For those of you that are just tuning in. You’re just in time! This is my running project for 2022. 1200km running for the year. I dragged myself out of a COVID slump in 2021 and attempted the 1000km challenge, completing it just days before the year’s end. So of course this set my brain into a frenzy of what ifs, and could I’s for 2022. Initially I got overzealous and thought ok if I can 1000km in a year could I run 1500km in a year? My brain is masochistic that way. I don’t know if I can or can’t, but I decided on 1200km for the year, as I have been running 100km per month for the last 4 months and recognized this to be a realistic goal. Upon all of this as a side goal, I have decided to attempt a half marathon each month of the year. Without further Ado, this is “The Running Project”.

So we’re kicking this thing off. January and February complete distances completed.

Total distance running (YTD) 209km

Half marathons completed: 2

To start things off this year I searched around online for some motivation. Just coming off of the Christmas holidays, I knew I would need it!. I came across this awesome virtual challenge, the 60 North Challenge. A virtual 60km run/walk to be completed anywhere. Virtually. Get it. As if this hasn’t been the norm for a while. I happily obliged. A great way to start off the year and get the motivation juices flowing.

Running in -10, ah ya thanks I’ll pass! So here I was excited to get going and feeling inspired by all these folks from across Canada running in -18 and loving it, running in -27 with wind chill and looking amazing and here I was… Suddenly dealing with that? The west coast does not get these conditions. Not really. Now suddenly I was finding myself running in one of the biggest cold snaps we’ve had in years. Running in -10C? WTF. This was next level!

Cross Training is important. Note to self, one cannot only run. I have realized that if I am to last this project and hit my 1200km I will have to get serious at some cross training. Strengthening and offsetting my running with some other activities and frankly to take a break from, you guessed it. Running.

It’s not always fun! Over the last year running I have recognized that sometimes I don’t feel like running and sometimes I definitely don’t feel like running, but there are these moments, a change of scenery, or running with a friend, and I’m like ya.. running. It’s ok.

The race season is around the corner. I Realize I have a big racing season ahead of me. At least 10 more races this year that I have committed to, looking forward to getting this going. Follow along for the adventure!

Cheers