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!