Runners Reboot
Perspectives of runners about the year gone by
2020 was a special year in many ways, in the hindsight it taught us to be resourceful, hopeful, resilient and much more. As we dive in 2021, we penned a few thoughts of our runners and how running impacted and enabled them to sail through the year.
Shikha
How was your running journey in 2020
This was my best year as I trained very hard. I got my marathon PB in Delhi early this year which was 3hrs 51mins. COVID lockdown slowed my training for some time but I picked up again as soon as I got the opportunity. I was fortunate to get associated with a gang of runners who wanted to have a structured training plan and this helped me to discover a lot about myself and techniques of running. Timed myself at 50 mins for 10k and 1 hr 43 mins for HM. I got injured in the last half of 2020 but was able to clock a lot of miles still. Overall a very good year.
What is the 1 takeaway of 2020 through running
Believing in yourself has always been my takeaway. There is always a line where you could push yourself to reach. We just need the right motivation.
# of kms ran in 2020
2355 kms
Describe your year in few words
This year has been a mixed bag. I reached my training peak where I was doing so great and was very comfortable pushing myself beyond my imagination and then suddenly before a time trial injured myself and fell short of achieving my FM milestone. I had to take a break from running in the later half of the year. It’s important to listen to your body. I clocked a lot of miles this year, got to learn structured training, ran with friends who pushed me to achieve milestones as per plan. I plan to come back stronger in 2021.
Aravind
How was your running journey in 2020
2020 was a tough but a good year in general, and the same applies to my running journey. Lockdown meant no races and needed ways to motivate self and continue training. This required more self-discipline in training, setting up goals, and some good planning. Later part of the year time trials and virtual runs really helped. Most importantly, having friends around to train and motivate kept me going. I witnessed my PB’s in all formats - 5k, 10k, Half-marathon, and Marathon, and managed to remain injury-free.
What is the 1 takeaway of 2020 through running
When things get tough we bring the best in us. 2020 was a tough year, I had to innovate by setting monthly milestones, and not losing focus on bigger goals, 2020 taught me the importance of self-discipline and being resilient.
# of kms ran in 2020
2500 kms
Describe your year in few words
I was discussing the year passed by with a friend and whether we are able to meet the objectives we have set, and the immediate answer that came to me is 110%.
Prachi
How was your running journey in 2020
2020 had a slow start, did try to get on track but then there was a lockdown due to which running had to stop completely for a short duration. Slowly started running, as there was no target goal due to lack of races. During the second half of 2020, I started following a plan with a goal to do a 10k in sub-60 minutes. I did miss the target by 61 seconds and finished the 10k in 61.2 minutes however, I have improved a lot as a runner and managed to get a PB for 10k and 5k.
What is the 1 takeaway of 2020 through running
Consistency is the key to success.
# of kms ran in 2020
1189 kms
Describe your year in few words
This year has come as a blessing in disguise for my running journey. I realized running has become a passion for me, no longer an activity to reduce weight. 2020 made me a stronger runner and was introduced to the structured format of training.
Vivek
How was your running journey in 2020
2020 was a trying year for me. I have been baselining 2400+ kms for the past few years and this year was unique in ways which kept me away from scoring miles.
Besides the initial loss of mileage, the upside was of having a structured training plan post April, this helped me to discover the method in the madness of running and is a sure shot highlight for the year. Clocked 1:38 for HM which was a good comeback, as I was not focusing on speed for sometime now. I’m working on my strength training and started taking structured sessions, which is enabling me to improve my mobility and endurance. Further, i will continue to focus on adding more mileage, cross training, speed workouts to get closer to my PBs.
What is the 1 takeaway of 2020 through running
The secret sauce for better performance - Discipline and enjoying the monotony that comes with it by sticking to a training plan.
# of kms ran in 2020
2131 kms
Describe your year in few words
Consistency and persistence.
Vineet
How was your running journey in 2020
Though in early months it did not seem possible to run as much as i did last year, but was able to get back to routine in 3rd and 4th quarter. This year completed two timed Marathons (NDM in Feb and New York City Virtual Marathon in October supported by TMA group). Followed a structured training plan focused on running form, speed and distance.
What is the 1 takeaway of 2020 through running
Structured running complimented by strength workouts can help achieve new heights!
# of kms ran in 2020
2200 kms
Describe your year in few words
2020 has been great for me in terms of understanding running better with every training I was going through. Thanks to Aravind for his coaching and guidance which helped me in achieving PB in Marthon.
Aditi
How was your running journey in 2020
Running for me is synonymous to breathing, and thankfully both were at their max. Running kept me sane through the year. Participated in Vadodara Half Marathon, was a podium finisher, also participated at IDBI New Delhi for HM and later in the year did NYC virtual marathon, where I got a PB. Second half of the year I experienced a lot of injuries and realised the importance of listening to my body (which I did albeit later). Second half of the year I gradually resumed strength training, due to perpetual injuries and it is helping me in rebuilding muscles.
What is the 1 takeaway of 2020 through running
Listen to your body, and make anything you do as part of your muscle memory.
# of kms ran in 2020
2372 kms
Describe your year in few words
2020 was a year of many firsts.
Prepared by Team GeeksOnFeet for the love of running
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