It was brought to my attention earlier this week that there is a national campaign for a dry January; disappointingly this only seems to apply to the consumption of alcohol and not the weather. There is a longstanding British tradition of making compulsory new year resolutions but why do we do it? Is it simply the peer pressure? I've resisted announcing any specific resolutions as I feel there are so many things I need to work towards the list would be too long. Perhaps that is just a get out clause and one that I've been quite grateful for so far as thanks to the ridiculously wet start to the year my first goal is proving difficult to achieve. It seems like more than nine months ago I first started riding a road bike and I managed to exceed my target of covering six thousand miles. Having reached that distance relatively comfortably, it seems natural to try and better that this year; I do have an extra three months available. Alas I've not started strongly: if the roads are not submerged by flood water then they are covered in debris and far more appropriate for mountain bikes.
I can empathise with anyone who has new fitness goals for their resolutions. I am always a strong advocate of getting outside to exercise as this not only saves on gym membership but the feel good factor from fresh air and daylight is superb. I also find having a specific target helps whether that is to complete a certain event or try a new sport - mine is to return to full running fitness. Last week I took part in the Plym Valley Parkrun, a sociable 5k free event and the buzz I got from it really has given me that drive to recover from my injury.
