Oh yes, the past can hurt. But you can either run from it, or learn from it.

Rafiki, The Lion King

Let’s start 2023 with a bit of controversy shall we? The vast majority of Disney films are shite. Except The Lion King. The Lion King is class. Not the weird soul sucking live action remake, the original.

It’s got everything. New Life, Treachery, Death, Banishment, Redemption, and ‘I Just Can’t Wait to be King’ is the GREATEST Disney song of all time. Don’t @ me.

But one of the major themes of the film is learning from the past. And, seamless link here, a running journey follows the same rules. We’ve all had running highs, we’ve all had running lows. The knack is to make sure you get more of the former than the latter.

I’m totally convinced that once you become a ‘runner’, whatever that means to you, your biggest battle after fitness and injury is your head. I’m talking motivation and self doubt. You know how to run, you can run, you just have to keep convincing yourself of both.

I love running. It keeps me physically and mentally fit, I’m convinced of it. My quality of life improved massively after I decided one day in the 00s to say ‘fuck it’, and go out for a plod along the sea front.

Some days though my running is shit. Some days I’m just not physically up to it (usually the day after consuming many beers strangely enough) and some days my head just doesn’t love the idea.

But I’ve learned from the past. I know these blips will happen, and I know how to cope. Not feeling up to it physically? Avoid a hill. Not feeling up to it mentally? Do a favorite route. Don’t run from it, learn from it.

So with all that motivational bollocks said, I give you (slightly later than planned) the 2023 Notbuilttorun Goals. Drum roll.

• Update the notbuilttorun website – Well, I’m here aren’t I? I have at least 2 races pencilled in this year, if not a couple more. So UNLUCKY.
• Run 1,000 miles – This year you’ll notice that I haven’t included Run Every Day in January. Since I’ve joined the local Running Club I’ve been doing far more intense sessions and I feared running every day would literally break me. I’m not a piece of meat Jane. As always though, I’m quietly confident that 1,000 miles is doable!
• Get a PB – I always say my PB days are behind me, but this year I’m not so sure. Again, joining the Running Club has seen me pushing myself a bit more so maybe a PB ain’t so crazy after all. I’ll either get a PB or snap an Achilles.
• Run a Half Marathon – The Great North Run is as always a staple of my year. As long as they sort out the start this year. Jesus, I couldn’t deal with that shit again. I might try and shoehorn another one in during the Spring.
• Run longer than 13.1 miles – This year, I’m telling you. It will happen. 1000%.
• Run a Race in a Club Vest – New to the Goals for 2023, now I’m part of the Cult..I mean Club..then I need to race in the Club Vest. It’s Red, which means it will match my face as I come over the finish line. All things going well, me and my new vest will be debuting at the North Tyneside 10k in April. Full Kit Wanker.
• Run on Holiday – In May I’m off to Menorca and I’m packing the running shoes. A week of trying to burn/sweat off the alcohol and huge portions of shite I’ll be eating. Pass the bucket.

So there we are. The goals are set, battle lines drawn. All doable. Apart from that more than 13.1 miles malarkey, bet I have another shitter with that. The point is though, I won’t beat myself up if some or none of these are achieved. As long as I’m running and still enjoying it, then I’m winning.

But please, for the love of all that is holy Great North Run organisers, sort that fucking start out. You wouldn’t want to see me when I’m angry.