Once you are officially a runner (whether you have been ‘running’ for years like me or you just joined the crowds) it is a great idea to set goals. I will be honest, I haven’t really been one for setting running goals in the past, but I think that is part of my problem with inconsistency in running. So this year I am setting running goals. Before I share my goals, here are some tips for helping you get started on your running goals.
1.Look back at your past year of running. If you didn’t log your runs just think about what your year was like. Ask your self questions: How often did you run? When did you most often make excuses? When did you most enjoy running? When did you feel your best and when did you do your best?
2. Start logging your running more consistently. Do this for a few weeks before you make your goals (maybe this is your first goal!).
3. Think about what you want to achieve. Do you want to run more races? Become faster? Explore longer or more complex races (half-marathon, triathlon)? Do you want to explore new running paths (trails, roads, bike paths)? and then make a list of things you want to achieve in you running (make these broad enough that you can work towards them in smaller steps but not to broad that they are unachievable or unmeasurable)
4. Narrow the list down to 2 or 3 things (especially if this is your first time making goals).
5. Make your goals measurable. This is an education word that is thrown around a lot. We are always asked to make measurable objectives so that you can track your progress. This is really key in making any sort of goal. For example: Instead of ‘run more races’ make a goal to run a race every other month.
6. If your goals seem too large, come up with a short plan and a long plan. For example: If you want to run a half marathon start with “Run a 10K in April and a Half-Marathon in June”
7. Get started on your goals, tell a friend what your goal is or email me and we can keep each other accountable (seriously, I would love that!)
Okay so here are my 2012 running goals
1. Be more consistent in my running. I am going to achive this by running with a friend at work once a week, and 2 other times during the week after school. I will also be more consistent about logging my runs (I bought a little notebook to do this in)
2. Include more varied exercises. I am going to achieve this by completing a hill work-out, speed work or add strength training in during one of my work outs each week. I am going to work up to a sprint triathlon in the spring/summer.
I also really want to try to do 6 races this year (one about every other month). I already did my first one on New Years Day! 4 Mile with a new adult PR (my high school days don’t count here people, that just isn’t fair, my body is not the same as it was back then) of 35.01. In addition to my yearly goals I am going to actually set race goals. My race goal may not always be to have a better time, it may be a new type of race (triathlon, adventure race) or it may be to pace myself better.
~Allison
P.S. Anyone in the area want to run with me every other weekend? Weekends are the hardest for me to get out the door, having a running buddy would help. Email me if you are interested!
