ice to ferocious winds and even 'Hurricane Bawbag', Marcothon participants have had to overcome hurdles throughout December.
Well done to all those who completed the Marcothon and, indeed, to anyone and everyone who has managed to keep running throughout this hectic month. The Marcothon will likely be back in December 2012 and it really is a great way to ensure that your running does not get neglected.
So that's all for 2011 and here's to 2012. Hopefully you will join me as I look to improve on this years 6 ultramarathon finishes. My goal for 2012 is to finish the same 6 ultras with a new PB in each race and also to complete the 95 mile West Highland Way Race. It's going to be a tough year for sure but I hope to meet the challenges head on.
If you happen to pick up a copy of Men's Running (http://www.mensrunninguk.co.uk/) then check out my photo taken at the top of The Devil's Staircase. I was delighted to find out this week that the photo had won me some Brooks running goodies, including Brooks Pure Project running shoes which I can't wait to try out! I am sure this view will be familiar to a lot of you and especially to those who have completed the West Highland Way and/or the Devil O' The Highlands ultramarathon.
I hope that you all have a Happy New Year.
See you in 2012.
J :o)