2025 retrospective

Do I really need a 2025 retrospective? I barely did any running. 90% of what I did was parkrun and here's the truth of how often I attended that, from the 5K app:

Blue squares are attended parkruns. Apols to those with colour-blindness.

So, I guess the main headline or achievement for 2025 was that I did anything at all. Especially considering I called it all quits in October 2024. I almost got into the habit of attending parkrun regularly, even if I'd not been doing any midweek training runs, but then that died off in November (albeit not entirely by choice).

February 2025, probably the last time I wore that top. ðŸ˜¢

Positively, I've had very little grief from my knees and hips since restarting. That may be helped by the significant amount of rest between runs. But what can I look forward to in 2026? What can and should I aim for? Well, the sidebar on this blog has the following unmet goals for 2025 and 2026:

  • Starting training again (regularly)
  • Get under 27 minutes at Druridge Bay
  • Get under 27 minutes at Silksworth
  • Get under 27 minutes at Chopwell Wood

Frankly, the last two of those are pure fantasy and I should drop them unless I really think I can get back to my fittest. (Hint: I can't.)

Instead, I'd like to merely attend various parkruns. Alnwick Pastures would be good, and there are various new and new-ish runs around the region that I've yet to do: Elemore Park, Fulwell Quarry, Ushaw Historic House, and Kirkharle Courtyard all come to mind. I may even get round to updating the sidebar with those as goals (or simply a target number of new venues), but I want to chew it over first.

But before I finish this post, a quick nod to someone (other than The Wife) who's been a key motivator for me this year. Thank you, running bud. Let's kill it in 2026.

Thanks, mate. Mutual motivation FTW.

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