10 Running Resolutions to Make This Year Your Best Year Yet!
Ever set a New Years resolution and fall short. Your not the only one! This year try set some running resolutions and stick to them.
Setting Resolutions
I like to start out by looking at what I want in the year ahead. Each year I like to set my race goals for the year. Since 2020 in person races were mostly cancelled, I focused on virtual races. I was still able to crush some big goals. For 2021, I have chosen a few races I would like to run. I then factor in the training I will need to reach that goal.
This is where my running resolutions come into play. I like to set some resolutions for the things I found challenging in the past year. For me this was strength training. This year I plan to focus more on this. Below is a list of running resolutions that any runner can accomplish!
Running Resolutions for All Runners
- Resolve to test your limits. Set a race goal and crush that goal. Is your goal to run a 5k or a marathon? Are you wanting to PR a half marathon. It takes work but you can do it.
- Resolve to stick to a strength training routine. Not only will this prevent injuries but make you a better runner. This one is definitely high on my list!
- Resolve to try something new. Have your ever tried trail running? Go out and find a new trail. Have you never tried yoga as part of your cross training? Give it a whirl. Not only will it give you better balance when running on a technical trail, but it will help with flexibility and strength.
- Resolve to stop comparing yourself to other runners. Your not that runner. Anyone that is out there running is a runner.
- Resolve to celebrate others successes. Your BRF just crushed a half marathon. Bring on the cheering squad. Chances are they will return the favor.
- Resolve trust your abilities. Know that you can achieve your goals!
- Resolve to understand that not all days are going to be your best. If you have a bad run, know that the next one will be better.
- Resolve to get enough sleep. As your miles increase in your training plan, you need extra sleep to succeed.
- Resolve to appreciate what you are accomplishing. While most people are sitting on the couch, your out there killing it. Whether you finished a 5k or 10k, you finished! Running is something we are lucky enough to be able to do so celebrate it.
- Resolve to have fun. Sometimes it is hard to have fun when a run goes south. Not every run will be the same, but if your bored with the same old same old do something different. I run because I love it. Sometimes, to keep things fresh and fun you need to shake things up. Change up your route, bring a friend and you’ll be sure to be laughing the next few miles.
Keeping the Resolutions
Set reasonable and realistic goals. I like to write them down. Seeing my resolutions on paper makes them real. If I wrote it down, then I will have to do it. I also like to hang them up somewhere, so that I will see them everyday.
Don’t ever give up. Just because you got off track or missed a day or two doesn’t mean you won’t succeed. Life has a way of creeping in sometimes, but just keep at it and you will succeed.
Get your friends involved. Encourage a friend to sign up for a race with you. Set up days you can run together. Running is always better with friends. This will also help you stay focused on your resolution.
I am always interested in other runners goals for the year. What are your New Years resolutions? How are you sticking to those resolutions?
