1. Ditch the word resolution, use GOAL instead
I prefer the word goal to resolution, always have. To me the word resolution has a negative connotation. Like it is something you make January 1st and then by February it is out the window. Goal just seems like a stronger more lasting word. Because of that, every year I set new goals.
2. Focus in on your one main running goal
What is it you want to achieve the most? By narrowing it down to one main goal you are more likely to achieve this goal than if you have a thousand little goals floating around. It gives you something to zoom in and focus on. For me, it is improving upon my current 2:10 half marathon time.
3. Make a plan
What steps will you need to put in place to achieve your main goal? What is it you will need to do? Choose 5 steps that will become part of your plan. These steps then become 5 smaller sub-goals that you can work on in order to reach your main goal.
For example mine are:
Main Goal: Improve my 2:10 Half Marathon Time
– Continue working with my coach & following her plan
– Focus on speed work
– Push myself harder during runs (comfortably uncomfortable)
– Stop skipping strength work – hit up Body Pump once a week
– No more slacking on stretching & rolling – do this every night!
4. Hold yourself accountable
Find ways to keep yourself accountable for your goal. Schedule your daily workouts/miles on your calendar just like you would meeting and appointments. Find or recruit friends who may want to join in and participate with you. Let others know about your goals so they can support you. Plus, don’t forget there is an amazing running community on social media where you can always find like minded people, and fellow Mizuno lovers, who are more than willing to cheer you on.
5. Set a date
When will you accomplish you goal? If it is a race goal book the race well in advance so you know what you are shooting for. (I am going for the Kiawah, SC Half Marathon in December of 2015 as my big goal race.) If it is a mileage goal set benchmarks of how many miles you hope to achieve by certain points throughout the year and so on. Make sure you have deadlines to keep yourself on track.
Abby is a formerly overweight couch potato who started running to get healthier and was shocked when she fell in love with the sport, the feeling, the people, all of it. She talks to strangers on race courses, runs to the side to high five cute kids, and is the person who sticks her entire hand into the community candy bowl at mile 20 of the marathon course. Abby blogs about her journey to live healthier, become a better runner, and lose the weight at BackatSquareZero. Also, find her on Twitter (and Instagram) as @BackatSquare0.