2017 Goals - Boston Is Finally Here!

Prior to writing this, I took a look back at my 2016 goals to see if I accomplished what I set out to do over the last 365 days before creating more goals for the coming year. I look at goals we create each year as building blocks - just because I achieved them doesn't mean they aren't goals anymore. It means I did something right and I should continue pursuing that as a goal!

Ready to take on 2017

My first goal for 2016 was to get a coach. That lasted me one marathon cycle before we had a falling out in March. I spent the next 2 training cycles on my own again. I feared that I would have nothing to show for myself in 2016 at the marathon distance after running 2 marathons with no PR - maybe I was wrong to move forward on my own and not finding another coach right away. I wasn't wrong though and ended the year with a 5 minute marathon PR. I just landed a new coach who will be training me for Boston too. The further you get into your running career and the better you want to become, I am convinced it cannot be done alone. This goal will carry on into 2017.

My second goal was to race selectively, which went well up until the last few months of 2016 where I had 2 half marathons and a local 10K within 3 weeks of each other. I was disappointed with each of these performances and realized that this goal was not only one I put in place to keep me physically healthy, but it keeps me mentally healthy as well. My mental drive and love of running was on empty those last few races. I plan on racing very selectively in 2017.

My third goal from 2016 was to improve my training with more cross training, strength work etc. I didn't really do this until after Chicago, when I vowed to do yoga daily and picked up Pilates. Over the last few weeks, I've built these habits into my running regimen so that it sticks during this next cycle. This is still very much an ongoing goal. I'll be sharing the details of each week of training for Boston to keep me accountable in this area.

So what are my 2017 goals?

2017 is the year my dream of running Boston will actually come true. I started 2016 feeling a little lackluster about Boston, and while I'm excited to run it, 2016 also helped me realize that my running life cannot be defined by a single race. Or just by racing in general. I've grown so much in my running life, and I'm excited to see what the next 365 days has in store for me.

Gain Coaching Experience
I never realized how much joy I would get from helping others with their running goals. I love all of the questions and discussions that come from the running community and that it's a safe place to share doubts, uncertainty, and fears. Everyone is trying to get better and support each other, so nothing but positivity has come from the running community in my life. I became RRCA certified this past year because I love running and I want to help others achieve their running goals. I've taken a few runners under my wing so far and am excited to gain more coaching experience in the future.

PR at the Marathon Distance
It's difficult to not have a time goal. Once you finish your first marathon, you have a new PR and a time to beat - a standard to help you get faster. Walking to the starting line of the Chicago Marathon after a terrible training cycle though, I knew I was capable of getting a 3:20 PR that day. And I did just that, almost to the second. I know I have more in me and I'm ready to put the work in to get a 3:15 PR in 2017. I only have 2 shots to do it. I'll be running Boston, which I'm nervous about in general because it's a huge race. I'm trying to get guaranteed entry into the New York Marathon with my 1:26 half from Revel Cottonwood - another huge race to put so much pressure on a time goal. I've surprised myself more times than I can count, so I'm putting a 3:15 out there as something to reach for.

Make My Blog A Better Resource For Runners
I've been a little uncommitted to blogging the last 2 years. I struggle with what folks find interesting, original work, and self-promotion. Being a bit on the shy side doesn't help. I've got lots of knowledge and stories to share though, so I'm committed to building better content for readers to hopefully get some new folks interested in what I have to say about running, nutrition, and health in general. Please let me know if there's things you'd like to see and what you're interested in learning more about!

I'm looking forward to a new year and building on what I've done in 2016 to create an even better 2017. 

What are your 2017 goals??

Cheers!
J