Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Resolutions vs. Goals

It's that time of year again! Time to look ahead to the new year. Everyone resolves to be a better version of themselves. It's important to start the new year off on the right foot.

Do you make resolutions? Or do you set goals?


Resolutions? They're usually pretty loose. This time of year so many people make resolutions like: "I want to lose weight" or "I want to get in shape". The thing with resolutions...there's never an end point. I read somewhere that only 10% of people who make resolutions actually keep them.

I'm a goal setter. If you're a regular reader, you probably already know that. The thing I like about goals is that they are objective and measurable. Goals are achievable. You do it, it's done.

I set 5 big goals at the beginning of 2015. Let's see how I did. 


-Stay injury free. This was a huge, open goal. But totally measurable. Was I injured? Or not? I can honestly say that I ran 99% of this year injury free. Now I'm dealing with plantar fasciitis. I'd consider it a minor injury. I worked really hard with my coach Becky to strengthen my muscles and prevent any major injuries from happening. I don't know that I could have prevented PF. I consider this goal a win. I'm still running, after all...

-Run a sub-4 hour marathon. I did not achieve this goal. As hard as I trained for my 3rd Chicago marathon, prior to running the race, I revised my goal to finish under 4:30. During marathon training, I did not have one confidence building long run the entire summer. Instead of disappointing myself and letting all that hard work go to waste, I finished Chicago strong at 4:25:53. This in spite of struggling with a migraine and some shortness of breath. I paced myself well. Am I disappointed? Well, 4:00 is my BQ. But in light of how my training went and how I felt during the race? I was really happy about my finish time. But I won't lie. I still would love to BQ. This just wasn't my time.

Chicago Marathon 2015
-Run a sub-2 hour half marathon. Done. In fact, I ran 4 of them this year! In March, I was supposed to run the Sarasota Half Marathon, but ongoing mama drama forced me to defer that race and stay home. Instead, I found a local half, the Get Lucky 21k on the same day and signed up. Not only did I hit my goal of a sub 2 half, I PR'd that race and got 2d in my AG with a time of 1:52:08. The heat training I did for Sarasota clearly paid off.

Get Lucky half marathon Chicago 2015
There were a few more halfs.

There was the Great Western Half, where I finished at 1:55:37 and got 2d in my AG again!

Great Western Half Marathon 2015
In September, I ran the very hilly Alpine Runners Half marathon as a warm up to the Chicago marathon and finished 1:55:58. No AG award here, but not vomiting was a win for me.

My partner in crime this year, Sara with me at the Alpine Runners Half Marathon in September
And in November, I summoned up that post marathon fitness and ran a last minute Schaumburg Half Marathon, finishing strong with a 1:52:32. Clearly there are some fast old ladies out there because I came in 6th in my AG. No matter. I was thrilled with my finish! Training? What's that?
Schaumburg Half Marathon
-Manage the mama drama. How do you measure this goal? This seems like more of a resolution, now that I look at it. 2015 was rough for my husband and me, from the parenting perspective. Parenting teens is not for the wimpy. After some really, really bad months last winter with my oldest, we seem to be heading in a positive direction. He graduated from high school (early!) in December and is starting at the local community college in January. He's kept a steady job for most of the year. And we're talking again. A lot. My youngest son is staying the course, with a few bumps in the road, but nothing that we can't handle. I'm hoping for a much smoother 2016 in the mama department. I'm booking my plane ticket to Sarasota if that means anything. I've got some unfinished business to attend to.

-Grow my blog. Oh, my. 2015 was a great year for my blog. I've connected with some amazing master bloggers who have readily shared advice and guidance. I've had fun watching my readership grow. I'm still all about writing quality content and interacting with my readers. That has been really fun for me, and I've been able to meet more bloggers this year! I've met Susie from SuzLyfe!

The Suz and me at the Chicago Marathon expo
I also got to meet Zenaida Arroyo and Emily from Out and About.

At the CARA Lakefront 10 miler: Erin, Marcia, Sara, Me, Zenaida, and Emily

Also Kim from Running on the Fly who I am hoping to run a race with in the summer of 2016. Iowa, anyone?

Serving up the donuts for the ultra runners at Christmas in July: Kim, Michelle, Penny, Maggie, Teri, and Karen
There have been more giveaways and relationships with product vendors. The book club hasn't gone crazy with readership but I've really enjoyed the author interviews, and some of them have been my most popular posts! I was thrilled to have a response from almost every author I've reached out to.  Oh yeah, and I got my own domain name! 

