I’ve gone back and forth with writing this post.
On one hand, I love setting goals (or resolutions—whatever you may call them, I think they’re pretty much one in the same) for my life on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. I am constantly driven by challenges and consider myself a pretty competitive person.
Yet, on the other hand, I find it really difficult to plan goals for the whole year—there is just too much that changes. As much as I want to “run more miles than last year,” who’s to say that I won’t have a serious injury that will derail me for a long period of time. I would also love to run two marathons again, but maybe something will come along that could change that (ahem. . .a future bun in the oven). And frankly I forget about these goals mid-March, except the running-related ones.
So I’m not sure I find much benefit in setting goals for the entire year. I definitely set weekly mileage goals that continue build upon itself throughout the year which in turn leads to yearly goals. And even other day-to-day goals that come up as life happens.
But if everything could go as planned, here are at least a few things I am shooting for this year.
1. Run as much as I can.
This is always a goal of mine. I am driven by beating myself every year in total mileage. I was very close in 2013 to beating my yearly 2012 mileage, which was surprising because I spent the first 4 months injured. So maybe 2014 will be the year I reach a lifetime record in yearly mileage.
2. Set a new PR in every distance.
I think it is a stretch since I’ve set a new PR in every distance the past two years, but who knows. With a solid base of running this winter, I am confident I could give them a run for their money. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t desperately want this to happen.
3. Travel to Hawaii this winter
Not sure if this is a ‘goal’ per se, but definitely something we hope to make happen.
4. Spend Christmas in Minnesota
The last time I was hope for Christmas was in 2009, so I would love to make it there this coming year.
5. Start online running coaching
I have always wanted to be a running coach and definitely want to make this happen—it is just about the logistics at this point.
6. Try a new sport
Possibly rowing?? My sister was on a rowing team last year and made it sound like a lot of fun. And low and behold, Anchorage actually does have a rowing group!
A few goals that I would love to accomplish but am not too sure are going to happen.
1. Do 3 unassisted pull-ups.
2. Read more—this is always a goal of mine.
3. Travel to a new state.
So those are the things I am aiming for this year. I don’t know if they will happen, and as much as I want them to happen, if they don’t, I’m sure there will be a very good reason.
I’m hesitant to make mileage goals for the same reason. I don’t usually think about it at all until the last week of December and then try to make it a round number. 🙂
Good goals! Best of luck to you!
I am terrible at setting and keeping goals. I figure this year I just want to keep doing things that make me happy, and continue to find ways to improve myself as a person. I would LOVE to make it to Hawaii some day! I think that’s a great goal. 😉
You can coach me 🙂 Thanks for the post long run eating tips!
When I can make this happen, I will definitely contact you!
I struggle with yearly goals too…I tend to set lofty goals and then forget them. My thought was you could coach me too but someone already beat me to it. Bummer. Hawaii, ahhh, stop here on your way and I’ll hop in your suitcase it sounds dreamy. Rowing would probably give you beyond amazing arms to go with your killer running legs! I’m secretly just hoping you will need your oven for a bun this year. 🙂
Yes! Learn to row! There is no possible way you will regret it. It is the absolute BEST if you are competitive and love exercising. Everybody else is the same. Plus, it’s the perfect balance of having a team but working solo. Do it!
That’s right. . . you are a rowing coach, right?
I have almost hit all the states but the one on my list this year is Alaska!! I am signed up for the Mayor’s Midnight Sun Half Marathon in June. I can’t wait. I love your “Visit Alaska” page. Great info! Any tips on things we absolutely must do or see (or places to eat)?
What kind of things do you enjoy doing? Of course there are a ton of outdoorsy things to do. Are you staying in the Anchorage area? A lot of people enjoy going to Seward, which isn’t too, too far.
Yes, we are staying in Anchorage. I would love to see wildlife and a glacier. Seward sounds like a good day trip!
Exit Glacier is down by Seward. Their is another glacier on your way to Whittier. There is also an outdoor zoo/wildlife preserve with a lot of animals. There are a lot of places to hike, bike, kayak, canoe, camp, etc. too.