GOALS FOR 2013

GOALS FOR 2013

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.

 ~Les Brown

·         Cross training:  There is no doubt that cross training is beneficial for your overall health and well-being. I have started and stopped a cross training program multiple times since I began running in 2007. But then I tend to drop out of cross training programs during the peak weeks of training for a marathon. This year I am putting it in writing and going to hire a personal trainer from the Y.

·         Qualify For The Boston Marathon: My “bucket list” includes qualifying for the Boston Marathon which requires a time of 3:30 or better for my age bracket.  That equates to  me cutting about 2 minutes per mile off my time to run 8 minute miles. To accomplish this I will do interval training, alternating between a pace of eight and ten minute miles. Then I will gradually increase my distance as well as decrease my time.

·         Stay Healthy:  I have a goal of staying healthy this year. One big thing I will do to avoid injuries is to listen to my body.   I have become more in tune with my body since I began running.  So in 2013 if something does not feel right, it probably isn’t. get plenty of sleep, and do proper warm-ups and cool-downs.

·         Weight Loss: I will lose my last 10 pounds. When I started walking then running my weight was over 200 pounds. Currently my weight is 183 pounds. This goal can be accomplished by staying focused on my running and cutting out the junk food. I will keep a food journal and eat a balanced diet as well as drink plenty of water.   And I will keep this picture  posted in my home to remind me of what I looked like before I started running.

·         Keep Having Fun: I truly enjoy running. I hope I never reach a point where the joy I feel running outside diminishes and I don’t consider it to be fun.   I look forward to coming home during the week, changing clothes, having a snack and heading out.  I treasure the time I can devote to long runs on  weekends for that is when I am able to relax, challenge myself, and be in the moment….nothing before me but the next step.  Here is a picture of me having fun at the end of the Chicago Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon.

 

·         Maintain a Blog:  It is important to regularly put one’s goals in writing and document progress on each goal I have set for 2013.  For the time being I will be documenting and charting my weekly progress.  I have three races  scheduled for this spring (two half marathons and a full marathon).  I will update my blog after each one.

I  welcome suggestions, questions and comments. Let me know what are you looking for in a running blog.