As 2012 draws to an end, I emptied my gym bag tonight. Looking at the three event numbers you see pictured above, a mixture of emotions ran through my body. I feel pride, satisfaction and most of all, happiness.

The Pier to Pier was the first event I completed this year. To be honest, it was the first real organised event I’d ever done outside of the local parkrun. Peter and I thought it would be good preparations for Total Warrior later this year and it was. After Total Warrior, I took part in the Newcastle Stampede. All three of these events were great and for different reasons. Seeing my bib numbers, some covered in mud! It reminds me of how far I’ve come with my fitness this year.

What do I plan for next year? I’ll need to discuss this with the lads but I can confirm that I’ll be be doing some of the above and probably more. It’s a case of setting goals for the year and making sure the events are spaced out evenly enough. Some other events I’ve had my eye on this year include the Bamburgh 10k and the Men’s Health Survival of the Fittest. Both of these look and sound great and I think it’s important to try new things.

I’m currently on day 7 of my 12 Days of Christmas challenge for Percy Hedley. So far so good to be honest. It’s obviously tough but you just get on with it don’t you. The challenges some people face on a daily basis for the rest of live’s is nothing compared to my 12 days of running. What I am pleased about, outside of the fundraising, is how my challenge has brought so many people together. The support has been unreal and I can’t thank-you enough.

Speaking of thanks, I owe massive thanks to so many people. It’s impossible for me to list them here. I think the people reading this post will know who they are. It’s funny how fitness can bring people together though. I hadn’t met most of you before doing these events and now we’re planning to doing more and more stuff next year. It’s just fantastic.

If you have bib numbers yourself I hope you feel the same way as I do. If you don’t have any, maybe this could be a target for you next year?

Thanks again for reading,