One other goal I set was my mileage goal for the year. Tiffany from Thoroughly Thriving started Run This Year a few years ago. This was the first year I participated, and in January, I set a goal to run 1252 miles (2015 kms). Normally, I set a goal to run 100 miles/month, so I knew this would be pushing it for me. But I thought it would be fun. I'm not done yeat but I am really close--as of today, I have 4 miles to go--and even though my foot is not happy about it, I am thrilled to be able to say that this goal is a done deal. This is the last year that Tiffany is hosting Run This Year and I'm glad I was able to participate. The support was amazing.


The best part of 2015 was all the amazing support I received from the running community via my blog and social media! I truly believe that all the success I had on the road was largely in part to all of you. As I've said all year, it takes a village to train a runner...

What's next? I'll share my upcoming goals for 2016 on Friday!

What do you think about goals vs resolutions? Do you set goals? Make resolutions? Did you meet your 2015 goals?

I'm linking up with DebRuns for Wednesday Word! Today's word is resolutions. Of course! Check out what everyone else is saying.











I'm also linking up with Julie at Running in a Skirt for the The Best of the Blogs! This is a good one..













And at Wild Workout Wednesday with Angelina Marie, Annmarie, Nicole, and Michelle!

86 comments :

  1. Love it! Especially the resolution vs. goals! The word resolution has gotten a bad rap! You should totally join us for the Wild Workout Wednesday Link up! Hope to see you there!

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  2. Congrats on a very awesome running year Wendy! Loved following all those races and accomplishments, especially achieving 2015 km (Wow!) for this year. Resolutions versus goals? I don't believe in New Year's resolutions - it's just another date, but a goal is something so much more distinct and focused. So, it would be goals for me. Happy New Running Year!:)

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    1. I'm looking forward to seeing you run that WDW marathon! What a great way to start the year! And thanks for following along.

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  3. I've had a great time connecting this year. I've enjoyed reading about your running adventures. I'm more of a goal person too and I'll set those goals throughout the year.
    Thanks for linking up!! #BestofBlogs Shared on twitter!

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    1. Me too. I've loved getting to know a fellow weather junkie! I can't wait to see what 2016 brings for you.

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  4. One goal, sub-nine-minute mile.
    Resolution: To take more time to enjoy my other less active passions. Needlework, reading, writing, cooking, and baking have all gone by the wayside for some time. As I head into the last lap (3.5 years) before retirement (from work, not life!), I plan to get back to these grand loves of mine.

    Congratulations on your older son graduating early! I missed that along the way. I wish him the best of luck, and you and your husband as well, as he gets his feet wet in higher education. All good news on that front. I am so happy for you.

    I can wait to read about your final four miles for 2015!
    Wishing you success in all your goals, and much Love, Joy, and Peace in 2016.

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    1. It's been wonderful getting to know you this year Connie! Your support has been incredible, and my goal for our friendship is that we will get to meet in person one day!

      Happy New Year!

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    2. Same here. You made me teary.
      It will happen.

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  5. It has been great following along and getting to know you this year, Wendy! Congrats on all those sub-2 halves :) Happy New Year!

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    1. I've enjoyed reading about all your running adventures too! I hope 2016 brings you lots of fun miles and other good things too!

      Happy New Year!

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  6. Parenting teens is not for the weak!! I am not a resolution person either-but I am a goal person. You have continued to inspire me with your achievements this year. I love how you are kicking butt in your age group and beyond. Here's to injury free 2016

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    1. This has been a great year and getting to know you has really been a big part of that!

      PF be damned!

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  7. I think your blog has come a long way in the past year. keep up the good work.

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  8. I too tend to stay away from the Resolution road and jump on the goal road. I just mapped out my running goals for 2016. It is exciting to have something to reach towards and see personal growth. What a great year you had! Wishing you the best in 2016!

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    1. I haven't mapped out my goals for 2016 yet but I have an idea of what those goals will be..

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  9. I'm more of a think about it and then just deal with whatever comes my way, lol. I am so glad that we got to meet. And we will meet again soon and have a get together!

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    1. We need to do that. A get together and then a race. I can't wait to see you back on the road.

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  10. Yay for hitting your goal mileage! It's been an amazing year around here and I'm glad the mama drama has eased up for you. I'm bracing for some although, knock wood, all quiet on that front for now.

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    1. I'm hoping 2016 is less eventful for me! And hoping for maybe some company in Florida?

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  11. Way to crush those halves this year! I know your sub four hour is coming! I am glad I connected with you this year! :)

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    1. I'll get it...but I better get it soon before the inevitable slow down comes.... :p

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  12. Really happy to read the positive update on your oldest son. Can you please just come run Shamrock with me in March and pace me to a sub2 finish? :) Happy New Year, Wendy! I'm so glad we connected this year!

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    1. I have a better idea, you come to Florida with me in March and we'll run together. Altho I don't guarantee a sub 2 half in those conditions!

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  13. It's been so wonderful following you on your blog and seeing you do so well in your races, congratulations!!

