Friday, January 1, 2016

2016: Goals, Resolutions, and Intentions #AMRresolutions

Happy New Year everyone!

I've written a few posts recapping my year on the road and reviewing my goals from 2015. Now it's time to talk about my goals for 2016!

Dimity and Sarah from Another Mother Runner are once again hosting their annual declaration of running resolutions. Actually, they call them intentions. Being the goal oriented person that I am, I'm still all about making my resolutions, goals, intentions, or whatever you call them to be measurable and attainable. So here we go....


You may have already read my post a few weeks ago where I've declared 2016 to be my Year of the Destination Races! I shared some of my plans and ideas about how I'd like this to go down. How fun is this going to be? I'm not sure how my husband feels about this, but I'm both excited and nervous about what's to come. Dimity and Sarah say they want this to be about pushing out of our comfort zones. In that post, I wrote about that too.

Ok, then, I'm in.

If you look at the races I have picked already and the ones that I'm considering, there is one common theme here...these races are all about the experience. These are destination races, they are run on beautiful courses, and for me, are not about time goals. Or as I like to say, "it's about finish lines, not finish times!"

Yep, this year I'm going to try to tamp down my competitive urges and enjoy the ride.

Do you realize how hard this will be for me? I love to race and I love to run fast. I'm deliberately taking this year to try to slow down and breathe. I go at 150 mph from the moment I get up in the morning until I lay down to go to sleep. I thought you were supposed to mellow with age, but that hasn't happened to me yet. Can I make it happen? We'll see.

That's not to say I won't try to challenge myself at all this year. I mean come on, it's me we're talking about! I do love me some speed...

On with the goals...


My main goal for 2016 is to slow down and enjoy the ride.

What else do I want to accomplish in 2016?

Stay injury free. Can I have a repeat goal from 2015? Let's make it an ongoing goal. I'm going to continue to be smart about my training with low, meaningful mileage and lots of cross-training. That means for my spring marathon, speedwork on the treadmill and heat training...on the treadmill. For this race, I'll need to do some hill training too. I'll continue to work with Becky on strength training and whatever else she throws my way. It's been a formula for success. I'll also do yoga at least twice a week, once in the studio and the rest at home. I'm going to try to get on the bike at least once/week, weather permitting.

Be more mindful. As I said above, I go full speed every day, and I get overwhelmed pretty easily. There's too much multitasking in my life. Yesterday on my run, I turned around at the halfway point and headed back home. As I stepped gingerly over an icy patch on the path, I realized that I didn't even remember crossing it the first time. My bright yellow running shoes have a big brown mud spot on them now and I have no idea where the heck it came from! I have to work harder at staying in the present moment. This means slowing down and breathing. My family, friends, and co-workers would probably appreciate that too. This also means not attending to every message and text as soon as it comes in. Pranayama (breathing exercises) and mindful meditation. More yoga. Less media.

Meet up with blogging/running friends in real life! One of the best things that's come out of this blog is getting to meet all the fantastic people who I've gotten to know through blogging. If any of you reading this are going to be at a race that I'm planning on running please reach out to me. I love meeting my virtual friends!

Continue to grow the blog. I focused a lot of my energy on Facebook and Instagram this year, and was really rewarded with followers! So now it's time to learn more about Pinterest, which is a huge source of followers for a lot of bloggers. I still don't quite get how Pinterest works, and so I'm going to do some homework to figure out how it fits in with the blogging scheme. I've mostly been using it to store memes and recipes. My Pinterest boards make me look like a hoarder. Time to get organized.

No matter what I do this year, I'm still all about putting out quality content. I won't write just to make a sponsor happy. The blog will always be all me, all the time.

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Finally, I wanted to make a comment about setting an intention. Most often at the beginning of yoga class the instructor asks students to set an intention, either for the class, for the day, or in general. Setting an intention isn't goal setting. An intention is more of a guiding principle for how you want to live or guide your life. The intention doesn't stop when you get off the mat. You should carry your intention with you throughout the day. Intentions are heart driven. Intentions can be broad--you might want to be a better person. Or maybe you want to become more kindhearted. By consciously setting an intention, you can actually turn your thoughts around. Kind of like using a mantra during a race.

For me, I've decided that I want to live more joyfully. At times, I find myself getting bogged down in negativity and I don't like the way that makes me feel. This will be a tough challenge, but it is something that I really want to change.

Yes, this is my oldest son at age 2!
If you need help with intention setting, here's a great article to get you started.

Have you set your goals for 2016? Do you ever set an intention? What is the one thing you want to accomplish in 2016?

I'm linking up with the DC Trifecta aka Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia for Friday Five! I'm sure there will a few resolutions, goals, and intentions over there...












And with Jill Conyers for her brand new Fitness, Health, and Happiness link up!












