PAUL SOUTHERNWOOD

ME.

2017 was a big year for me. I had recently become a full-time civilian again after 10 years as an army reservist, 2 years of training and preparation for the 100 Peaks Challenge was reaching it’s final stages, and I reached the landmark 50th birthday. While not super-fit I was capable of completing a marathon and an ultra marathon before the epic events of May and June. The 100 Peaks Challenge is well documented elsewhere, it’s enough here to say that in the days and weeks after it’s conclusion I felt a massive emptiness. I’ve had similar feelings after other events but after 2 years of eating, sleeping and living with the 100 Peaks in the forefront of my day to day life, I felt a massive void. After a satisfyingly fast Fan Dance in June, and a couple of cycle events towards the end of the year I kind of eased off on the training, losing a certain amount of fitness while putting on a bit of weight as 2018 approached.

WHAT DO I WANT TO ACHIEVE?

It’s not been a great start to the year. Illness in January was followed by an injury in February, delaying my intentions of regaining the ground I’ve lost over the last few months.
Personally I work best when I have set goals ahead of me. For that reason I have created a list of events I aim to take part in throughout 2018. As I write this I’ve just had my 51st birthday, and while I’m certainly not unfit there is work to be done. It’s no longer an option to eat and drink whatever I like, and still expect to perform to a good standard. While I could “wing it” in my 30’s and 40’s I now need to start looking after my body if I want to remain capable to performing at a level I’m happy with.

WHAT CHANGES AM I MAKING?

I'm currently around 14st. so need to lose a bit of weight if possible. Regular training and some minor diet changes will hopefully start to pay dividends.

MY PLAN FOR 2018 AND BEYOND.

A list of events I’m currently planning to take on. There may be more, but these are confirmed.

25/3/18 Colchester Half (DONE)

15/4/18 Derby 10k (DONE)

13/5/18 Ride For Helen sportive - 65 miles

19/5/18 Liverpool 5k

20/5/18 Liverpool R’n’R Marathon

23/6/18 Black Sheep Marathon

30/6/18 Dambuster 10

21/7/18 GB24 Ultra

9/9/18 Great North Run

23/9/18 L’Etape London sportive - 117 miles

30/9/18 Robin Hood Half

7/10/18 Kielder Marathon

13/10/18 Hellrunner Hell Up North

24/11/18 Hellrunner Hell Down South

Beyond 2018 I am in the early stages on planning an endurance challenge for myself which I hope to complete in 2019 either solo or possibly with the company of a few black sheep along the way. I’ll say more when my plans are at a more complete stage.

MY PERSONAL PROMISE.

To make the most of the time I have to train, and to appreciate the best gym in the world. It’s right there outside the front door.