Making the most of 2020

I've always said that new year resolutions were a waste of time and most have been broken before the end of January.  Gyms are great evidence of that as every year the regular gym goers get cheesed off as they can't get near the equipment that for 11 months of the year is available.  But come the end of January the gyms get less busy.
2020 could be described as a "black swan" - a metaphor that describes an event that comes as a surprise and has a major effect. It's like the world has been turned upside down and the worst part is the cost of lives.  It has affected everyone's life and I am sure you will have reflected on what you now consider important.  I know I have and have amended my long term plans.
When it comes to training, the goals that were set have all changed.  The way in which you've trained will have changed with on line classes allowing people to train from the safety of their own home or virtual races which I have found very motivating.
What was inevitable was that my "A race" of the Ultra Race Romania, 250km 6 day staged race, has been cancelled.  I feel for the organisers as they have put so much into making this event happen but completely agree with their decision - safety first.  But being totally focused on the runners, they have launched a virtual version of the same race starting on 25th July.  Instead of 6 days they have extended it to 25 days which widens the audience who may wish to join in the fun.  Great idea and I was the first to sign up - my Bib number is No.1.  I'm already working with my coach to plan the best way of approaching the race.
This got me thinking, if in July / August I'm running 250 km then how can I take advantage of this fitness?  Why not run a long distance in Scotland in September, it's one of the best months weather wise, the kids should be back at school and hopefully the midgies will be less active.  This is still in the planning phase but I'm going to run from Inverness to Fort William down the Great Glen Way (125 kms) and then Fort William to Glasgow down The West Highland Way (152 kms) - I haven't decided yet on the total number of days it will take.  My wife has already agreed to be my crew and I expect others will join me for sections along the way.  I'll publish the details nearer the time.
I'm determined to make the most of 2020 and not be defeated by lockdown and restrictions.  I want to take advantage of the different type of training and events taking place, shake up the normal, and come out of it stronger and more experienced.  After all, I've still got Ultra Race Romania in 2021!