‘Tis the season for goals!
I have to be honest, I’m not big on the New Year’s Resolution thing. I made some resolutions last year out of frustration in my lack-luster workout routine. So how did I do?
- Try new things with exercise. Check! In the last year I picked up spinning, challenged myself by training for my first half marathon, ran another half marathon after that, ran my first 10k race, and picked up tabata training at the gym. Winner, winner.
- Pick up weight training. Check, sort of. I definitely did a lot more weight training this year, and am stronger than I was last year, but not by too much.
That brings us to this year’s 2013 goals!
Goal 1: Have an injury-free year of running.
This is a big one. I’ve struggled this past year with weird injury after weird injury. First it was my back over the winter. Then it was my knee. Finally, my foot. I was sidelined for many months this year with running injuries that I know I can prevent. While it has been a big year for me in terms of meeting and exceeding my running goals, I know that I can do that next year in a smarter, safer, and injury-free way. I know I have horrible hip mobility (put on display in front of everyone at my last tabata class when I was the only one who couldn’t bring my butt down to the ground in the stretches), I know I have issues with flexibility, I know I have issues with muscle weaknesses – but these are things I can improve upon. A trainer at the gym has given me some hip mobility stretches I can do. I have some exciting new workout opportunities coming in January/February. I am diligently visiting my chiropractor every 2-3 weeks. I can do this, I just have to force myself to stick to the routine. You have to work hard to reach goals. 2013 is going to be all about working smarter.
Goal 2: Run a marathon.
That’s kind of a given, right? I ran my first half this year and loved it. I’m hooked to long distance running. Steph and I have our eyes set on the Marine Corps Marathon in October. All the more reason to focus on Goal 1 – it’s the only way I’ll be able to reach Goal 2.
Goal 3: Step out of my comfort zone.
I am the type of person who likes routine. I am so type-A, I often get in the way of myself. This goal applies to all aspects of my life: social, professional, fitness, personal, relationships. I vow to spend 2013 challenging myself to get out of my own head, and just try new things. I need to push myself to be uncomfortable with things. The only way you can progress is by changing.
Goal 4: Make more time for me and reflection.
I am a go-go-go person, always have been. I always feel like I’m constantly doing something. 2013 is going to be the year that I slow down a little bit and focus on how I’m feeling in the moment. I often work myself into the ground, to the point where I burst in a ball of emotions and stress. If I would just slow down and take some time to check myself, this wouldn’t happen as often. We all need to take care of ourselves sometimes.
I know I struggle with keeping myself accountable whenever I set goals. Sometimes they stick and become new habits – like keeping my goal of making a healthy dinner for Bernie at least 5-6 nights a week – and other times they never stick – what ever happened to my goal of journaling more? That went out the window. I just have to force myself to make these things habits.
Readers: What are your goals for 2013? Share! Did you keep your resolutions from last year? Can you relate to any of my goals?