Running cycling swimming 2023

A look back at the running, cycling and swimming I’ve done this year in the usual spirit of gratitude and celebration.

Running first

This year I ran 779 miles, the lowest mileage since my stress fracture in 2018. I’ve been injured for most of the year with Achilles problems but only acknowledged that in July when I went to see a physio. You would not believe how many calf raises I have done since then. I’ve even joined a gym and have been going three times a week which seems to be helping but it’s a very slow recovery. I had to let go of a trail marathon in November and trying for my third club champs trophy in a row. I’ve missed the headspace that a long slow run gives me. But I’ve still loved running this year and hope I can do more in 2024. I ran in England, Canada and Ireland.

I did 30 parkruns in 2023 in 13 new locations: Canons Park, Roding Valley, Frimley Lodge, Whitstable on the way to Grace’s 30th birthday in Margate, Storey’s Field on the way to see my mum, Shrewsbury, Somerdale Pavilion while visiting Dave and Lou in Bristol, Northallerton with Mandy, Georgie and Peter, New Ross in Ireland, Downsview and Beach Strip on our holiday in Canada, Blaise Castle back in Bristol and Sutcliffe parkrun in the rain with Kat.

I did nine races: Harrow Hill 10k, Wokingham Half, Welwyn Cross Country, Headstone Manor summer league, Sri Chinmoy 5k and Wedding Day 7k for club champs; I loved Coniston half; I paced the Ealing 10k and also did a stage of the Round Norfolk Relay as a late substitute.

Some memorable runs, although not so many as usual because of injury:

• runs to work, including this longer version along the river , a rainy run in June and my current route which involves getting the train to Paddington and running the rest of the way.
• Coniston half with my sister Mandy – a gorgeous, challenging route
• running in Canada including this one along the Rideau Canal
• my Norfolk relay stage from Burnham Overy Staithe to Wells next the Sea
• running the Ealing mini mile with Thea and teaching her how to sprint finish

Cycling

I’ve cycled just over 1600 miles, lots of them between Ealing and Westminster on my commute to work. I was excited when they unveiled a new shower room with cycle store and lockers at work and exasperated when they decided it was just for the men ‘because more men cycle’. The ‘ladies’ can use the two old showers by the service lift without lockers. Lucky us.

Memorable cycles:

• the Amos road trip in the Netherlands
• my Bristol to Bournemouth weekend pilgrimage with freezing feet
• our traditional bank holiday ride with Mike and Jonny
• cycle in Ottawa round the Rideau Canal
• cycling to Kingston for swims with the Teddington Bluetits

Swimming

I haven’t swum far this year, but I have swum in new places and for longer through the year. I joined the Serpentine swimming club which means I can swim on my way to work, and the Teddington Bluetits which is such a joyful group of people who swim in the river in Kingston. I’ve swum in Acton pool, Heron Lake, Walpole tidal pool in Margate, the Serpentine, the Thames, Cleveland Pools in Bath, in the sea in Worthing, in lakes on Manitoulin Island, in Hampstead mixed pond and Parliament Hill lido.

My most memorable swim was the tidal swim in Hammersmith – I’m in the pink hat in the photo at the top. We set off from outside Linden House and swam west towards Chiswick Eyot, guided by a couple of kayaks and a SUP. We trod water by the green post and then once the tide had turned we swam back to Linden House. It was an incredible feeling to be assisted by the tide both ways, and slightly scary heading back to the steps up to the pontoon. I was so grateful to those who organised the swim and would love to do more next year.

I’ve been swimming most weeks this year and would love to swim outdoors through the winter. It’s not actually that cold at the moment. The Serpentine dipped to about 4 degrees at the beginning of December but is back up to 8. But let’s see what it feels like in February or March!

I enjoy looking back over the year like this, and reflecting on the activity I’ve done. I still find it life giving and joyful, and it’s been good to fill the running gap with some outdoor swimming. I feel like work has taken up a lot of energy and headspace again this year, and I can see how important it is for me to make space for running, swimming, cycling, yoga and blasted calf raises in the gym. I’m hoping to do more running next year, not least for my 100th parkrun location and 250 parkruns. I’m looking forward to cycling coast to coast with Amos in May. And overwhelmingly I’m grateful for being able to do what I love.