2021 will go down in history as a year not to be forgotten for many people. What a rollercoaster that was, eh?
As I sit here at the start of a new year looking back on how the year was for me, I am struck by some fantastic moments as we came out of lockdown and the world began to open up:
May 2021
Formally launching my Achieve with Helen PT and challenge coaching business with website, logo and social media profiles
June 2021
6 months’ training culminates in client and adventure partner Marcus Whitfield nailing his 60@60 challenge goal – a 60k trail run for his 60th birthday – a huge achievement for a novice trail runner
Supporting my brother Jeremy Milton to achieving his big 2021 challenge – a 55k hike along the Pilgrims Way to Dover Castle – hiking his further ever by a literal country mile
"What a tough challenge! Helen was with me every step of the way. Supportive, encouraging but tough when she needed to be. I couldn't have done it without you!"
July 2021 Joining up again with adventure partner Marcus Whitfield for a Midsummer 100k Isle of Wight epic non-stop 24 hour hike
October 2021
After 3 months working with me, client and great buddy John Catherall smashes his trail half marathon target coming over the finish line way ahead of his target and with a huge smile on his face. Amazing, John!
"I could not have wished for a better trainer on my journey to my first half marathon in a number of years. Helen’s plan, expertise, enthusiasm and guidance gave me the physical ability, confidence and desire to not only take on the challenge but to finish comfortably and feel good about the achievement"
For me?…well it was a mixed bag year with injuries curtailing a couple of events over the Summer and early Autumn, but I was delighted to complete the year’s schedule with a finish line medal at the Druid’s Challenge Ridgeway 136k event in November. A big high to end a year which included 5 separate 50k+ ultra trail runs building fitness, confidence and learning, to go into 2022 with all guns blazing.
As we progress into the new year it seems like we are yet again facing a period shrouded in uncertainty. But I remain convinced that we must continue to dream, to plan, to set our sights high and hope that the longer days and the arrival of the sun will shine a light on the year ahead and bring happiness and success.
What would I like to achieve in 2022? I’ve set my sights on a series of long distance trail events with my pinnacle event in August - The North Downs 100 miler. This is a continuous trail run along the North Downs Way from Farnham in the Surrey Hills to Ashford in Kent. 30 hours, 100 miles, 10,000ft of climbing.
What would you like to achieve in 2022? Whatever your challenge, whatever your distance and whatever your current activity level, I can help you prepare, train and be ready to achieve remarkable goals. If you'd like more info and an informal chat to kick off your planning, I'd love to hear from you!