Well……..for me, it’s a new year even though it is not the 1st January. But a new year can start anytime can’t it – well that’s what I think. Any day, any month as we might choose to do so.
I have not been consistent in the slightest way with many “things” in my life and a lot of it was getting in the way of some of my personal goals – some were small and some are pretty big for me. This blog being one of those goals – to be consistent with it.
I have therefore spent some time clearing the “stuff” that was holding me back – or perhaps I was allowing it to hold me back?
NOW……….I am in a clear headed space and it feels great. The work to get there has been done – and it is really an ongoing journey to stay in that space – to recognise, acknowledge and ensure that the stressed out space I was in does not happen again. As long as something is within my control then I can do something about that.
Control the Controlables 🙂
My New Year is therefore starting today, 1st November 2026 and one of my BIGGEST goals is to finish the London Marathon on Sunday 25th April 2027 – and to finish having enjoyed it and not feeling it was like hell on earth. I had a ballot place for the 2026 one but had to defer due to some medical issues as I had vertigo and since diagnosed with Menieres Disease – which I will talk about in later blogs.
It is 25 weeks – just under 6 months – until this date will be upon me! I am currently in base training, just being consistent in getting out 3 times a week come rain or shine, or wind or cold. For some of you who know me, you will know I have been training in all weathers – except if there are icy roads – for other challenges so have been there already. This training will of course get into longer and longer runs. The furthest I have ever done is a half marathon during training – so I know I can get out and put the work in – and it isnt always easy but it is always worth it.
My other goal is strenghening my body with some weekly Personal Training sessions over the next 3 months with a view to continuing up to at least 6 months and possibly for a year. I would love to focus on getting a stronger body as know how important this is and especially as we age. I am 66 now and the saying ‘use it or lose it” really strikes a chord with me and in the blink of any eye I will be 70. So………..I will monitor progress with photos (for my eyes only hahaha), measurements and of course strength.
Change doesn’t happen overnight – but we are bombarded with “quick fix” adverts ALL THE TIME especially around weight. Yes some things can happen quite quickly but what I feel is really important is sustainability. I don’t want to just get stronger for the Marathon – I want to get strong, keep improving, stay consistent for the rest of my days.
So that’s why I thought I might have tailored PT sessions over the next year! As I write those words I can see I am already not saying YES I am definitely doing this – and also know this is my brain and that negative Nelly voice going into that mode of “yeah Eileen, but what if you promise that and don’t do it?” So that “voice” needs some work on it. I know I can control and manage that voice as did this when I gave up alcohol for a year – which was on 18th April 2018 and I have not had a drop of alcohol since then which is just over 8.5 years!
I will be updating here on my marathon training and strength training along with other bits and bobs, including looking at getting a YouTube channel up and running! But need to get to grips with some of that first……
Before I go though, do you fancy a little 25 week challenge that takes you to my Marathon Day? It could be something from decluttering or clearing out some cupboards, sorting paperwork, to maybe getting fitter, moving your body a bit more with walking, doing couch to 5k, give up alcolol or sugar etc……the list of what you could achieve in that time is endless.
So if you want to be consistent in something over that time, pop it in the comments and we can keep each other motivated
Thanks for reading and see you soon with an update – and here is a photo of me after my recent 7k training run
Eileen
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