The check-in
I can’t believe it’s the end of July.
I feel like I just ran the Tokyo Marathon a few weeks ago and now it’s almost August.
This time of year is full of reflection. For those in the corporate world, the joyous mid-year review season has come and gone; ironically, it had me thinking about the personal challenges I set myself earlier this year.
That was when I sheepishly realised I hadn’t posted on the blog in quite some time.
There’s good reasons for that, the main being in that I was finishing several requirements for my Masters degree. The good news is that I graduated in June, now with more space in my life to continue with The Sarah Challenge.
My 2019 Goals
Though I am a bit late discussing these goals (on the blog), I did set goals for myself at the beginning of this year (on Twitter):
So how am I faring? Let’s see.
The Running Challenge update
1. ✅ Finish the 2019 Tokyo Marathon
The Tokyo Marathon was an amazing experience and the most difficult marathon for me to date. I wrote a detailed race report as well another post that outlined the ways that you too can run the Tokyo Marathon. Crossing that finish line, after a very difficult 2018, meant the world to me.
I cannot wait to go back to run the marathon and for a longer holiday in Japan.
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2. 🏃🏽♀️PR at the Chicago Marathon 2019
I’m currently training for the 2019 Chicago Marathon. This race is special to me in many ways – the first being that this is my absolute favourite marathon and, so it’s no surprise, also the one I’ve run the most. 2019 will be my fifth time running the race and, if I’m lucky enough to finish, I will be a legacy finisher.
I’m currently training harder than I have in recent memory. For the past two marathons I’ve been either injured or recovering from injury and I’m FINALLY back to full health. I finally feel back to normal. I want to PR at this race.
I want to PR so bad.
3. 🏃🏽♀️Sub-26 min 5K at Park Run
So while I’m giving my marathon training everything I’ve got, this also includes working to PR on my Park Run. I’m getting closer, racing one Park Run a month or so, and making great progress over the last few weeks, especially. I’m well on my way with my current Chicago Marathon training (and cross training) and hoping this one can be crossed off the list by year end!
Next steps
Truly, I’m on track. I purposely didn’t set myself too many running goals this year so I could focus and give it my all.
I’m really pleased with the progress I’ve made this year. Last year was a hard, challenging, difficult year and one that would likely be referred to as a “character-building” adventure.
I’ve come out the other side a stronger, more determined person than before. And I have running to thank for that.
How are you doing on your running goals? Leave me a comment or let me know on Twitter!
Running
I’m a Chicagoan living and working in London who loves running and currently training for my 14th marathon. I’m a keen bargain hunter, slow-cooker enthusiast, and DIYer who blogs about the meeting the challenges I set for myself.