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    1. I love that we've gotten to know each other so well through our blogs!

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  14. I feel like resolutions are so much easier to walk away from. Goals feel more concrete to me. Looks like you had a great year of running and racing! And congrats on staying injury free - sometimes that's more impressive than any race finish :)

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  15. I would have to say I do a little bit of both...I make a resolution every year...but it's usually very specific and not something like "eat healthy" etc. This year my resolution is to cook 2 new to us/healthy meals. I'm not much of a cook...and I want to get better in the kitchen!

    I also set mini-goals all year long...I break it up into quarterly goals and modify as needed :) My spring goal is a 1:40 half marathon!!

    Thanks for sharing and great job on your 2015 goals!!!

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    1. I guess I do a little of both as well, but I do like goals better. I can actually see the outcome with a goal.

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  16. You had an awesome year!!! All those sub-2 hour halves - woohoo! I think 2016 is going to be even better!

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    1. It will certainly be a lot of fun with all the destination races I'm hoping to do!

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  17. Congrats on a great year! I'm glad I found your blog about a month ago and can't wait to see what 2016 has in store for you!

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    1. I'm glad you found it too! I'll go check out yours! Let's make 2016 epic!

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  18. Congrats on a great year. I'm glad I got to finally "meet" you this year, too.

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    1. We met last year! At the Underground Polar Express Run. Now we've had 2 races together! Hope for more.

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  19. I was also at the marathon expo the same time you were there. :-) You had a fantastic year and cannot wait to see how 2016 goes for you. Oh, and great job on those sub 2 half marathons.

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    1. I wish I'd known you were at the expo! I was so overwhelmed and it would have been great to see a familiar face.

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  20. I'm not really a a set goals or make resolutions kinda gal, but I do make "plans". Perhaps i'm just afraid to call them goals...haha.
    I chuckled at your statement that everyone ones a better version of themselves for the new year. To be honest, I just want to be lazy..lol. 2015 was a whirlwind for me. It's now time to slow down! Can't wait to see what 2016 brings for you!

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    1. I'm with you--not that I want to be lazy, but I"m definitely going to slow down and have some fun with my races this year!

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  21. I like how ou compared resolutions to goals. My resolution of hiring an on-line training coach will help me achieve the goal of having a healthy, fun running year. You had a great year! and I can't wait to meet you in Sarasota- books that ticket!

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    1. I cannot wait to meet you either. I'm working on Marcia--she's thinking about joining me!

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  22. Woo hoo, you had a great year! And congrats on meeting that 2015 in 2015 milestone--that's huge! I sometimes shy away from using the term "resolution" because you're right--resolutions are often wishy-washy and are often just made to be broken. Goals, on the other hand, especially SMART goals, can help you change your life. I hope 2016 is just as successful for you as 2015 was! :)

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    1. 2016 is going to be different than 2015 but I'm hoping it is going to be just as much fun!

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  23. I have definitely stopped making resolutions and started making goals instead (that's actually my post next week....) What a great year you had! I think that I will probably put run a sub-2 half on my goals for next year (best time 2:03 so I think doable.) So happy that things are on the upswing with your oldest, and soooo happy to have connected through the blogging world with you.

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    1. You could totally hit that sub-2 half. I cannot wait to see what you do at LA. And I'm glad to connect with you as well! I hope we get to meet IRL.

      Looking forward to your post next week.

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  24. I set, and met, several goals this year. All in all 2015 was a really good year with a marathon PR and no injuries! One more day then we're all at zero again.

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  25. You had an AMAZING year and seeing all your fabulous pictures brought a huge smile to my face. I am blown away by how much you crushed that sub-2 half marathon goal. Way to rock it!!! I am so thrilled that we got to meet in person this year and I am super excited for what next year has in store for both of us!!!

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    1. I'm stunned by that half marathon thing too. Why oh why couldn't that have morphed to the marathon? Oh well..

      I can't wait to see you in 2016--we need to plan a race to meet up at!

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  26. I love this and you are so right Goals are much more solid than resolutions it even sounds more solid, GOALS! You are truly an inspiration and have done so much in 2015 great job!

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    1. I'm so glad to have "met" you through your blog! You are doing pretty great yourself. I can't wait to see what 2016 brings!

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  27. You have been a busy lady this year! I agree, I am all about those goals because resolutions often lose their sparkle in a few weeks. Every year I set a few reminders for myself and a lofty list of goals. I love a good challenge. :)

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    1. I can't wait to see what 2016 brings. My goals are going to be a little more broad--less performance and more about the experience. Should be interesting!

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  28. You have enjoyed a very successful 2015. I can't wait to follow along next year as you continue with your PR's and age group awards. I am always surprised how many older women there are that run very speedy times. But then the age group awards are that much sweeter when you don't get one at every race. Or that is my theory anyway. Hope the parenting goes better in 2016!

