Some journeys weaken before they get stronger. Sometimes the numbers dip so that meaning can rise again. Looking back at the recent years, the picture is clear.
2023 recorded 76 hours and 662.2 kilometres.
2024 followed with 58 hours and 498 kilometres.
2025 now holds 39 hours and 328.6 kilometres.
This forms a downward slope, a slowing trend and a quieter effort. Yet it does not end here because the story does not stop at the lowest point. This is the point where it turns.
Whether average or fast, this was never about glory. It has always been about showing up, about not giving up and about the willingness to try again. In between those kilometres I remained healthy, still capable and still able to put one foot in front of the other. This was true even when conditions were not optimum, even when weight needed to come down and even when energy was not always present.
The year 2026 is not a restart. It is a continuation. It is the beginning of a smarter season, a clearer focus and a return to discipline.
2026 will see lighter steps, stronger lungs and a steadier pace. This will not happen because I will suddenly become someone else, but because I will honour the version of myself that kept moving even when motivation faded.
I will pick shorter distances and run them more consistently. I will sleep earlier and better so that recovery improves. I will lose the weight that has been waiting to go. I will build strength that makes running kinder. I will not chase old numbers. I will create new ones.
In 2026 nothing needs to be spectacular. It only needs to be better than before. That is enough.
There will be no competition, no scoreboard and no pace to beat. There will only be progress. It will be quiet, steady and visible.
It will happen one run at a time, one kilometre at a time and one decision at a time.
2026 will be the year of doing rather than wishing.
The year of movement rather than regret.
The year of intention rather than excuses.
When the numbers finally rise again, not to mirror 2023 and not to impress anyone, but simply to reflect effort, I will know that I did better than the old me. And that alone will be victory.
