Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Halfway There

Today I'm joining Erika at MCM Mama Runs for TOTR!

I feel like the first six months of 2016 totally flew by; how is it already June? I think now, as the school year draws to a close, is a good time to check in.

In 2016 I didn't make any resolutions, but I did have a general goal in mind to become a more well-rounded athlete, to be consistent, to be dedicated, and to stick to shorter distances. I wanted to focus on speed and I wanted to KISS.
I think I've done just that, and so far, I've truly reaped the benefits.

Become a more well-rounded athlete. This year, I've finally added cross-training into my schedule. I love running, but I do like the improvements I see when I cross-train, and I can tell that interspersing other workouts has helped me to avoid burnout so far this year. I do think it's time for me to increase my cross-training so that I get more out of it, so in the latter half of the year I'm planning to work on that.
Be consistent and dedicated. Having a rough schedule, which I shared last week, has definitely improved my consistency and dedication this year. I feel I'm fully on track here.

Focus on speed and short distances. It has honestly felt so good to not really worry much about long runs and to enjoy running shorter distances at faster speeds. I feel like I'm building and keeping a good base, while also keeping the long game in mind.
My DailyMile training for the last few weeks. Sure, I ran a marathon this spring, but since then I've been diligent about sticking to my goal and making each run purposeful!
KISS. A foolproof schedule. At home workouts. Flexibility. Yep, I'd say I'm definitely keeping things simple and it's paying off.

 Reflecting on these first six months of 2016, I'm really glad I decided to step back from SMART goals that end up feeling impossible to conquer. This new "back to basics" focus has been exactly what I needed! I'm really excited to see what the rest of 2016 brings as I continue to use this year to get stronger and faster and to simply improve as an athlete.

How is your year shaping up so far?
Are you on track for your 2016 goals?

ABK

14 comments:

  1. I love the KISS goal--it makes for more enjoyable workouts, in my opinion. 2016 is shaping up quite well, my race season is about to start next month and I'm feeling pretty ready for it. I did have a slight hiccup with a shin issue, but it seems to be resolving.

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    1. Exactly! I have been really flogging myself the past two years and I was excited to have a year where my focus was much simpler!

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  2. Well, you just reminded me that I need to update the miles on all my shoes, which is one of the goals I've been slacking on.

    While I'll never be fast, I'm much better at shorter races than I am at longer ones. Yet I enjoy the challenge of the longer ones. It's a catch-22!

    Maybe someday when I'm older I'll concentrate on shorter races, but no doubt by the then i'll be even slower . . . another catch 22!

    I think cross training is SO important, and I love doing it at home, too.

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    1. I'm better at shorter races but I enjoy longer ones! I'm hoping focusing on short right now will reignite my love for all distances. So far, I think it's working.

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  3. As someone also gearing up to focus on shorter distances, it is so inspiring how much you are kicking butt at your fitness routine and how happy you are with your new focus. I am slowly working more cross training into my routine with weekly yoga and bike rides. It's not much so far, but I can already tell it's helping me feel more refreshed in my running and prevent burnout/monotony. I'm looking forward to getting into more of a routine with XT and strength once I start my training cycle, but until then I'm trying to enjoy a little bit of structure-free time - I definitely earned it after my intense marathon training cycle this winter!

    I didn't make any big goals at the beginning of the year, but I have started making seasonal goals, and it's going really well. I achieved a lot of my spring ones and looking forward to starting summer!

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    1. I have only followed you as a long distance runner, so it's going to be so fun to watch you focus on your 10k cycle and races. I know cross-training will give you awesome results.

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  4. First, I can't believe 2016 is almost halfway over! That is nuts. Second, you are seriously crushing your goal for the year. You wanted it, so you did it. Great work so far, Ali. Can't wait to keep watching as you grow as a runner!

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    1. I KNOW. I see the end of the school year as the end of the year, but to really step back and notice that 2016 is literally halfway over?! I'm not ready for the election!!! I'm not ready for 2017!!!

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  5. I am trying to do 2,016 miles for this yr and I am no where near that goal. Guess I will have to reevaluate that soon. Cross training definitely helps w my running too.

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    1. The year in miles groups always intimidate me like crazy. Maybe I could do it in km, but I'm always worried I'll end up getting too many unhealthy/junk/injury-prone miles if I set a mileage goal.

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  6. I didn't make any goals this year. But I should be doing more cross-training - I do NONE. That is not good.

    I want to get faster and focus on shorter races but then I keep signing up for half marathons.

    So I guess I need to be happy that I can do both but neither will be PRs.

    You are doing great on your goals. Keep it up!

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    1. I'd like to get a half marathon in this year despite focusing on shorter races. At least one, sometime in October or November, probably! You can have it both ways!

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  7. Good job keeping up with your goals! I think I may have simpler goals next year. I'm hitting all of my goals this year - just kind of getting tired.

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    1. I will say that keeping things simple has helped me avoid fatigue and burnout, for sure!

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