Running Goals for 2009

Although I’m back to running consistently since taking a break after the New York Marathon, as I mentioned in this post, I really needed to come up with a training plan to keep myself motivated. After thinking about it for a couple of weeks, I’ve decided that my first big race of 2009 is once again going to be the Colfax Half Marathon.

Since that race is not until early May, I’ve got a bit of time before I need to begin training for it in earnest, so I thought I should think of some other running/training goals to fill 2009. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:

Run More Races

In 2008, I ran 5 races: the Colfax Half Marathon, the New York Marathon, a 10-mile race that was part of my club’s Fall Marathon Training Series,
and two of my club’s monthly Trophy Series races. In 2009, I’d like to run at least 6 races, including 2 half marathons.

Set a Half Marathon PR

I had wanted to do this in 2008, but it just wasn’t feasible because I missed a lot of training before Colfax because of plantar fasciitis.

In 2009, I’m going to shoot for a PR at Colfax, or failing that, I’ll try again at a yet to be determined fall half-marathon.

Cross Train Consistently

In 2008, I probably got in one session of cross training, either biking, stationary biking, or the stairmaster once a week on average. In 2009, I’d like to up this to two times per week.

Strength Train Consistently

This is something I definitely do in phases. Right now, I’m doing (or redoing) the hundred pushups challenge, and I periodically did the resistance workouts recommended in Brain Training For Runners this year. However, I rarely make sure that I do a whole body strength training workout.

In 2009, I’d like to at least 1 full body strength training session per week or the equivalent, meaning separate sessions of arms, legs and core. The exception will be weeks I’m racing, when I’ll probably skip the legs workout.

Do Something Different

I’d also like to shake things up a bit just for fun. The things I’m thinking about in this category are to either try a duathlon (run-bike-run) or a distance relay with a team.

Keep Myself Accountable

Finally, I’m planning to report my progress on these goals in a monthly post. I know if I have to tell you all how I’ve been doing, I’m more likely to actually work toward these goals.

How about you? What are your running goals for 2009?

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Tagged as: goals, resolutions