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    1. I would have to agree with you about the age group awards. I never expect them and it's always a nice bonus when it happens!

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  29. You certainly have had a great year! I have enjoyed keeping up with you and especially seeing how your training. I guess I got the tail end of the mama drama stuff or you hide it really well, but I'm glad the roads are smoother for you. I don't think with raising teens, there is ever a smooth road thought. One minute they are Jekyll the other Hyde! I will say this, when you look back this will be only a small sliver of time in the scheme of things. Press on my friend, press on! 2016 is going to be amazing for you!

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    1. I try not to dwell too much here on my personal stuff..its not fair to my family plus this is a running blog, right? But I do talk a lot about how running helps me with the stress in my life. I'm so glad to have gotten to know you through my blog and I can't wait until we get to meet up!

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  30. I am a goal setter too- so much easier to work towards a goal once you have a plan. You rocked 2015 and no doubt you'll rock 2016 too!

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    1. I need to make a plan for 2016! But first, this PF has to calm down or there will be no rocking anything!

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  31. I was never one for resolutions but a few years ago I started setting goals - usually no more than 5. I think its so important because its the best way to see your progress year to year.

    I've really enjoyed connecting with you thus year!

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    1. I've loved getting to know you through your blog! I hope we get to connect IRL this year!

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  32. Obviously I do like goals over resolutions. Mine are not set in stone yet, and the ones I shared today are just running goals -- I have goals in other areas too! Like growing the blog . . . :)

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    1. You've done a great job so far with the blog! I can't wait to see what's to come!

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  33. I loved this post! You are such an authentic wonderful person and I so glad I am "getting to know" you thru blogging!

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    1. Same here! This blogging community is amazing. Thanks for all your kindness and support!

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  34. what a wonderful year for you! I've really enjoyed getting to know you and your blog. You inspire me! Here's to more connecting in 2016!!!

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  35. I'm so glad I got to know you this year! I'm looking forward to following you in 2016.

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  36. Way to knock out those goals! I love that you've set some super tough goals too and even though you might not have reach them yet, you came so close trying! I bet it would have been a different story if that goal was there hanging over your head. This inspires me to write out my goals ASAP. only one day of 2015 left!

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    1. I can't wait to read your recap!!! I'm working on my goals for 2016--I'll post that on Friday.

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  37. Over the years I've gone from resolutions, goals, to intentions. I think I've been back to referring to them as goals this year. Intentions was my favorite so I have no idea why I changed again. It's all a mindset game.

    I will of course continue following your amazing running journey in the new year :)

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    1. I love the idea of setting an intention. Intentions are so much more meaningful and deep--life changing. Goals are just goals, an objective to meet and complete. And resolutions are much more loose.

      We should set some of each, I think!!

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  38. Girl, I am so proud of you. You kicked some serious ass this year. I am so happy for you with the mama drama too, I know how much you were struggling and hurting and I am SO Happy to hear this is turning in the right direction. Graduating from high school early and starting college early is HUGE. You are totally doing something right! I can't wait to see what is in store for you next year!! XOXO

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    1. I hope everything you say is true! I am so grateful for all your support and friendship. I hope we get to meet IRL very soon! I may have to put DC on my travelogue...

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  39. Congrats on meeting most of your goals and looking forward to read your 2016 goals. Like you I have a few in mind but haven't written it down yet. And no more resolutions for me - you're right about it seeming to have no end point. On another note, I'm interested in your book club. I love to read but haven't made time for it (hey that may be one of my 2016 goals). I started reading Fast Girl already - quite interesting! Happy to connect with you��

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    1. Oh good! I hope you can link up a review with me for that book. Should be an interesting book club...it was a quick read, but hmmmm....

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  40. This was such a great year for you! I am also a goal setter but I have tried not to worry too much on a time limit for them- I just like having things to work towards. You accomplished so much this year and I loved following along! Looking forward to seeing what 2016 brings for you. Happy New Year!

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    1. Back at you! This year has been great in so many ways, including getting to know some amazing bloggers!! Happy New Year to you!

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  41. It sounds like you did pretty well with your 2015 goals. I'm still working on my 2016 goals, but I plan to make them a little more fun this year. Stay tuned!

    Thanks for linking up!

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  42. Look at you. Isn't it geat to look back at all that you have accomplished in 2015!

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  43. I think you make a great point about goals versus resolutions. I feel like resolutions are often a "pie in the sky" kind of thing where as goals tend to be SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, etc.). But I feel like you can also achieve a resolution by making goals. You can use small goals to chip away at a big change (the resolution), kind of like how we use a training plan to get to that big goal :)

    Happy New Year!

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