So this is the new year, and I don’t feel any different.
–Death Cab For Cutie
I have always looked at each new year with mixed emotions. I love the idea of being able to press a reset button, wiping the slate clean, and starting anew.
On the other hand, I find it hard to set lofty goals, make big plans and throw those things out there because I know how resolutions go. The pragmatist in me know the stats on how those goals work out.
I’ve had a hard time setting running goals in the past few years. Part of me has wanted to go big with them:
“I want to qualify for Boston.”
But psychologically, as an athlete (and perhaps as a person) I’ve got a ways to go to get my mental game up to snuff. I still compare myself to just about everyone. (She’s faster. She’s got the build of a runner. She’s got more grit. She’s got amazing determination.) I also have stalled in the PR department. 2013 was a great year of PRs, but since then I have STRUGGLED.
I have been reading a lot of posts from my Oiselle teammates about their goals and I started getting intimidated and anxious. Part of it was the comparison thing I was talking about earlier. Then I remembered the amazingness that was Southern Bird Camp 2015. We were a group of women of varying abilities – from elite to back of the pack runners. We came in all shapes and sizes. We represented all sort of speeds and experience levels. BUT everyone had the same love for the sport. Everyone encouraged one another. We still all keep in touch via social media, and their comments are often my favorites. So, I thought of those women as I thought about my goals.
So here’s what I came up with:
–Give yourself the benefit of the doubt: Before I decide you can’t do it, believe that I can. This goes for tough workouts, just as much as a week’s worth of live shows plus reporting and minimal sleep. I might cry, but I won’t die.
–Give yourself a break: When a workout, or work doesn’t go the way I wanted it to go, it’s important to remember that it’s one day out of 365. I’ve got plenty more chances to get it right. Instead of immediately focusing on what didn’t go right, I’m going to ask myself – what did go right?
–Do more things with joy: Running is fun, talking to people is fun, spending time with my fiancé is fun. Being present in the moment and taking stock of the good things brings joy into what you’re doing. It’s fine that my piriforimis is sometimes a huge pain in the butt, because this trail is one of the most beautiful places.
–Race once a month: This is the only numbers goal. Get out there and have fun once a month. Make those lungs burn. Meet more runners. Show me what you’ve got.
I have this feeling that if I can hold myself to these goals, many of the goals I’d normally have (crush PRs, run XXX miles) will follow naturally.
As I said on one of my instagram posts today, 2016 – EmO gonna getcha.
Fit For The Finish Line 