ALREADY the first seven days of January have gone. Well, we’re on the 7th January but ya know, pretty much done with. How are those resolutions going for you? Did you make any? Comment and let me know, I love hearing how you’re all getting on!
New Year Day Run
So far I’m sticking to mine, and quite laser focused I am too! I mean, I’ve had a few extra snacks that I didn’t need to have but they were a reward for sticking to everything else. I think that’s allowed, no?
I’ve run five out of the seven days of 2025 and that was exactly what I had planned. One of the runs was a little shorter than my calendar said, but that’s because I’d done one a bit longer the day before (and added HILLS). Two (needed) rest days weren’t completely restful because I’m a single parent. We went to see Sonic 3 (it was for my son, honest), we’ve been out and about around Edinburgh, and I’ve cleared the house of all Christmas lights and decorations (BOOOOO).
Of the five runs I did, two were five milers. two were 5km hill reps, and one was four miles with a hill in the middle. I’m not taking prisoners (or excuses from myself) this year. My eating has been healthy, I’ve had a decent mix of salads, pasta, and an afternoon of cinema snacks.
My stats (so far) for 2025 are:
Times run: Five
Total Distance: 20.2miles
Total Time: 3hr 24mins
Elevation Gain: 732ft
It’s weigh day tomorrow (just to keep track) and if I’m down around 2-3lbs I’ll be chuffed. That means I’m perfectly on target. Loads of tooting my own horn and patting myself on the back in todays post, but if you don’t support yourself, who else will?
I woke up early and got my boy ready for school. Today was holiday time (for me) but school day for him. His grandparents looked after him for the next few days while I was away, didn’t just leave him to fend for himself or anything. Although he IS six already so might try that next time?
I took my suitcase with me to drop off as I was planning to go straight to the airport after I’d said goodbye. While he was lining up to go in he told all of his classmates “My Daddy is going on a trip but he’s not taking me.” With heartstrings fully tugged, I waved goodbye as he went in and I went off for the bus.
Bus into Edinburgh took around 30 minutes which wasn’t too bad considering the time of day. I met up with Claire (and her own suitcase) and we got a takeaway coffee then jumped on the tram to the airport. (Note: don’t jump on the tram while you’re on the tram, they tell you off).
Tram was another 30 minutes and we got to the bag drop pretty much just as check-in opened. There was no queue at all! Straight through, straight to security – again no queue – then into the airport bar for an airport beer and before we knew it they were calling our gate. We were delayed 20 minutes or so getting on but it wasn’t so bad. Boarding began, seats were found, belts buckled, and we’re off!
Beeeeer
At the other end of the flight we landed in Lanzarote, which was good because that’s where we’d paid to be. Again it was stress free getting off the plane and getting our bags, and even though there was a huge queue for the taxis there were so many turning up that we didn’t wait long at all. Landed at 6.15pm, got to the apartments at 7.15pm. Can’t get much quicker than that.
View From The Room
My sister (Lisa) and nephew (Thomas) were waiting for us when we arrived. They’d flown in from Manchester earlier in the day and were there to support the races and also drink alcohol (Nephew is 21, it’s allowed). We dropped our suitcases off then went out to pick up my races numbers, find food (pizza) and a few drinks (beer and cocktails) then it was bedtime. Race day tomorrow ya know!
Friday 6th December
Race day today ya know! The Lanzarote Santa 5k to be precise. In which you run 5km in Lanzarote… in a Santa suit. Now, it’s not my first race dressed as Santa, don’t be fooling yourself (my third actually. Why though) but I’ve never run in a Santa suit in the heat. Going from a wet and windy Scotland to the sunny sunny island of Lanzarote is a bit of a change. And the suits were BOILING.
Me (right)
I decided I wouldn’t wear the beard because it would be too uncomfortable. Also decided to make the trousers into shorts and cut the sleeves off of the jacket, because I’m smart (and sweaty). I went and lined up with the other few hundred Santas and before long we were off!
At home I never take water for a 5k. Or a 10k. But with the temperature being in the mid 20s I wasn’t chancing it, and glad I didn’t, because I actually ended up running out of water towards the end. The route was pretty much flat (couple of inclines) and was an out and back. I wasn’t used to the heat and so told myself I’d take it easy, especially as I had another race the next day.
The race stuck next to the sea and I was very happy to reach the turn around and head back for the finish. It was such a nice race, seeing everyone in the Santa suits and getting cheered on by holidaymakers the whole way. Not a bad way to spend a December morning!
Not Me
I finished in 30m 58s and honestly, there was no way I could’ve pushed it today. Got back to the apartment (five minutes walk) got a beer, got in the shower (with the beer), then we all had a few drinks on the balcony before heading out for food. Race day tomorrow ya know!
