Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Goals for 2016 #thefitdish


The best part about the end of a year is it gives you a chance to review what you've done and set goals for the upcoming year. Since I'm done racing for this year I have been thinking ahead to 2016 and what goals I'd like to accomplish. Kind of funny, when I ran my first marathon, I thought that I'd met all the big life goals I had set for myself. Then I turned 50 and had this whole--"oh my gosh, I want to maximize the time I have left!". Pretty dramatic, I know. I've calmed down since then, but I haven't been complacent either! In fact, I've decided to kick middle age squarely in the ass. In the past 3 years, I've set PRs for every distance I've run. Just goes to show you that you should never let yourself be defined by a number.


So, looking to the future, what do I have in mind for next year?

Instead of focusing on speed and setting more PRs, I've decided that 2016 is going to be...drum roll, please...

"THE YEAR OF DESTINATION RACES". 

I'm not quite sure if my husband is completely on board with this, but so far I'm committed to (and he's agreed to them) 2 races. I'm signed up for the Sarasota Half Marathon in March and the Big Sur International Marathon in April. Becky and I have been discussing my training, and it's going to be a lot different than my training for Chicago. When I trained for Chicago, I was chasing a BQ. Although Big Sur is a Boston qualifier, this is a bucket list race for me, and I plan to enjoy the course and the scenery without the pressure of running for a time goal. The course has a net elevation gain (and loss) of 2000 feet, so my training will include a lot of glute strengthening and some hill work. This is new for me. It's pancake flat here in the Chicago area, so I need to work on that.


I'm not planning on running any other marathons in 2016, but I've got my eyes on a couple halfs that I'd like to do. After seeing everyone's posts on RnR Las Vegas, I'm going to put that race on my must-do list. My husband is completely on board with that. I told him he could go to the casino while I run. I see that as a win=win all around. I know this is super crowded and I'm not one for big races, but RnR LV just looks like so much fun! 

There are a few other races I'm considering for later in the year as well, including local races, but I'm not thinking much past Big Sur at this point. Stay tuned.

Something you might not think about but is a very real concern for me is that destination races take me out of my comfort zone. Let's face it, waking up in my own bed, eating my own food, and driving my own car to a race is pretty simple. Traveling throws my pre-race routine for a loop. So not only will this be a physical challenge, running the races, but it will also be a mental challenge for me. The struggle is real. I continue to make some nice progress in the mental toughness department, and I'm looking forward to stretching even further beyond my comfy routine. Yes, this is a goal.

One of my favorite mantras.
Another goal includes my perpetual goal of hitting at least 100 miles per month. I've done fairly well with this goal for the last couple of years. I'm on track to hit close to 1200 miles for this year. Only 3 weeks to go, and I'm at 1165 miles for the year.

I'm hoping to connect with more bloggers in real life through all these destination races! Mary Beth, Kristina, and Teresa...I'm talking about you! Kim...thinking Iowa might be in the plans this year!

Finally, take notice that I have no time goals. No PRs. You all know I love me some speed. But this year is all about enjoying the ride. And if some speedy finish times just happen, well, that's all good too!

How about you? Do you have any exciting goals for 2016? 

Be sure to check out Jill and Jessica's blogs to see what everyone else is saying!

I'm also linking up with Marcia, Patti, and Erika for Tuesdays on the Run!







74 comments :

  1. I haven't thought much about goals for next year yet.. I should get on it! I do have 2 maybe 3 halfs planned and a Ragnar Relay in Hawaii. I am thinking this year will be less about speed and more about enjoying the ride too. More trails, more fun, less sticking to a plan

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    1. I hadn't thought much about 2016 (except for those 2 races) but this blog prompt kind of pushed me in that direction!

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  2. If RnR Vegas is in the stars for you, do not wait on a hotel. They fill and the prices skyrocket quickly. But by all means DO it! Big Sur is going to be epic!
    Me? I will get over the swim terror. And make it across that friggin lake in Pleasant Prairie...and maaaaybe book London 2017....

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    1. We'll see how things roll out after Big Sur.

      London would be amazing.

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  3. Would you believe me if I told you I just did a back flip? (me neither...I'm not THAT agile this time of the day)WOOT WOOT!!!!! I have some awesome ideas of events you should consider in Iowa, the first one being Dam to Dam, which is early June this year (first Saturday after Memorial Day). And the Bix-7 is the end of July (Meb has been there the past couple years, just saying). And RnR Vegas is on my bucket list!!! (maybe in 2016?)

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    1. Oh yes! I'm thinking maybe that Bix? If it doesn't conflict with Venus de Miles.

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  4. RnR LV IS fun. I had no trouble convincing my husband to do that . . . twice. He's all about LV (considering he went twice this year).

    I really don't know what it's like to sleep in my own bed before a big race. My 15k is the closest I've ever come, since I travel for all the halfs! For me, though, that's "half" the fun.

