Running log 2026 #1: mid-way through January 2026

Another year and another attempt to get back into the routine of writing my thoughts down. Whether I can keep this going is a complete unknown, but hey, if you don’t start somewhere…..

So, welcome back. What’s happened since the last post where I described my stepping back due to home project renovation commitments? Well, I cancelled both ultra runs I had booked for the year, UTMB Verbier and the Kerry Way Ultra, but did manage to knock out just under 2,000kms in the year which I believe is the largest volume I’ve ever had. Especially bizarre considering the up and down year of running that occurred. I was going really well until the build project kicked off and then, it’s a wild swing up and down for the year. Still though, I’m not complaining at all as the year revolved out home and family priorities so all good in the end. And I also got to build up a nice set of running shoes which will last me into early 2026 ;)

So, new year, new adventures ahead! And to start with, I’ve got an 8km event in late January which should be an experience as I've never run a short event like this before, the shortest previously being a half marathon. This will be some fun type-2 experiences and I’ll throw everything at it: a new set of Vaporfly 4’s, Bicarb, you name it.

And then it’s back to ultra-season: a re-match with the Donadea 50km in late February, followed by a 100km event in late April, and then potentially another ultra at the end of July. That should be enough! In between all that, I’m going to try ramp up a bit of climbing as we’ve two weeks in Fontainebleau planned for April also, and then, who knows potentially some climbing trips later in the year! Especially exciting as my kid gets old enough to start thinking about getting her up more and more routes…..

So, with that, 16th January, where are we at? I’ve roughly 130km completed since the start of the year which is a solid start. To be honest, I’d hoped it would be higher and closer to 100km/week, but it’s really more like ~70-75km/week. Still good numbers but won’t make a big breakthrough. So, I’ve to think about what to do here. 100km/week works out as 16km every day, assuming I’ve one rest day. Even at a solid pace that I can regard as ‘easy’ now at 5:20/km, that’s still 1 hour 15 minutes daily of running. It’s where to fit it in becomes an interesting conundrum, around both work and family! To be honest, I’m kind of in awe at how some people do it! I’m also really enjoying all my family time and especially introducing my daughter to sporting and adventure activities which can distract from doing my own thing….

Either way, I’m interested and excited to keep experimenting with running and enjoying the whole experience. lets see what I have to say in a couple of months :) Happy activities, wherever you are!