Going Further, Without Explaining Myself

Extending my running distance to 13.5km brought fresh confidence, a slower parkrun and a new belief that a half marathon could be within reach.
Confidence, motivation, resilience and the mental side of lasting change.

Extending my running distance to 13.5km brought fresh confidence, a slower parkrun and a new belief that a half marathon could be within reach.

Not every parkrun needs to be a personal best. This morning I slowed things down, rediscovered a running top that hadn't fitted for years and enjoyed another family milestone. Sometimes progress is about much more than pace.

New parkrun course PBs, a pacing lesson from my wife and a simpler watch screen are helping me run by effort, enjoy improving times and find more headspace.

A planned 5km run on childhood roads became 7.6km of steady progress, familiar surroundings and welcome headspace during a busy week away.

How FLAB cycling clothing helped me ride comfortably, feel included and build confidence — and why Cycle Wear Central is on my list for my next kit purchase.

Two parkrun photos, a new personal best and a growing sense of confidence. I reflect on the progress I can see, the support behind it and the everyday habits helping me feel more comfortable in myself.

A planned 5km became my first 10km since January 2019 — a sign that fitness, confidence and perspective are changing together.

More than nine years of private weight data has revealed a striking milestone: I’m now passing back through the weight I last crossed on 7 January 2022, turning old numbers into signposts for the road ahead.

After the high of my fastest 5km in two and a half years, the next challenge has been resisting the urge to do too much—and remembering that restraint, strength and recovery are all part of moving forwards.

Taking a break from alcohol has improved my sleep, reduced unnecessary spending and calories, and helped me question an automatic habit.