During the year prior, I have a look at my goals for the upcoming 18 months and plan out running events that I’m interested in. There’s usually a lot.

This gets culled, fine tuned, race fees examined, to make sure it’s not going to exceed my mortgage (sometimes it goes close) and after that it gets locked in. 

During 2021, my planned race schedule changed dramatically due to COVID19 Restrictions. Check it out here.

Below outlines the race schedule that I will be adopting in order to:

• Gain points for Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) entry;
• Break some personal records;
• Build experience in the distances required;
• Get stronger mentally and physically in my running; and
• Enjoy the race experiences and meet new like minded people!

This will be subject to change (particularly with some COVID restrictions still in place!) but I believe having a plan is important to work towards.

RACE	LOCATION	DATE	DISTANCE
Parkrun	Victoria, Australia	Every possible Saturday	5 km
Pier to Pub	Lorne, Australia	8 Jan 2022	1.2 km swim
2XU Triathlon Series	St Kilda, Victoria	TBC	1.5 km swim 10 km run
Kilcunda Half Marathon	Kilcunda, Victoria	6 Feb 2022	21 km
Lumberjack Run	Warburton, Victoria	12 Mar 2022	50 km
Alpine Challenge	Falls Creek, Victoria	23 April 2022	100 mi
Great Ocean Road Marathon	Lorne, Victoria	14 May 2022	44 km
Princes Park Half Marathon	Carlton, Victoria	10 July 2022	21 km
You Yangs Trail Run	Little River, Victoria	16 Jul 2022	21 km
Melbourne Marathon	Melbourne , Victoria	2 Oct 2022	42.2 km
Ultra Trail Australia	Katoomba, NSW	May 2023	100 km
Ultra Trail du Mont-Blanc	Chamonix, France	August 2024/25?	100 mi

Parkrun

A family favourite. We try to get to as many Parkruns as we can. It’s a great time to catch up with friends, go for coffee and of course, try and reach that elusive PB. Check out how to Parkrun here.

2XU Triathlon Series

I entered the 2XU Triathlon Series Race 5 in the Olympic Distance team event with a friend in 2020 but got injured. We have been able to move it to this summer. I’ll be doing the 1.5 km swim and the 10 km run. Should be a bit of fun!

UPDATE: Unfortunately this one was unable to be scheduled in due to being unavailable for the races.

Kilcunda Half Marathon

One of the few races that I did in 2021. A tough half marathon but with great views that make it all worth it. It helps that I’ve got family close by for some free accommodation. Check out my race report here. 

Alpine Challenge

This is a big race. One of the most challenging in Australia and my longest at 100 miles. Once I complete this one, I’ll have enough points to qualify for the UTMB along with my Surf Coast Century tally. If for any reason I am unable to finish, it’ll still be a good opportunity to get some further experience in the mountains. 

UPDATE: Unfortunately due to injuries, training and other factors, this one will not be completed in 2022.

Great Ocean Road Marathon

Another family favourite. An amazing event and it was where I ran my first marathon! We also made it there in 2021 where I struggled but it was still an amazing weekend. Unsure as to the distance I’ll run in 2022 at this stage, likely the 44 km event. Back to Apollo Bay!

UPDATE: Complete! Check out my race report HERE to see how I achieved a huge PB!

Melbourne Marathon

I last completed this one in 2019 where I ran a PB. It’s still my fastest Marathon to date. Currently sitting at 3:50, I know I can run significantly faster. The Melbourne Marathon course is very flat and perfect for setting a fast time. That’s the goal.

Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc

Although I won’t be completing this one in 2022, it still made the list. I’m not running all of these races just so I can run the UTMB (I’m running because it’s fun and I love to race!) but it’s good to be reminded of where I am headed and what I need to do to prepare.

Other Events

I’m sure this list will change. Probably even before 2022 has begun! I feel it’s important to plan and identify which events to target so I can be in the best shape possible and give myself every opportunity to do well.

Other events I’d also like to do (though they will likely not happen in 2022) are the Ultra Trail Australia, Wonderland Run, You Yangs Trail Run, Pier to Pub Swim, Wilsons Prom 100, Hallora Marathon and MVP Backyard Ultra. I may be able to sneak one or two of these in but more likely they will form part of my 2023 Race Schedule.

What events are you looking to take on in 2022?