Project Breaking 3

In life, they say that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it. But is this really true? Do we all have different levels of capability or can anyone achieve the same end goal regardless of the amount of god given natural ability?

How do you know what your potential really is? In running, there are many people who like to stay in their comfort zones, just making it to the end of the run or race and enjoying it is the target. Do they know what their running potential is or even care?

Others, however, feel the need to push themselves well outside their levels of comfort to explore their potential. How far and how fast can I go? For those brave souls, willing to commit large amounts of time and effort, endure hardship, suffering and life style compromises, give themselves a chance of reaching their potential. Giving it everything to experience moments of euphoria and pride that make it all worthwhile. Hopefully at least!

When I first started running in 2008, I had no idea where it would take me or what my potential was. I mainly started running because my then girlfriend, a world class ultra runner, inspired me and I gradually got drawn in. As it turned out, I fell in love with running and it put me on a path that changed my life forever. Even leading me to the woman who is now my wife and a very good runner herself.

At first, I did most of my running alone, which I quite enjoyed as it allowed me to test myself out in this new activity. I also realised that it gave me a new sense of confidence and fulfillment. 

After running my first half marathon in 1hr 39mins and marathon in 3hrs 31mins, it seemed like I had potential to be a fast runner. I quickly realised that the sport brought out the competitive side of me and I was keen to push myself to achieve even faster times.

After joining a running club, the Pacific Road Runners (PRR) in Vancouver, I discovered the social benefits of running with other people and making new friends. Although I became a socialable runner, I still enjoy running alone too. Through PRR, I also discovered the joys of trail running. Now my favorite place to run!

Since returning to live in the UK, I have joined my local running club, Driffield Striders. After gradually getting more involved with the club, I have now become their Chairman. This allows me to give something back to the sport which has given me so much on a personal level.

In my running career to date, I have PB's of 3hrs 12 mins in a marathon, 1hr 29mins in a half marathon, 39mins in a 10K. I have achieved more than I thought I could and have had some brilliant experiences running in many places around the world. 

I have always thought that breaking 3 hours for the marathon out of my reach. Now at the age of 52, perhaps it is too late for me. However, I love a challenge, so I have decided to throw down the gauntlet. I know that I need to raise my game significantly, so I have signed up a running coach. That being Mr Kris Lecher, a top bloke and an amazing runner in his own right. 

I have to go all in on this quest to give myself a chance. So I have committed to a six month program of training and races that will build up to the sub 3hr marathon attempt at the Yorkshire Marathon on 20th October 2019.

I 'm now 7 weeks into the program and there are signs of real improvement already. My speedwork is going really well and my long runs too. The first real test is coming up soon on 5th May at North Lincs Half Marathon. A new half marathon PB is the target. 

If I do break 3 hours, this will be a huge achievement and one that I will always look back on with pride. However, is this challenge a step too far? All I can do is give it my all and embrace the process. The outcome will sort itself out!