Time is flying! It’s halfway through the year already. All 2022 goals have been completed and there’s nothing left to do for the rest of the year…. hmmm perhaps not.

As we’re at the midpoint of 2022, I thought I’d do a brief analysis and see how I’m tracking against the goals made at the start of the year. 

“Goal setting is essential if we want to achieve that which we do not know is possible.”

I’ll need to prioritise those that I’m behind on, and stay on track for those I’m currently hitting.

1. Run over 3022 kms (2022 + 1000 kms)

Pretty self explanatory. Try to do better than last year. My training loads as I prepare for several of my events I have in my 2022 Race Schedule, should naturally get me to around the 3000 kms mark. A logical step up from my base in 2021, but still a bit of a jump. Definitely achievable with the right focus.

I’m behind on this one. Currently sitting at 1,160 kms, up from the same point last year, but still well short of where I should be for my 3022 km goal. This is largely due to a number of injuries and illnesses which have limited my ability to complete the required kms in the first half of this year. I should be able to catch up on this one a bit, but I’m unlikely to reach the 3022 km set. I’ll be doing everything I can to exceed the 2348 kms I ran in 2021. I want to keep building my fitness base from one year to the next and tracking this metric is a simple way of ensuring I do so.

2. Own a valid UTMB Index (run a 100 mile qualifying event)

Run The Alpine Challenge 100 mile & receive a valid 6 Ultra-Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB) Index. Although I will still fall short of qualification into the UTMB due to recent changes to the qualification process, this was the long term goal and will still assist me in qualifying for the UTMB. I’ll just need to do another event in 2023 to lock in that qualification. 100 miles is a long way.

I’m marking this as achieved but further explanation is required. I currently have a valid UTMB Index required for the application to the UTMB. However, this is not due to completing the Alpine Challenge 100 mile event. As there were some changes to the UTMB application process in 2022, completing a valid 100 km event will result in a UTMB Index – which I received for completing the Surf Coast Century in 2021.

However, this current UTMB Index will not be valid when the time comes for me to apply at the end of 2023. I will need to complete another suitable 100km event as well as earning the necessary running stones required to enter the draw. Completing the 2023 Ultra Trail Australia (UTA) 100 km event will give me the necessary registration requirements to enter the 2024 UTMB Application Ballot.

3. Run a Sub 3 Hr Marathon

Something I’ve wanted to do for a while now. Although this will not strictly help me qualify or prepare for the UTMB, it will help with my running and will still require a large base and mileage to pull off. I’ll target the Melbourne Marathon in October for this one which should give me plenty of time to prepare. My current PB for the Marathon is 3hr 47min so I’ve got a little way to go.

In 2022, I’ve so far completed the Lumberjack Run 50km and Great Ocean Road Marathon which satisfy the marathon distance requirements but I’m still short of my 3 Hr Marathon goal. I ran a 3:11 marathon on the Great Ocean Road which was a 36 min Personal Best! 

I have now commenced my 15 week training plan for the Melbourne Marathon in which I will be chasing the elusive 3 Hr mark. Fingers crossed!

4. Swim 100 km 

For recovery and to build my upper body strength I’ll utilise the two words most hated by runners – cross training! I found in 2020, swimming improved my breathing, the recovery of my knee and muscles as well as improving my upper body strength. In 2021 it was difficult to get to the pool with it being closed for so long! At 100 km a year, this is around 3 swims a month. Definitely achievable.

In short, I haven’t been swimming much this year. Actually, almost nothing (2.5 km in total)! The limited amount of free time that I have had in the first part of 2022 have been spent on my running or resting. I might try and get to the pool for a few swims in the second half of 2022 but I will not get anywhere close to the 100km goal.

This one is a big FAIL!

5. Be a Parkrun Tourist – 25 Parkruns @ 5 different locations  

Parkruns are finally back! Yes we all have our favourite local parkrun but I’ve set the challenge to get to 5 different events. There is a new one locally which I’m keen to check out. I’ve set the target at 25 events (with a hope to do more) due to getting the balance right with family commitments. I’m currently sitting on 78 Parkruns so this should get me to the big 100. I’m also looking forward to getting back to those post parkrun coffees on a more consistent basis!

ALMOST ACHIEVED! In the 6 months already in 2022, I have run 20 Parkruns and been to 7 different Parkruns (2 brand new events). These Parkruns are Lilydale Lake, Westerfolds, Dorset Recreation Reserve, Phillip Island, Rosebud, Mullum Mullum and Warrandyte River Reserve.

I’ll need to do another 5 Parkruns in the second half of the year to reach 25 for 2022. I should do that easily. I might even try to sneak in a couple more Parkruns in locations that I haven’t visited yet. Sitting on 98 Parkruns in total, I’m looking forward to receiving my 100 Milestone Shirt too!

6. Enter More Races  

In addition to the Kilcunda Half Marathon, Alpine Challenge, Great Ocean Road Marathon and Melbourne Marathon enter another 3 events. Practice race day preparation and continue to gain experience in the execution of race strategy.

Check out my 2022 race plan.

On Track. I have completed the Pier to Pub Virtual event, Kilcunda Half Marathon, Lumberjack Run and the Great Ocean Road Marathon. I’ve booked in Sri Chinmoy Princes Park Half Marathon, You Yangs Half Marathon, Melbourne Marathon. This will bring me to 7 events for the year! I might even sneak in an additional event after the Melbourne Marathon. I do love the thrill of the race!

Check out my 2022 Race Schedule Here.

7. Read 6 Running Books

Because if you’re not running, why not be reading about running!

Tracking well for this one too. I’ve read 50/50 Secrets I Learned Running 50 Marathons in 50 Days by Dean Karnazes, Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell, Bedtime Adventure Stories for Grown Ups by Anna Mcnuff. All of these books were excellent reads and I would recommend them. Outliers and Bedtime Adventure Stories were not solely running books but both valuable and entertaining which are applicable and useful in my personal running journey.

I’m also part way through Training Essentials for Ultrarunning by Jason Koop and Shoe Dog by Phil Knight. I’m thoroughly enjoying both of these ones also! 

8. Blog Goals

I’m looking to be more consistent with my writing and publishing 6 articles a month will be the goal for 2022. A tough one as all articles do take time and care to write so I’ll have to find the additional time to make this happen. 

Grow JourneytoChamonix viewers.

• 5000 visitors to JourneytoChamonix
• 20,000 page views
• 200 JourneytoChamonix Blog subscribers
• 1000 Instagram subscribers

I didn’t achieve these figures in 2021 which is ok. But, I am committing to achieving them. I’ve decided to roll these over to 2022 as I do believe I can get there.

I want to focus on assisting others to achieve their running goals and by increasing viewership, I believe these go hand in hand. I’m excited for what the future of JourneytoChamonix will bring!

I am behind on my goal of 6 articles a month so I’ll be working towards achieving that (and trying to catch up) for the remainder of the year. 

As long as I’m continuing to turn out good quality, helpful articles, the Journey to Chamonix viewers will continue to grow. Full steam ahead!

How are you going with your 2022 Goals?