It has been a hot minute since I’ve done one of these! What can I say, life has been a bit of a whirlwind lately, and for the past 12 months for that matter!
Let me be honest though and get to the heart of what's brought me back to writing a new blog after so many months, and it's to address some nagging doubts I've been having since pressing pause on the podcast.
Honestly, stepping back from the week-to-week hustle of producing/recording the Point 99 Podcast has been a bit of a revelation, especially in and amongst everything else that’s been going on of late. For almost two years, the podcast has been my weekly ritual, a creative outlet for my love for running and need to talk. It is however also more than a day a week, as it takes many hours of preparation, recording and editing before any episode can be uploaded. But lately, taking the current break the show is on has given me some much-needed perspective and a chance to focus on building something special at home.
Welcoming the newest member of our family has been transformative. Our days now revolve around nap schedules, feeding times, and a growing stack of housework that I’ve happily taken on board to share the load. It’s chaotic and exhausting but also deeply fulfilling. One thing I’ve already learned, just weeks into parenthood, is how essential it is to create an environment that feels calm and collaborative. So far, it’s been a tag-team of my wife baby-wrangling, feeding, and changing, while I focus on keeping the house in order and walking the dog, and of course keep her fed and watered to fuel the cycle. It’s a rhythm I never knew I’d enjoy so much, and one that’s only going to get harder to handle as I return to the office after six weeks off!
But, if I’m honest, this pause has also stirred up some doubts. Is the podcast even missed? Do people notice its absence? It’s hard not to feel like a bit of a fraud sometimes. Sure, the feedback has always been kind, but that little voice in the back of my head keeps asking: If the podcast stayed offline forever, would it really matter? I've always had grand plans to try cultivate a more structured 'community' or 'family' around the podcast, like two of my favourite other shows have done, sadly missing the mark through lack of time and a feeling of lack of interest at the same time. Without a collective voice telling me that there's a want, or a need for the show to continue, it's perhaps making the nagging doubts that little bit louder.
Those thoughts have made me question not only myself but also, if the show was to go on, how I can better share the load. What if the Point 99 Podcast became less about me and more about us again? A community-driven space, once again welcoming a co-host, or hosts…we’re talking regular co-hosts conducting guest interviews, slotting a regular face or two in on a bit of a timetable. Could that make the podcast feel bigger than the sum of its parts? I love the idea of turning this into something co-creative again. I do miss the Season 1 vibes with Steve, but also don’t want to put a stop to the place where voices from all corners of the running community get their chance to shine, regardless of accolades or credentials. It’s both an exciting decision to make as well as a little intimidating.
If you’d ever consider contributing, whether through ideas, interviews, or even just feedback, I’d genuinely love to hear from you. What would make the podcast more meaningful to you? Or in fact, do you even want it to continue?
And then, there’s running itself. What a year it’s been. It’s felt like a roller coaster, full of dizzying highs and tough lows. From smashing personal bests to monumental milestones, it’s been a year that's for sure. But, truthfully, the inconsistency in training I experienced due to snap elections and work in general has taken its toll. Between work and family life, ticking so many boxes has sometimes felt more like luck than down to any real preparation.
Looking ahead to 2025, though, I’m feeling a renewed sense of hope. A more regular work schedule and a clearer focus on balancing life with training are on the horizon. And while raising a little one will undoubtedly add its own set of challenges, I’m excited to see how it all comes together. There are new goals to chase, bigger challenges to tackle, and perhaps even new stories to share on the podcast (if I can get out of my own way and just trust that it matters).
One of those new goals is already set in stone: I’ve officially signed up for my first race of the year and one of my doorstep staples, the Inverness Half Marathon. It feels like the perfect way to start 2025, a chance to ease back into the world of racing while reigniting my passion for structured training and pushing boundaries. Half marathons have always held a special place in my heart. They’re just the right mix of challenge and joy, long enough to feel worth the effort, demanding both respect and preparation, yet short enough to be enjoyed.
For me, the Inverness Half Marathon isn’t just another race; it’s a statement of intent. It’s a way of saying, “I’m still here, and I’m still ready to push myself.” I’m already dreaming of crossing that finish line, and who knows? It might just be the start of a series of races in 2025 that lead to bigger and more prestigious events.
For now, I’m taking it one step at a time. Whether it’s a gentle run or a late-night brainstorm, I’m finding joy in the process and figuring out how to keep moving forward.
So, here’s to what’s next, for the podcast, for running, and for life. And as always, thanks for being here, reading along, and being part of my and the podcast’s journey. Let me know your thoughts though; I’d love to hear them.
Warmly,
Mr. Steve
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