Monday, June 8, 2015

Check-In: 2015 Goals

My computer flashed the blue screen of death a few days ago and refused to turn back on. Today, as I randomly tried to troubleshoot it, doing all the same things I've been doing all week, it suddenly decided to work! Who knows how long this will last, but for now, I'm glad to be back!
At the beginning of the year, I set some lofty goals for myself; I'm a little afraid to do a check-in. May leaves me feeling pretty beat up and washed out; I barely ran at all because my energy levels were naught. Still, I think facing those shortcomings will help me get back on track faster.
1. I started out strong this year, but after my last half marathon my workouts really suffered. I know the last two months will just be a blip on the radar in the long run of running - because it's a lifelong endeavor - and I need to accept that I took this time off and move forward.
2. I actually kept up with this for awhile, but my real plan was to add cross training into my year slowly. Now that school's out, I plan to attend yoga on Thursdays (one of my colleagues teaches for free in the local park) and try some barre classes with my runner friends. I'm looking into joining a gym again, too...I want to cross train in a way that will actually help my running.
3.  I'm really behind on this goal, as I haven't been doing any speed work. Once I'm back on track with being consistent, I'll add this back in. (My marathon plan this fall also incorporates very specific speed work, so I know that will help.) I usually save this goal for fall/winter races anyway!
4. Speedwork. See above!

Over all, if I'm being honest, I'd have to give myself a C on working toward meeting this year's goals. I was trucking along nicely until April; I know I'll get back to it. I plan to finish this year with a solid, hard-earned A!
How are your 2015 goals coming along?
How do you get back on track after life happens?

ABK

18 comments:

  1. To be honest....I didn't even set 2015 goals....I know...I know...bad girl! I guess my objective of trying something new is being worked on with obstacle racing. You are doing great....it's all about balance!

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    1. Goals work for some people and not for others. I think having a general objective in mind is obviously working well for you!

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  2. I was on a mission as you know, for Phoenix Marathon and was in the best shape of my life. I'm hoping to get back there--but even better!!--as I prep for Chicago Marathon :)
    Luckily, we still have time to meet our goals!

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    1. Wouldn't life be easier if, after training your heart out, you didn't need a rest period at all?! I'd like to stay in marathon shape year-round!

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  3. I don't really set goals, which I know is kind of ridiculous...lol. Well at least not out loud or publicly. I always strive to do my best and work hard but I don't really set expectations for myself in a way that puts too much pressure on me. I used to do that and it ended up being counter-productive. I am just too competitive I guess, lol. I know that some people can be goal-oriented and it works awesome! I really wanted to get a marathon PR for a long time now and when I finally did at Boston it was awesome! So I guess that was a goal of mine. :)

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    1. You seem to set goals per race, which makes sense to me! Maybe I need to set my goals in different timelines or something to help me stay on top of them.

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  4. You have some good goals! I think that's a great idea to involve friends with some goals like doing cross-training together. Good way to keep accountable and it's more fun too! I set some 2015 goals, but right now my mileage goals aren't looking good. I have shortened up some runs here and there when my legs just weren't feel in' it over the past few months and it's really added up. But, honestly I'm not upset about being a bit behind. Sometimes you have to re-evaluate your goals too. Pushing to get through a few extra miles and potentially end up injured is never good either. Good luck on meeting your goals this year!

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    1. Re-evaulating is really important. Our bodies aren't machines, and sometimes our minds set goals without taking physical ability and health into account. I'd rather adjust my goals and stay healthy, too!

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  5. Cross training in a way that will help your running- yes!!! :) I know I am judge-y when I say I don't "get' all those different classes people take.

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    1. Yeah, I don't get them either. I'm primarily a runner, so that's what I aim to improve. I guess some people just like to workout in all different ways and find new, fun things to try without a specific sport in mind!

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  6. I feel like you and I are in the same boat right now. We had really solid starts to the year but my training has been on a downward spiral for the last couple of months. Today was Day 1 of ramping back up for me to make sure my base is solid when marathon training starts again later this month. I know we'll both be back on track in no time!

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    1. Yes, we ARE in the same boat! Except I'm reaaaally behind on getting back into the running groove. I think we both had strong starts that necessitated some time off. I'm glad I'm not the only one kind of starting over!

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  7. Aw don't be so hard on yourself! Yoga should be a great way to cross-train. Goals are great and they keep you honest, which is why when I'm training I try to "grade" myself each week. You got the rest of the year to handle business!

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    1. I like the idea of grading myself every week...more instant feedback might mean I stay on top of my training better.

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  8. I didn't set any goals for this year. Last year I set two pretty big goals for myself, to PR in the half marathon and to run a full marathon. I did both so I'm taking a little breather and trying new things this year. I think it is a much needed break for me! I know you will definitely get back on track and finish the year with an A!

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    1. I love that you're giving yourself a break this year after meeting two huge goals last year! That's how you play it smart!

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  9. I know all about the computer issues as I'm having them too. I think it's time for me to suck it up and buy a new one. (Why does everything have to break at the same time??) as far as goals, I understand all too well about burnout. You definitely had a busy few months and it's easy to get behind. I am taking some time off of running a lot as I reached training burn out after my last race. I'm doing some cross training in hopes to improve my stamina and muscle building. Sometimes we just need a break !

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    1. Ugh yes, everything DOES break at once!! I'm glad my computer randomly decided to work again.

      I agree, sometimes we just need a break. Burnout happens!

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