Happy New Year! I hope that everyone had a happy and safe time ringing in the New Year last night. This morning I will enjoy a run and a strength training workout to start the New Year off on the right foot!
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Today I am linking up with Courtney, Cynthia and Mar for the Friday Five.
Today’s theme is fitness so I thought that today would be a perfect time to discuss my 2016 Goals. I had some pretty crazy goals in 2015 so this year I’m keeping it simple!
Goal: Meet as many social media friends as possible!
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This is a fun goal that I totally plan on taking advantage of this year. With some of the bigger races, it’s hard to find a good area to meet people but I’m really going to make an effort to meet more of my social media buddies in person this year. I already know I’ll see Jenn and Crescent in July for Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicago (this is where we actually first met last year). I’m also hoping to see Erica, Wendy, Auggie, Meg and Susie as well since they live in Chicago, but I’m not sure if they are doing the race. I know for sure that I’ll see Jenn again for Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego along with Karla, Smitha, Heather and all of the cool #WeRunSocial crew. Of course I cannot forgot meeting some of the New York area crew, this means you Dani!
Goal: Start and Finish the NYC Marathon (my FIRST marathon)
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So…the girl that said she would never run a marathon is planning on running the 2016 NYC Marathon. Not only did I pick a marathon to run, but I picked THE marathon. This is the marathon that people say is epic and life-changing. I may only complete one marathon in my life, so I had to pick a good one!
After dealing with an injury at the end of 2015, I want to make sure that I stay healthy enough to start and finish this marathon. I have no time goals whatsoever (basically I plan on stopping for as many photos and twerking sessions as possible). I just want to start and finish the marathon standing on my own two feet, happy and smiling.
Goal: Shave 5 minutes off my current Half Marathon PR
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My current half marathon PR is 2:15 from the Diva’s Half Marathon back in October 2014. Since that was over a year ago, I think I’m due for a PR! Last year I completed so many half marathons that I never really stuck to a training plan. I feel that if I commit to following a training plan, I can aim for a 2:10 half marathon finish in 2016. Wish me luck!
Goal: Complete the NYRR Five-Borough Series
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Actually this goal I’m not really 100% sure about yet, but I wanted to include it. Completing the five-borough series consists of running each of the following: NYC Half Marathon, Brooklyn Half Marathon, Queens 10K, Bronx 10 Miler and the Staten Island Half. Staten Island is a bit of a hike from CT so that’s the only race I’m on the fence about. I’m planning on doing all the other races already. Completing this series would be so cool because of all the medals (let’s keep it real) and completing a race in every borough!
Goal: Commit to strength training and PT exercises 3x week
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Going back to that injury from the end of 2015..I’m positive that was a result of the perfect storm – too much running and not enough strength training. In 2016 I’m going to be team #NoExcuses when it comes to strength training. I’m going to be very diligent about this. This includes 2 boot camp classes a week + one day of training on my own. This, mixed in with 4 days of running and a yoga class (hopefully), will keep me injury free (fingers crossed)! I’m also going to continue to do some of my exercises from physical therapy (PT) to continue to strength my hips and glutes.
That’s it! I wanted to limit the number of goals to 5 and I’m pretty happy with all of these goals. If you’ll notice, I didn’t make any goals for number of races or number of miles. I feel like 2015 was focused a lot on numbers and 2016 is going to be more fun and loose.
Do you set goals? Do you have any goals for 2016?
Susie Suzlyfe says
If you come to Chicago and don't meet me, I will hunt you down.
So meet me 😀 Happy New year!
kookyrunner says
LOL! We will meet when I am in Chicago in July 🙂
Zenaida Arroyo says
I am in Chicago too and would love to meet you!! But I am not running the race but I will cheer for you. My goal is to run a sub 2 half marathon. I've run over 50 half marathons and have yet to do one under 2 hours. Wishing you a healthy and injury free year.
kookyrunner says
That's awesome! I'm going to start making a list of all the runners in Chicago I want to meet!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says
These are awesome goals and the NYC Marathon looks amazing!! 2:10 is a great goal, I'd love to get back to that time in 2016 – haven't done it since 2011. Your workout plan sounds great, I need to still figure mine out. Happy New Year!
kookyrunner says
Thanks Janelle! I so hope I can get that 2:10 PR but I know I will have to train hard. Happy New Year!
Cassandra Schmigotzki says
My main goal is to get certified.
kookyrunner says
Thats an awesome goal Cassandra. Good Luck in 2016!
Mar @ Mar on the Run says
You definitely gotta meet the Suz!! Great goals – good luck in 2016 🙂
kookyrunner says
Yes I'm looking forward to meeting the Suz! Good Luck to you as well in 2016! 🙂
Wendy Rivard says
Great goals and I'm thinking about RnR Chicago too! The only downside is that it's the hottest, most humid time of year to do a half…
You had an amazing year and I'm so glad to have been a part of it. I can't wait to see you crush NYCM!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Wendy! Oh I know all about that Chicago heat – last year's half was absolutely brutal!
Megan Outlaw says
Great goals! I'm with you on the strength training one to avoid injury – that will be one of mine. Working on my 2016 goals now.
kookyrunner says
Thank you Megan! Today I did a strength training workout so I'm trying to start the year off on the right foot!
Jess @ Jess Runs ATL says
Great goals!!! If you come to ATL, let me know! And your first marathon…wow!! I've also committed to more strength training in 2016. Remember it doesn't have to be much…15-20 mins of the right exercises is all it takes!
kookyrunner says
I started off today with strength training so I think I'm off to a good start! I'd love to come to ATL for a race in 2017, I've heard such great things about all the ATL races!
Montana Ross says
Come to Florida! I'd love to meet fellow bloggers, but since I'm an avid obstacle racer and don't travel much for road races it doesn't seem likely. You HAVE to do the one in Staten Island! All my races are a hike for me- I traveled 3,000 + miles for racing this past year! But seriously, if you do the other four just do the last one. Then you'll have it completed and don't have to worry about it 😉
kookyrunner says
Florida is definitely on my list of states to visit for a race! I've done one Spartan race, it was a Spartan Sprint in Citi Field Stadium in NY, and it was so much fun. Wow you put in some serious traveling miles last year for races – thats awesome!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says
Woohoo first marathon! So awesome 🙂 You'll love it! Great goals, lady!
kookyrunner says
Thanks so much Courtney!
Abby says
Awesome goals. My biggest one if to return to the full marathon.
kookyrunner says
That's a great goal Abby! Hopefully we will both be able to run the NYC Marathon!
Tricia Vaughn says
I'm so jealous you live so close to so many bloggers! I think meeting new people is a great goal. I was also that girl that said she'd never be able to do a marathon, but in 6 days I will find out!! 🙂 WDW Marathon here I come, ready or not!!!
kookyrunner says
Good Luck on your upcoming marathon! WDW is a great first marathon – what fun!