Guest Post: 2023 Awaits ...by Pat Walsh

 ** 2023 awaits **

New Year ahead and time to go again. No point looking back, the past is behind you and gone. It is today and the Year ahead that matter. You have a clean slate to be whoever you want to be. 

We know enough now, 
that the unexpected can happen, 
that there will be bumps along the way, 
that numbers at races has peaked and is in decline 
but it doesn’t stop you getting out there for yourself and your own overall health.

Set short and long term goals. Without a goal it is too easy to slip into bad habits.

If you want a Marathon then give yourself enough time to train properly for it.
Be happy every day you can run.

Not every day is PB day. Allow yourself to enjoy some races.

Include some speed work every week. Include some easy runs every week.
Do not try to do everything, every race, every distance. It can’t be done. 

Do not neglect your strength and flexibility.

Take a realistic approach to weight management. No crash diets or fads. 
Eat healthily and get proper nutrition to fuel your runs.

In January, the weather will be poor and your body is full of all that Christmas excess. 
Don’t kill yourself in bad conditions and allow your body time to get moving again.
Set realistic goals , get a training buddy or group  and work towards the DREAMS.

I finished the year in style at the Grange – Fermoy 10km Grange-Fermoy AC race. Lovely run in the countryside with the the weather behaving favourably. Thanks to the organisers and all the good people I met today. I have always said, a smile, a word of encouragement, a meet up with some friends is so good for the soul. The cuppa afterwards was super. What time did I do.. Actually who cares..! I don’t. 2022 was now complete.

“Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you! Let nothing be lost upon you. Be always searching for new sensations. Be afraid of nothing.” Oscar Wilde

#pwr