2016 - what can I say? For me, and the rest of the world I daresay, it was defined by a fortune cookie I opened years ago which said, "May you live in interesting times." According to the sliver of paper tucked into the sweet treat, it was purported to be an old Chinese curse but actually isn't per my research, but let me know what you think by sending me an email or direct message via Instagram or via Twitter.

Upon reflection, I did not achieve my goal of improving my half marathon time in 2016, but I didn't expect to due to a recurring piriformis injury throughout my training period. Yes, a real pain in the hiney, let me tell you. I have since been more diligent about stretching and strength training, which is probably not a bad thing in the greater scheme of things.

For 2017, I have been contemplating signing up for the Great Ocean Road Marathon in May taking place between Lorne and Apollo Bay. I love this part of Australia and I am glad to be within an easy distance of it. Yes, it will be hilly, windy, and everything else in between, but it is so very beautiful in this part of the world that I may as well attempt it at least once in my lifetime. My butt may not thank me for it but you gotta dare a few things now and then, right? And I can avoid my overly enthusiastic neighbourhood magpie friends come late winter/early spring too, when breeding season comes around again, by signing up for an autumn marathon. Sounds better and better already. Honestly, how to prevent and/or avoid magpie attacks/swooping is worthy of a separate blog entry in itself (don't worry, my shredded nerves have recovered and my opinion of their lovely birdsong is unchanged. They are just super grouchy during breeding season).

Please share your running goals for this year. Trying a new distance? Or have a different health goal in mind? Would love to hear about it!