Saturday 7th December
Race Day tod… you get the idea…!
The Lanzarote Marathon Festival has three distances on the Saturday. A 10km (mine), a Half, and the Full. Originally I was down for the Full but a months long chest infection took that out of my mind and I dropped down to the 10k. We got up early and went to the start line to cheer on the marathon runners. They were starting at 8am, the half was starting at 10am, and the 10k at 12pm.
What with it being Lanzarote though, and a slower pace of life, the Full didn’t actually get going until 8.25am. Twenty five extra minutes stood still in the sun? Ugh. After they (finally) set off we went for breakfast and I got carbed up.
The last bus to the start of the 10k was leaving at 10am so I boarded one about 9.45 and got taken to the start, which was in the capitol of Lanzarote, Arrecife. We got there at 10.20am. For a 12pm start. Ah well. Used the facilities then found a shaded bench to people watch and I heard a familiar voice. I looked over and saw Duffy (original running buddy from 2012 who I’ve not seen in person for years. Well, I actually saw him at the marathon start that morning but it’s more dramatic this way. Plus we hadn’t arranged to meet so there).
Hung around together catching up and talking about previous races along with his missus and finally was time to line up. We were delayed. Almost half an hour. Which, by my count, meant we’d been knocking around the start line for TWO HOURS. At least we’d found shade though.
Me Again (right)
Then, we were off! The 10k is point to point so you start in Arrecife then head straight for the finish back in Costa Teguise. It pretty much hugs the coast the entire way but nips in shore here and there. If anyone tells you the Lanzarote races are flat, they’re lying. Just before you reach the first mile there’s a lovely long uphill stretch and other bits here and there to test your legs.
Plenty of water stations along the route so I took every opportunity to top up my bottle. Keep in mind though that if you don’t take your own bottle, the water is given out in little cups (not bottles) so no chance of running with it. Top tip.
My plan was to run/walk the whole way, I wasn’t going for a time or anything so settled in to enjoy the scenery and the race itself. Just as with the 5k, there was loads of support along the way to give much needed boosts because it was another hot hot hot one.
Long, Big Hill
I was looking forward to getting back to familiar territory and kept my eye out for where we did the turn around the day before, but that never happened because it went a different way for the last 2.5km. Still, I knew the area so was spurred on by almost being back. The crowds in Costa Teguise itself were amazing, so much cheering and motivating by everyone.
Then before I knew it I was approaching the final turn, saw the finish line, saw my supporters sitting (SITTING!) in the stands and I was done. Brand new shiny medal and another destination run ticked off. In a Personal Slowest time of 1.08.58… A finish is a finish though!
We hung around for about 45 minutes to cheer on more runners then, as tradition dictates, I got back to the apartment, got a beer, and got in the shower. Followed by more drinks and lots of food.
Earned THAT
Sunday to Tuesday
We still had a few days left in Lanzarote (planned it well) which were full of relaxing and holidaymaking. I ate way too much, drank a lot of Happy Hour beers, and had an all round great holiday. Plans are already in place for Lanzarote 2025 and (chest infections permitting) I’ll be lining up for the FULL this time. Followed by beer, of course.
Only nine hours into 2025 and already a blog post getting posted? Must be resolution time!
2024 was a bit of a bust for me, running wise. It started well and up until May/June time I was doing fine, but then sometime around the Leeds 10k I picked up quite a serious chest infection and that pretty much killed off the rest of the year. I had to cancel three or four 10k races that I’d entered, cancelled my entry to the Scottish Half, but still (to keep the streak alive) turned up and ran the Yorkshire Marathon in October (11 times and counting)!
Finished off the year feeling better (took MONTHS for the infection to clear) and ran both the Lanzarote 5k and 10k in December (blog post to follow).
I’m starting this year with a very positive outlook and mindset (the best way) and after this 12hr shift (boo) I’ll be running home around five miles (yay) but at the moment it’s POURING down (double boo). Still, gotta get the run done!
Someone once asked me “What do you do about your training when it’s raining?” I said “Get wet.”
So this year I WILL:
Get a 10k PB (currently 47.15). Get a 1/2 Mara PB (1.52.43) and finally get a brand new Marathon PB (3.59.15). I’ll also be getting multiple short stories finished and published as well as my book about running (when I finally get some running done…) I’ll be fit, I’ll be healthy, and I’ll be blogging regularly.
Anyway, here’s to you, and here’s to me. Hope you’ve had a decent 2024 and that 2025 will be even better.
Marc Hemingway 
