2016 Goals

I love fresh starts and transitioning into a new year.

I know you can have a fresh start on, like, a Tuesday at 3:30PM. It’s all up to you. But there’s something about January 1st. It sounds cliche, but to me it feels like there’s so much opportunity and promise. Goals feel more attainable and everyone seems to have a brighter outlook. People are clearly more open to the potential for accomplishment…even though it’s “just another day”.

Honestly, I’m bummed about 2015 running-wise. I didn’t get close to any running goals, which sucks. I didn’t run many races. I ran about 450 miles in total. IN TOTAL! But if that’s the worst thing to happen to me, I guess I’m still in a good spot. I did my best to take care of myself and still ended up with this weird injury….teaching me that a) there’s always more you can do and b) the only thing I can control is my attitude, so I choose to continue being as positive as I can, work harder, and hope for a better 2016.

When I look back to my first year blogging, even my first post in 2011, I can tell just how much I’ve grown and improved.

I’m definitely hungry for more, but it’s always enlightening to reflect. (Although sometimes I cringe reading old posts, wow I was such a nerd. Probably still am. Whatevs.)

So, let’s move forward shall we! In the past I’ve always written super long lists of things I want to accomplish in the upcoming year. This time, I have a short list of super important-to-me goals. Of course I have some other random ones too, but we’ll save those for another day.

In 2016, I want to:

Start my own online business to give myself more freedom and to work toward my own dreams instead of someone else’s. I’m really struggling with finding the right idea, so I want to narrow it down, find what I can offer the world, and move forward. (I’ve been asking everyone I know what they think I’m good at – it’s my assignment in the course I’m taking – soooo if you have any feedback, fill a sister in!)

Strengthen relationships with the people I love. I especially want to do a better job of keeping in touch with my loved ones who are far away. (Part of my plan is to write more cards. Ironically the day after I wrote this down, a client at work gave me a box of pretty notecards for Christmas! It’s a sign.) I think Ashley said it best when recapping her 2015 (she’s a year ahead of me I guess!): “I strengthened friendships with people I truly love to be around. I distanced myself from people and friendships that don’t add any value to my life.” That’s my goal – I’ll make more room for the most positive, uplifting, loving people and let go of the negative.

Get healthy enough to run another marathon, then continue chasing that sub-4. This is my biggest running goal. Being unable to do what I used to do fitness-wise is frustrating and sad. I don’t feel like myself. I also don’t feel in control when it comes to getting un-injured. Hopefully my doctor will have some advice for me at my next appointment, but until then, I’ll take care of myself as best I can.

For now, here are some photos that are not necessarily from 2015 and are only relevant because they’re my favorites and they make me feel positive, happy and excited for a fresh new year of running.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Fill me in…what’s one thing you want to happen this year?