Tuesdays on the Run aka Marcia, Erika, and Patti are also hosting a link up for 2016 goals! Let's do this!

72 comments :

  1. I like it! You've been working so hard - time to enjoy!

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    1. I'm not good at slowing down, so this could be my toughest challenge yet!

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  2. I've loved following you this past year, and its not surprising that you saw as much growth in 2015 as you did. I can't wait to continue following your journey, Wendy, especially as you take on all those destination races!

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    1. It's going to be a fun but challenging year as I try to hold back and relax!

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  3. I think you should come to Southern California for one of your destination races :-).

    Slowing down is a great goal and one I could take on for myself.

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  4. The joy quote? Best quote ever! You can't help but smile. We need to meet in 2016!

    Peace and love to you in the new year. xoxo

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  5. Let me know if your destination race plans take you to Southern New England!
    It's not a goal, resolution, nor an intention, but I am so happy that I fell upon your site when my book page was active this year. "Meeting" you has been one of the happiest outcomes of my running journey in 2015.

    Happy New Year. Enjoy your journey, and may you find success with ever goal you've set.
    I am looking forward to another year of virtual conversation, true inspiration, and friendship.

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    1. We will meet someday Connie! We have to. Having you in my life has brought me so much joy. I look forward to continued friendship! Thanks for all your love and support.

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  6. Is living a word of the year the same thing as setting an intention?

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    1. I would think that if not the same thing, it's the same idea! What's your word of the year?

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  7. Love it - slow down and enjoy the ride. I have a word for the year which I'll post in my goals post Monday but it is joy :) so many reasons for that but I'm excited for 2016. Maybe we'll cross paths at a race this year!

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    1. I'm glad we both picked the same word! What a great word to guide our lives! I'm looking forward to that post.

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  8. I like how all your running goals are pretty much related to one another and don't contradict. I will enjoy reading about all of your destination races!

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    1. I never thought about that, but I guess it's kind of how I live my life!

      Happy New Year!

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  9. Being joyful is a great intention! Staying injury free -- and getting there -- is my main concern for 2016!

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    1. Staying injury free is always top on my list. I'm taking a week or two off now to let my feet get a break.

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  10. Yes for staying injury free! I also love that it is your year of destination races. I'd love to do some more this year too. Happy New Year!

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    1. I hope that one of my races has us crossing paths. You just never know. I don't have any east coast races planned...yet...

      Happy New Year!

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  11. Meeting up with blogging friends in real life is such a great one to put on your list - I love that. Are you planning to go to any blogging conferences next year (FitBloggin, BlogFest, etc?)? I found those were awesome for connecting in real life!

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    1. I should go to a blogging conference. Think about what I'd learn. I won't lie...I'm a little intimidated by those expert bloggers! I need to get over that and let myself learn from them.

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  12. I would love to meet up with you IRL. Perhaps you would consider adding the Quintiles Wrightsville Beach race to your calendar. They offer a half and full marathon and the course is fast and flat! I also have an ongoing goal to stay healthy. It's tough as you get older to keep everything working properly, and I cringe when I read about young (20 and 30 year old) runners who abuse their bodies and get injured. With a great coach, staying healthy and getting stronger are my two big goals for 2016.....oh and another Boston qualifying time too! PS We have rebranded our blog and it is no longer We Run Disney, but Two Runners Travel!

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    1. I would love to meet up with you and your daughter IRL! And yes, a BQ is still on my wish list. But barring a miracle, it won't be happening this year.

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  13. These are such great goals! I also need to work on being more mindful. I end up forgetting to respond to text messages and emails because I feel the need to read them immediately when I am too busy to respond. Sometimes I feel like I need to go back to not having all that stuff at my fingertips because its so distracting. Looking forward to following your journey this year!

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    1. Unfortunately, it's become our way of life...being accessible 24/7! Even at work, they've made all the providers get smart phones so we can be paged easily. And we get penalized if we don't answer within 30 minutes. It's really unnerving.

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  14. Great goals. I'm still working on mine for this year, but I know my number 1 goal will be to strength train, especially core/glute work, to get and stay injury free.

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    1. Oh that strength training has been my secret weapon for the last 2 years. How did I go so long without it?

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  15. These are FANTASTIC goals, Wendy. I love the idea of setting intentions. My yoga instructors always ask us that question at the beginning of each class, and usually I just tell myself to focus on maintaining constant breathing. It's much harder than it would seem, right?

    I am super excited for all of your destination races this year! Last year, I was burnt out on running and racing so I ended up running most of my races for fun. I LOVED it! I think once you get into the spirit of things, you'll have a blast just enjoying the experiences, too. =)

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    1. I'm pretty sure I'll love this year! Big Sur is going to be run with a friend, and that's going to be a new experience for me too! We're going to take our time and enjoy the experience.

