How can it be the middle of January already? I feel like yesterday I was ringing in the new year.
"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."
- T.S. Eliot
Goals are both motivating and scary at the same time. They serve as motivation because it helps me get the workouts I need to get done accomplished. They are a bit scary because sometimes I don't accomplish my goals and feel like I have not failed but learned something in the process. If I put my goals out for the world to see, then they become more real. Other people have the chance to see if I am meeting my goals, instead of just me knowing how I am doing. In the spirit of trying new things this year, I am documenting my running goals on my blog.
Goal #1: Stay injury-free
I don't know if there is anything worse than an injury. The few times I have been injured I have hated every second of it. This year, I want to be strong and healthy while running, which means avoiding injuries.
Goal #2: Sub 20-minute 5k
I used to hate 5ks because they were so short. Now, my outlook has changed. I think I actually enjoy them now. I ran 3 last year (21:13 in March, 21:12 in August, and 20:12 in September). This year, I want to see 19:xx in front of my name. Will this be hard to accomplish? Yes. But hopefully by doing track workouts year-round I will be able to accomplish my goal in which I need to run an average mile pace of 6:25.
Goal #3: Sub 1:40 Half Marathon
It was well-documented last year that my goal was to break into the 1:30s in a half marathon, but that never did happen. This year it will. I will run those 13.1 miles at 7:30 pace.
Goal #4: Boston
This is my scariest goal to write. I am going to try to qualify for Boston at the Illinois Marathon in April. Sub 3:35...here I come. Boston 2013...look out. I will be on the start line.
Goal #5: Consistently Life Weights
Lifting weights helps me become a better runner. Last year I lifted 80-some times. This year, I would like to lift even more. It is especially important for me to consistently lift during marathon training, as it will help me be faster and recover quicker.
Do we share any of the same goals? What do you hope to accomplish in 2012?
My life as a runner, perfectionist, athlete, 20-something, and type 1 diabetic.
Your goals sound exactly right for where your running is! Go get 'em! :)
ReplyDeleteOur goals are similar, but yours are faster.... Maybe in another year or two, they will match up to these. :)
You are so stinkin' fast!! I will be at the IL Marathon - as a spectator. So remind me as we get closer... I'll be sure to make a SIGN to cheer you on as you qualify for Boston! It's gonna be a great year for you.
ReplyDeleteWow those are big goals. My 2012 goal list is similar in that I want to set PRs in every race category. My first goal is to try to run a sub 25 min 5K -- slower than your goal but still scary for me!
ReplyDeleteStay focused and you can do it!