James Barnard, Multimedia Designer
Runner since: 2007
Biggest running achievement in 2011: This year I managed to run three half-marathons and three 10K obstacle courses in the space of two months. It was a gruelling ride but I came away with a new half-marathon PB of 1:41:41 at the Bupa Great North Run and a massively improved base level of fitness. However, my proudest moment of 2011 was successfully pacing the Virgin London Marathon for the first time. It was a very comfortable pace for me (11-minute-miles) but no less difficult, and helping people reach their goals was incredibly rewarding.
2012 Running resolutions: I've managed to get myself a place in the Virgin London Marathon 2012 ballot. From midnight on January 1, I'll be quitting beer until I've finished the race. I've always struggled with training after a boozy session on the ale, sometimes taking a full two days to fully recover - and it's only getting worse as I get older. So four months off should help and, hopefully, reduce that gut slightly!
Races planned and targets: The Virgin London Marathon is the big one for me this year and I've yet to crack sub-4:00. The last time I attempted it two years I failed miserably in 4:21:21, but my running has come on in leaps and bounds since then. Now my target time for April is a whopping 3:45:00. I think with hard work and some decent nutrition advice, I should come home on time - fingers and blistered toes crossed!
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