"I'd rather be seen on my bicycle than on a park run" - Quote from the dark side

Friday 21 September 2012

Big Plans and Busy Schedules


My running schedule for the months ahead is quite busy. I have a 5 to 7 year long term plan with huge goals and I am very committed to reach these goals in the years to come. Getting there will be one step at a time so I also have a short term plan of 6 to 10 months.

However, life is busy and sometimes unpredictable. Juggling life and running can be tricky. Being flexible and willing to compromise is what works for me.

So tomorrow I will compromise and put my family before running. I will miss the Rhino run due to family commitments. I’m not sad or sorry but looking forward to a long weekend where family comes first. I will run at home. I will run early. I will do the distances my plan requires. I will be happy! More importantly, my family will be happy!

The months ahead will see many hours where I put running first. The rest of this year I am entered for the following:

  • 13 October – 15km Harrismith Mountain Race.
  • 26 to 28 October – Golden Gate Challenge (3days, 27+29+17=73km). Trail/mountain stage race.
  • 11 November – Gauteng Summer XTrail Race. 26km in the wild.
  • 24 November – Sani Stagger Marathon, 42.2km. Run up the Sani Pass and down again!
  • 16 & 17 December – Sabie Stage Trail Race (2 days, 3 stages, 18+8+16.2=42.2km) Includes 8km night stage.
  • 30 December to 1 January – 48 Hour Circuit Race (500m circuit) I must still set my distance goals for this one. 2 days going round and round and round…

That brings us to 2013 and I’ve already entered two races for next year…
  • 22 to 24 February – Three Cranes Challenge (3days, 32+42+32=106km) Trail/mountain stage race.
  • 2 June – Comrades Marathon (89km).

I’m also planning something special for my 50th Birthday next year. No, I’m not saying anything yet!

Happy running!

16 comments:

Marlene said...

I hear you on the need to be flexible and re-prioritize occasionally. That is definitely where my training is fitting in right now. Sounds like the right balance!

Good luck with your upcoming events!

Shawn said...

Holy cow...5-7 year plan. I am still figuring out what to have for dinner!!!

Family always comes first...have a great day

Amy said...

You are certainly ambitious! And I am very curious to follow you round that circuit race - I've always wondered how one of those would feel like!

KovasP said...

I'm good with the weekend plan, but so many years out? That's impressive!

Giorgio said...

Great challenging running plan, Johann! I'm curious to know the path of your next 15km race!

Indi said...

Its all about balancing life and family and commitments! I find that if I don't I stress about the things I'm missing and that makes for bad running anyway! Exciting year and looking forward to following you journey!

Char said...

Your year is going to end with a bang. I suppose it doesn't hurt to give up one event to keep everyone happy when you've got so much good stuff to look forward to.

ajh said...

I have to miss my long bike ride to help my husband and Sunday we have plans with friends. Oh well.

ultra collie said...

good race line up there johann
have a blast with the family :)(brownie points too)

Black Knight said...

Family before running, you are right!
Great racing plan.
For my 50th birthday I ran the Florence Marathon.

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

Can you post the 5-7 year plan? I'd love to see it!

Liz said...

I decided not to do any races in July and August, so we could enjoy the summer weekends together as a family. So it's only fair that I'm dragging them off to a race next Sunday and making the kids run too!

Robin said...

Yes, can relate to the juggling and prioritizing of the schedule! your schedule looks quite full and interesting (as usual). Happy running!

coach dion said...

Like your plan and the fact that you have plans for 5-7 years, My plans for that long are just to get to run a couple more Overseas marathons... Love Harrismith ran it back in 1990 when it was still 12.4km Have fun, and if you haven't race it before, I would say run the first couple of km as ast as you can.

Good Luck

misszippy said...

Wow--you are going to be busy racing! And they're not just small races, either! Hats off to you for handing all of that.

Hmmm....50th birthday must involve a 50-miler, right?

Anette said...

As long as you take me with on all the travels I love this...:)