    We are still negotiating which halfs I'm planning on next year. My husband really is a major part of it, so usually I just present him with a few and let him choose -- unless there is one I really really really want to do (like Heartbreak).

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    1. Normally he doesn't care where I run but since I need to spend $$ for the travels, he needs to be on board!

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  5. I have one goal only for next year, which I've been chasing for three years now: get below 9:00 for a mile. Only once and I will be happy. I have a training plan in hand, written by a friend who is a certified coach. I know I can do it. My fastest right now is 9:06, so it's within reach. I put this goal aside while concentrating on finishing a half marathon. Now is the time. Well, 2016 is the time.

    I am close to achieving my final goal for this year: 400 miles in 2015. I'm not sure I can reach it, I have a bit less than 24 miles left, but at the very least, with my next run I will surpass last year's 376 which is my record for a year. With some vacation days and, hopefully short days while faculty and students are out for Christmas break, I may be able to sneak in enough weekday miles to reach my goal. I'm crossing my fingers on that one.

    No races on tap, yet, for next year, though I would not rule out a fund-raiser 5K or two. No destinations. We don't travel so that is not even on the table. (I wish we were traveling to Chicago!)

    Mostly I'm looking forward to a bit of stress-free running.

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    1. That sub-9 is definitely within your reach! What an amazing year you've had!

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  6. I'm keeping Boston on the "it could happen" list. I am just not ready to give up on it yet! I would be totally okay with run/walking it, btw. But my goal for this coming year is to get my bones healthy and (GULP) start a family. WHOA

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    1. I would still love to run Boston! My BQ is so within reach, but I don't know if I want to train that hard ever again. Altho I am reaping the benefits from it now.

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  7. I hope you will consider running Rock 'n' Roll Chicago next year. That's one of my destination races for 2016 and I'd love to meet you!

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    1. I am definitely considering RnR Chicago! If I do, for sure we need to meet up! <3

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  8. It is so much easier to and comfortable to race close to home. My half is this weekend in FL and I am so nervous about traveling it is actually making me less nervous for the race. Big Sur- I can't think of a cooler destination race! I haven't thought about 2016 yet, I want to see how many body is holding up after this weekend!

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  9. Big Sur is amazing! Be sure to just enjoy it and take it all in with many beautiful views along the course. So stop and take pics. It surely is not for time but for the experience. So cool!

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  10. I can totally relate to your thoughts on destination races taking you out of your comfort zone. I have anxiety about sleeping in hotels (I have an irrational fear of bedbugs) so I often do not get much sleep. But, there are so many races that I am interested in that are destination. I've done two so far and have survived so I plan to do more, but there really is nothing better than waking up from my own bed to go race:) Great goals for the new year!

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    1. I don't have a fear of bedbugs (altho it is a very real thing) but I get a little discombobulated without my kitchen!

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  11. Sounds like you have a great 2016 planned! I didn't really train for time goals this year (not for longer than a week or two anyway, haha) and it felt great. It's nice to work on enjoying the run and not worrying about whether you're hitting the pace you should be training at if you're going to hit your time goal. And I love the idea of training for destination races! Races are an awesome way to get to travel and explore new places. Looking forward to hearing about all of the races you sign up for!

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  12. So funny you posted this because i'm doing several destination races myself in 2016. Most excited about vancouver marathon in early May but there are a couple of others i have on my list too. :)

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  13. I LOVE your goals for the year, and especially that you're not focused on speed. Over the years I've been pretty obsessed with trying to hit time goals, and it can get SO STRESSFUL. It really is wonderful to just let loose and enjoy running for what it is - especially amidst great destinations! Racecations are the BEST! SO excited for you to run Big Sur! RnR Las Vegas is on my bucket list, too. =)

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    1. This year is all about fun! Of course, I still have my standards..

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  14. I think that's some awesome goals for 2016. Mine is completely in reverse. This year was all about destination races and next year is all about speed and PRs!

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  15. Hill training - Bull Valley. Valley Hi or Valley Hill, I can't remember which it is. 2 great hills.

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  16. I think I need to forget the time goals. It is so disappointing when you don't make them My times are all over the place even when I train the same way and on the same course. I never know if I'm going to be fast or slow.

    My recent half was 20 minutes slower then one on a similar course in January plus I PRed at my 15k in November. Go figure!!

    I have to keep telling myself that when I was injured I said that I didn't care if I ran fast as long as I could run.

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    1. That would be frustrating, not being consistent with your times! I'll always have a time goal, I'm just scaling them back.

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  17. I do love to travel for half marathons. I don't care about which state I run in but I usually stay with someone I know because that's the only way I can afford it.

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  18. Sounds like you're going to have an awesome 2016! I've got a few races I'll be traveling to this year as well, but I'm so envious of you running Big Sur! Can't wait to hear about your training!

