Reflecting on 2019

What a year it's been. At the beginning of 2019, I was hard at work, training for the most incredible challenge of my life. I was somewhere around 14-15 stone, running three times a week, and I had just reached the milestone target of achieving thirteen miles in my training. It was amazing.

I managed to improve from there. A minor setback in January (blowing out my knee from not stretching properly after running) caused a lot of pain, but I soon got back up and carried on working. I set my targets and I reached them all.

When the marathon finally came in April, I managed to beat it. What a day. I still smile every time I think about it. I still remember how good it felt to run that course. Every time I train, I think about that day and how amazing it was to finally cross the line. That feeling - and the memory of turning the final corner and hitting The Mall - will keep me going for years to come.

And the good times didn't stop coming. After managing to beat the marathon, I married my longtime fiance. I'm lucky enough to have experienced two 'best day evers' this year.

2019 has been an incredible year. There are more challenges to come in 2020 that I can't wait to experience and share with you all. The Bath Half is now 74 days away and the Bristol 10k is just two short months after that. My training has suffered recently, but I'm picking myself up and brushing off the dust and getting back on it. I'm excited to see what the next year has in store and take on all new challenges.

Millenium babies are now twenty years old. Pass me a drink!

This is also the beginning of a brand new decade. Ten years ago, I was a completely different person to now. I was unfit, overweight, had never gone out running for the fun of it. I has in a fairly new city, in a relationship with a beautiful girl I had known for a couple of years. Now look at me. What a difference ten years makes. What a difference one year makes.

I hope 2020 brings you fun, laughter, and happiness. If you're getting in shape, keep it up. If you're thinking about starting, I can't wait to see you you out there. There's never been a better time to challenge yourself. If I've learned anything from this decade, it's that anyone can achieve their goals.

See you in the next decade.