I was back to 40+ miles last week of mostly easy running. It felt good to see the mileage return to something that would see me back on course for 2026 miles in 2026, although I’m not entirely back on track yet and will not be chasing any bigger totals just yet.
I’ve been full of a cold since last Wednesday when I led a 300-600-300 wave interval session in the pouring rain at Bubwith. It’s likely my immune system was under strain anyway due to back-to-back 40-mile weeks and a 19-mile-long run the previous weekend.
As a result of the cold, which has been accompanied by a fever, I have had to curb all running, including missing the last of the PECO cross country race on Sunday. Running would have been reckless, and this year is supposed to be about thinking longer term for me — towards London in April and, more importantly, towards longevity of fitness and health.
On Saturday 27 June, Vale of York Athletic Community will be hosting a Funetics Multi Challenge (FMC) Quadrathlon at the University of York athletics facility. The event will give U10 and U12 athletes from schools and clubs across the region a chance to take part in an inclusive athletics competition designed specially for younger children.
I’m attempting to run 2026 miles in 2026. I’ve never managed to run the year in miles before. The closest I’ve come was in 2022, when I ran just over 1,800 miles — that also happened to be the year I ran my sub-3 marathon at Boston. That was a good year, but I’ve never actually broken 2,000 miles across a calendar year and would like to make a serious attempt in 2026.
Beverley’s training continues to go well as she progresses on her London Marathon journey. She reflects on another month’s running under her belt:
“January went like a flash, and a full month of training has been completed. It’s been a mixed bag of slow jogs, long runs and community fun, with the added bonus of a cross country swim — and not forgetting the Brass Monkey Half Marathon!
Harry Bromley led the Vale of York team home at the Brass Monkey Half Marathon, setting a new club record with an impressive time of 1:13:32.
Beverley’s name was pulled out of the hat for our London Marathon club ballot place and in her own words she was “very very excited.”
Well, despite swearing she would never do another marathon, and having fully embraced track and field in 2025 (Sheila Bolland Masters Athletics Winner nonetheless), Beverley has committed to her marathon challenge.
Last half term, Coach Jenni worked with a group of young athletes to launch our first formal Young Leaders Programme, designed to develop leadership skills and build confidence.
Vale of York athletes participated in more Cross Country events throughout November, including the West Yorkshire Cross Country League and PECO.
At Vale of York Athletic Community, we believe in nurturing a love for movement at an early age. That’s why we are excited to announce the expansion of our funetics programme – specially designed for children aged 4 to 7 years old!
From November 2025, we are launching three new kids athletics sessions in Sherburn in Elmet and South Milford. If you are looking for a supportive and fun way to get your child active, build their confidence, and teach them the essential run, jump and throw skills of athletics, then funetics is the way to get started.