With the new year beginning today, now is always a good time as any to work on setting some running goals for 2016. While the unwritten goal of last year was just to get on the roads and trails again, this time around I am making some more concrete plans for what I want to accomplish. So here are the five things that will make 2016 a great year for running.
1. 12 in 12 - The plan has been put into motion to run a race a month throughout the next year. Some of these events will be for time while others are going to be just for fun. Either way, taking part in them will be a blast (check out my 2016 race list)!
2. Strength Training - While I would rather just spend more time running, I've come to accept that I need to spend time building muscle and flexibility in other ways. I have started the habit of planking each night before bed, but would also like to take some time a few days a week to use exercises like squats and lunges to work my legs and core. Time to make myself not look so scrawny!
3. First Marathon - A year from now, I would like to have completed my first marathon. Due to how my schedule tends to look from teaching, the summer is a perfect time to train and be ready for a fall race. I am still in the process of deciding which one to do, since there are a number in the area.
4. Increase Days of Running - For years, I was able to run five or six days a week without overly major injury issues or exhaustion. However, this has not been the case lately. I would like to get back to that trend instead of only three or four days. Even easy runs make me feel productive and accomplished.
5. Become a Running Group Regular - So far my attendance at group runs has been minimal. With the new year, I want to participate in my local running club's meet-ups, especially on weekends when I have the time and little excuse to not do so. The running community has begun to grow in the area, and I really want to be a part of it!
So what are your 2016 running goals?
Happy running and happy New Year!
Sean
Great goals!!! For your 12 race goal, I'd like to suggest subbing out one or two of those with volunteering. It's a great way to give back and also FREE! As you ramp up mileage too, it may be easier on your body. Good luck in 2016!
ReplyDeleteAwesome idea, Jess! That will also help me work on my last goal, since they help out at a lot of races.
DeleteWe have one goal in common - complete our first marathon! I'm sure that journey will be exciting next year!
ReplyDeleteNo doubt about that! Best of luck on your first!
DeleteThese are great goals! I need to work on strength training and I'm hoping to run my first marathon too!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome Janelle! I'm thinking strength training will definitely help with the marathon.
Deletegreat goals! strength training is so important for runners. I've been personal training in the offseason to get ready for spring racing. Thanks for linking up with us!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mar! I know strength training will be the hardest routine to start, so wish me luck!
DeleteThese are great goals. I run 3x per week so I have time for strength training and cycling.
ReplyDeletei think you can absolutely rock these goals!! happy new year :) can't wait to hear where that first marathon will be!
ReplyDeleteHaHa! I wasn't until I read your first paragraph that I realized that today is the first Friday of the month! While writing my post yesterday I looked and saw that we were on the fifth week so I considered it free Friday... duh!
ReplyDeleteYou've got some awesome goals! As a personal trainer, I can't emphasis enough how important strength training is for runners! Good luck!