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  16. I love the idea that you are trying to slow down and enjoy the ride. This year I think my word is going to be patience. I need to do what you are trying to do enjoy the ride. Well if any of your race brings you to the NY/NJ/CT/PA. Let me know would love to meet up with a fellow running blogger

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    1. You never know what the rest of the year will bring! I'm only committed through April...

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  17. These are all fantastic goals :) I only have one destination race this year, but it's been almost 5 years since my last so I'm super excited!

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    1. Me too! It's been a while since I committed to anything far from home. This is going to be fun!

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  18. These are great and I'm excited to see how it pans out for you!! I haven't set any goals or intentions as of yet. It's the first time in a while that I've had a hard time coming up with some new goals. Not having a marathon to focus on is going to be weird and I need to figure out how this year is going to play out! Happy New Year!!

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  19. I love your goals. I'm in the same camp of slowing down. Not that I'm a fast runner, but 2015 was full of working really hard for those PRs. 2016 I'm just gonna enjoy the ride... :) Hopefully I can meet up with you for some races!! Happy New Year, Wendy!

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    1. I'd love to meet up with you! This whole slowing down thing will be really interesting for me! but fun!

      Happy New Year!

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  20. Love this post!

    You are so much fun to follow and I can't wait to see what 2016 has in store for you. I also can't wait to hear about your destination races! Traveling and running are two of my favorite things!

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    1. I'll be travelling to Florida at least once. Maybe more? My sister trip may take me there. We'll see!

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  21. I hope hope hope to get to meet you this year, Wendy!

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  22. It's my year of destination races too. Or atleast one big destination race :)

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  23. I am sure you will have a GREAT year ! I have 2 destination races on my calendar and choose them for the beauty of where they are. I am with you 100% on finish lines and not finish times. Have a great year !

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    1. It's going to be fun, isn't it? I'm excited for you to run Paris. Where are your destination races?

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  24. Well I'm excited to read about your destination races! Great way to mix running with vacations! Where are you thinking of going? Happy New Year!

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    1. Besides Sarasota and Big Sur, we haven't made any other plans. Maybe Las Vegas. Probably some trips to Wisconsin. We'll see how things shake out!

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  25. Destination races sounds great....I'd really like to try to do at least one per year....run new places...... Looking forward to your 2016 adventures.

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  26. I love your goals! Staying injury free is a great one. I'm aiming to PR in the half and I'm still trying to iron out other goals for the year.

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    1. Probably several - the first of the year will be the Sleepy Hollow Half in March :)

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  27. Sounds like you've got some really great plans for 2016, slowing down may help with preventing injuries as well. I hope you have a fantastic 2016 and ebjoy all of your destination races!

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    1. I hope that this PF goes away! But I'm looking forward to 2016!

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  28. Come to Alberta! I love the idea of the year of destination races! Bring on 2016.

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  29. This year will be different! The training probably won't be as intense. At least I hope not!

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  30. life is to short not to really enjoy the journey! We can't just hop from one to-do list to another :) If you find a Pinterest for dummies class please let me know. That is one area I could use some improvement in too!

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  31. I so like this new direction you have. I think I need to find a more competitive bone to push me to be better and faster, but then again I'm finding out I can do things and still have fun. :)

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    1. I like that...can do things and still have fun! Sounds like a mantra to me!

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  32. These are great goals! I know how you feel about being at 150 all day...it's really hard. I'm not sure if we'll cross paths this year, but if so I'd be so excited to meet you! Congrats on all your blogging success this year!

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    1. I'm trying so hard to slow down! It's been kind of a bumpy start to 2016.

      I hope our paths cross!

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  33. "slow down and enjoy the ride" Love this in particularly <3
    You are an inspiration, my dear friend.

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  34. Fantastic goals Wendy! And I love that Wayne Dyer quote. If you're destinations bring you to New England, let me know!

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    1. I'd love to add the East Coast to my travelogue! You never know.

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  35. Oh i so needed that reminder...slow down and enjoy! I am just getting into actually racing (running fast) at races and already feel like i need to relax and enjoy the ride. Last year was a year of PRS in all distances and I am wondering if I am putting too much pressure on myself to Prs again...every race does not have to be a PR Tamieka (that is what I keep telling myself!)

    Good luck on your goals and enjoy your destinations this year!

    -Tamieka@fitnballingrunningmom

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    1. I had the year of PRs too, and I have to tell myself the same thing. The races I've chosen so far will not be PRs--the conditions make it tough for that!

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  36. Haha, I love the word "intentions" instead of goals. I think I'm gonna start using that!
    I agree that destination races are all about the experience. I've had my share of destination races over the years. This year i'm looking forward to staying a bit more local (and maybe working on my times a bit)! Happy New Year to you! -m

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    1. I'll do some local races, for sure! Those may be more about the time...

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