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  19. I hear you about destination races being a pain. I worry that I will forget something critical. So, I just make sure I make a checklist and check it over twice before I leave. In the worst case scenario, as long as I remember to pack my shoes, I can pretty much buy everything else when I get to the expo!

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    1. I usually forget something...I haven't forgotten my shoes yet, tho!

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  20. Haha--that turning 50 really messes with your head!

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  21. I haven't set my 2016 goals yet. I'm thinking shorter races instead of a marathon, but not sure.

    I'm a California native and I LOVE the Big Sur area! It is absolutely gorgeous! You will want a few extra days to just enjoy our coast, you'll be close to Monterey and Carmel, two of my favorite places.

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    1. Oh yes! We've got a week to fill. We went to this area for our honeymoon, and haven't been back since. I'd like to see Yosemite.

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    2. Oh now you've hit on one of my other favorites! I grew up in Fresno, so Yosemite was in our backyard. Totally worth the drive. I hope you're going post marathon so you can enjoy some hiking without worrying about trashing your legs!

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  22. Glad to hear that you're planning on enjoying the course at Big Sur - it's one that honestly, you shouldn't rush through.

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  23. Haven't thought too hard about my goals. I am thinking one race a month. I already have 2 destination races scheduled and my first marathon, so that will be a good start. Mileage per month is a good goal too....

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  24. I think these are great goals!! And I totally think you should do Vegas! I'm trying to convince my hubby to let me do it again next year :)

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    1. Well, that would just be the best if we were both there! Fingers crossed!

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  25. I have 2 halfs planned but I haven't really thought about goals for 2016. Yeah for RnR LV! I missed Vegas because of my surgery so I'm hoping to go next year.

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  26. Lots of great goals, Wendy! I like your vision for RnR Vegas. Sounds like you'd both be able to have a lot of fun out there!

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    1. That's the best thing about Vegas...something for everyone! Truly.

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  27. Great goals. I'd love to do a destination race too. Though right now I'd settle for being able to do more races here in Wisconsin; getting outdoors for a running/swimming/triathlon race is a great way to explore a new place.

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    1. I'm probably going to do a Wisconsin race to qualify as a "destination" race...I'm looking at the Summerfest half or the Milwaukee running festival...

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  28. Sounds like great goals. My goals have obviously shifted. Not sure if I will still do my full or not. My goal is to get through this next year with my sanity lol.

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  29. I did RnR Vegas 2 years ago and loved it! I'd like to go back next year too

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  30. You have great goals for next year! I'm impressed by 100 miles / month :) I haven't even started thinking about 2016 goals... I should probably hop to it.

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    1. I hadn't thought much beyond Big Sur, but this blog prompt forced me to look ahead. I need a blog prompt to get me board with Christmas shopping.

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  31. What?! You're 50? No way. And I'm not just saying that to be nice. I seriously would put you at maybe 42 on the high end after stalking your instagram photos. At any rate, a year of destination races sounds amazing and perfect. Feel free to come run in the pacific northwest! My only goal next year is to survive child birth and new mommy hood. lol

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    1. I hate the idea of being in my 50s but I love that I'm crushing everyone's vision of what it's like to be in your 50s! And at one of my races this year, I chased a woman to the finish line who I later found out was 60!

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  32. Wendy, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your goals.... I am all about destination races.... I want to run in as many places as I can...in the world of beyonce "Who runs the world? Girls".... and when you are doing destination races on new courses, yes you shouldn't worry about PR's but just the experience.... I love this plan. Anyway, I'm thinking you may end up with an unexpected PR or two along the way anyway.

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    1. I'm sure that I will run a few of those races for time...but I really love the idea of doing some traveling next year!!!

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  33. Wendy your determination (and so many other things about you) inspire me with every post. I will continue to follow your running journey in the new year. Focusing on enjoying the journey is a remarkable feeling.

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    1. Yep, and yesterday our sports med doc told me I was "crazy". If being determined to live life to the fullest is "crazy", then sign me up!

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  34. RnR LV is at the top of my bucket list! I have no problem waking up in a different city, if fact I do love it! I'm not sure what all will be on my 2016 goals list. I guess I don't worry as much as I should on time goals anyway. I don't think Boston is in my reach right now. One thing I'd like to try to do is a Ragnar! I've been thinking about it lately. But right now my eyes are on the prize of becoming a marathoner!!!

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    1. You seem like you would relish the adventure of destination races! I need to be more adventurous!

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  35. This is a great plan for 2016! Very smart to take a break from chasing certain time goals. I have no idea what my goals will be for 2016. I'm still just in reset mode after my marathon!

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    1. I have those 2 races on the calendar and nothing firm after that. But I know what I'd like to do...

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  36. oh yea! I am seeing you in March! Bring on 2016! Can't wait!

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    1. I am so excited about meeting you! These destination races are going to have all kinds of fringe benefits!

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  37. The destination races sound AWESOME!!! I would love to do Big Sur, definitely a bucket list race!

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