Thought I would start this up for this year and combine the 2 so that we can all share plans and results from 2026, plus hopefully how you feel Athletica has helped (or hindered ) your achievements!
First up for me is New York Half Marathon. Super excited for this but also a fair bit of pressure as Iāve entered to try and auto qualify for the 2027 New York Marathon. Currently need to run a 1.27 half to do this which is fine apart from the elevation gain on the course.
Then itās back to the UK for Manchester Marathon where Iām trying to run sub 3. 10 and qualify for Boston 2027 as wellā¦
A 1300km Audax around the Western Isles and Highlands of Scotland. Quite interesting logistically as there are 5 ferries involved and some remote sections with little to no resupply in places. Thsts in July.
I love the Outer Hebrides - we have done numerous tandem cycle tours out there, most recently in 2024. There are more camper vans these days than in the past.
My plans for 2026 (as an ageing mid-60s time triallist) really consist of riding weekly club TTs, a handful of open events, and it if runs again, the Duo Normand 2-up time trial in Normandy. The Duo Normand returned in September 2025 for the first time since the covid pandemic struck. We had good weather, except while we were out on the course!
I have two big gravel races on my calendar in the States. Iām heading to Colorado to do SBT GRVL in Steamboat Springs. That will be about 100 miles. And the A race on the schedule is Gravel Nationals in September. Iām going to race a little less this year, train more, and focus on recovery from the challenging training in Athletica.
Did the Standard Chartered Marathon a few weeks ago. My second full marathon and I was pleased with running it about half an hour faster than previous one. Iām planning on doing my first 113 tri in May.
It seems thereās a few of us fairly local here. I donāt seem to get on my bike without venturing up Rivington.
Iāve already had one result which was a hit out at Widnes park run. Knowing Iām no where near 5K PB territory, but wanting to improve from my last time trial in October. That was mission accomplished.
Iām following that with a trip to Tenerife to haul myself up Mt. Teide. I only started cycling late last year so Iām going to be woefully underprepared (even with the help of Athletica). My only goal for that is to survive and pretend to enjoy it.
After that, Iāve got a baby on the way, so my goal is to enjoy that and maybe exercise if time permits.
Iāve never done a pool-based Tri before, it will be a new one for me! And the thought of running up rivi pike fills me with dread, but we all like a challenge right?
And who would have thought thereād be so many of us Northerners on here?!
Just visited Edinburgh in late November, with a weekend up in Carbost, I will admit to many moments when I thought to myself, āHoo, Boy! I wish I had my bike!ā Managed a couple of runs, though. Had the fairy pools nearly all to myself one morning!
Neat run in the rain on a āfunā route down from Arthurās Seat, having somehow lost the trail (as Iām prone too often to do).
Such lovely land. Hoping to visit again. Good luck with all the racing up there!
Opened 2026 with a Half Marathon in Dubai, the Burj2Burj, in 1:32.
Ended up PBing across 5k,10k, and a massive 13 mins PB at the HM distance
Super happy with the progress i have made with Athletica over the past 1 year.
) your achievements!
