Happy New Year Everyone. I hope you had a safe and happy ring in to the new year. 2014 is now a thing of the past. With the start of 2015, comes a new year for running. I challenge you to consider running for the new year. Below are going to be my new running goals for 2015.
I start the year with a change. For the past 3 years I have ran in the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend races in January. I have decided to remove this from my immediate future of races because of how expensive they have got. Another reason is so I can focus on races toward my 50 By 50 Challenge.
1. Complete at least one local race to support the local community
I am planning to run the Save the Light Half Marathon on Folly Beach, SC on February 7, 2015.
2. Complete four half marathons toward my 50 By 50 Challenge
Indiana (May 2, 2015) – One America Indy 500 Half Marathon
Ohio (May 3, 2015) – Cincinnati Flying Pig Half Marathon
Maryland (October 17, 2015) – Baltimore Half Marathon
Pennsylvania (October 18, 2015) – Hershey Half Marathon
This will be quite a challenge. If you look at the dates, I am going to be two separate back to back weekends in May and October.
3. Run for 900 miles
I am setting a goal for 900 miles (75 miles per month). I am increasing my running in 2015 to include a fourth day of running each week. This extra day with be spent doing some form of specialty running to increase my running skills (track intervals, tempo, hills, etc.). With this extra training day, I want to regularly get my weekly mileage over 20 miles consistently. Hopefully all of this will help get my half marathon times in the low 1:50s. In 2014 I averaged about a 1:57 in my half marathons. My training plan through May is already posted if you would like to have a look.
4. Stretch and foam roll regularly
This is something many runners neglect, but it is important to help prevent injury. Take the time every day to care for your body. Five to 10 minutes every evening could do wonders for you physically and mentally.
5. Run with someone slower than you to help them achieve their running goals
Helping other runners is one of the greatest joys of running.
6. Reduce my weight to 185
In 2014 I put on some weight. It didn’t effect my running much; however, I could tell it in my hips, knees, and ankles. I have not been 185 since college, so this is quite an extreme goal. I would like to reach this target weight before my first back to back half marathons in May. The problem is I love sweets! So I need to get this out the house fast!
Have a safe and healthy 2015. I look forward to hearing your running goals in the comments and/or your blogs!
I actually think the back-to-back weekends is a good idea because that saves some money on plane tickets and if you run them fairly easy, you shouldn’t have any issues. To me it’s easier to just run a big half easier because with 2 in a row, PRing is not likely and it’s pretty hard for one of us mortals to place in a half except maybe Save the Light. So you can just enjoy.
If you increase your mileage, your times will drop, drop, drop- believe me :). Between 35-40 is my sweet spot for all distances.
Love your goals for the year! I listed mine for the year on my blog today as well! I hope that all goes well with your goals.