I’ve decided that rather than coming up with New Year’s resolutions for 2013, I’m going to focus on a few goals that I’d like to accomplish in the next year. Hopefully, firm goals instead of loosely defined resolutions (like I had in 2012…) will be easier to remember and achieve 
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1. PR in the marathon.
I know I am capable of this and I also know that I need to run smart to achieve this goal. No injuries in 2013!
2. Speaking of the above… foam roll every day and if possible 2x/day.
I know this sounds extreme but I’m not very good about stretching and I tend to have very tight calves that could potentially lead to injury. As I increase my mileage, I need to be more conscientious of other issues like flexibility, stretching, muscle weakness, etc.
3. Increase my mileage to XX/week while running more “slow” miles.
I’m not sure what the upper bound will be but I’d like to safely increase my weekly mileage while also listening to my body and knowing when too much is too much. If I’m going to successfully do this and not injure myself, I’m going to need to run my recovery runs even slower than I do now. The bulk of my training will have to be in the 8:00-8:30 min/mile range with a few days of speed work thrown in.
4. Get back to triathlons and compete in a longer distance tri.
Most likely this will be olympic distance but it may be a half-Ironman if I can’t run a fall marathon.
5. Run more races than I did in 2012.
I took me until the end of 2012 to appreciate how much I like racing, even if it’s just for fun. I want to sign up for more races with friends next year and enjoy myself!
6. Lastly, I have one goal for this old blog, I’d like to give it more direction. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to make my blog all serious but I would like to blog a little more purposefully. I have some ideas but I’m not quite sure what exact changes I’ll be making in 2013– TBA.
Do you have any goals for 2013?
Those all sound like great goals. My biggest goal for 2013 is to get into longer distance races and stop worrying about my pace. I get so focused on my pace when I run that I feel defeated. I also want to get faster in running but we shall see! Happy New Year
Christina recently posted..7 mile training run/ Week 7 of Training
Great goals! I’ve always heard that to prevent injury you should increase either distance or speed … not both together. It seems to be the case for me! When I’ve upped both my distance and speed I’ve been injured (stress fracture)- not fun! I can’t wait to see where your running takes you!
That foam rolling goal is a good one. I have a reminder in my phone to pop up every night to tell me to do it but I usually ignore it! I have no idea why. It doesn’t take that long
I am excited to see where you take your blog!
No goals for me! I need to work on some personal things (like my attitude) but that is always a work in process, lol
kilax recently posted..Training Week 167 [12]
Thanks for the idea- I’m going to set a reminder in my phone as well. Genius
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Awesome goals! good luck!
Thanks, Jess!
Now that I actually have a foam roller, I’d really like to get into a foam rolling routine, too. I skirted around some injuries early this year and found that when I took the time to stretch I did a lot better job staying un-injured, and that’s really the way I prefer to be. Honestly, I think saying healthy is my #1 fitness goal for 2013, because everything else that I want to do (especially running Chicago in October) revolves around not getting injured.
Bethany @ Accidental Intentions recently posted..A Big Year
I know what you mean. Foam rolling and stretching only take a few minutes but they feel like such a drag. They make a huge difference too.
I really hope you run Chicago, I’m planning on doing it so long as my foot thingy doesn’t flare back up for good.
I totally agree–I need to make foam rolling a priority this year to help stay injury-free! That, and also engage in more cross training and strengthening. I’ve noticed that helps my running! Happy New Year!
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance recently posted..Ready to Learn a Bit About the Blogger??
Happy New Year to you too!
I’d love to do my cross-training and I KNOW that I should but everytime I add something else into my training, I get injured and when I just run, I stay injury free. It doesn’t make sense at all but I don’t want to mess with it!
Great goals. I would love to be able to touch my toes again. Goodness. Perhaps that is why my legs are so achy. Ouch. I would love to break a 4 hour marathon this year…. but I’ll start with a smaller goal to actually enjoy running again. And for my legs to stop hating me.
Emily recently posted..Yoga Loft
Baby steps right? I’m sure you’ll get there again.
I love your foam-rolling goal! Seriously, this is my weak spot. I have the hardest time encouraging myself to foam roll. I’m making it a goal to foam roll at least 3 times a week, before my strength training workouts (since the experts recommend doing this anyways). What is your marathon goal? And have you signed up for one in 2013 yet?
abby recently posted..13 in 2013
I’d love to eventually run a 3:15 but it probably won’t be next year. I’d like to break 3:20 though!
So far I’m signed up for the Goofy Challenge in 2 weeks and Boston in April
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Excited to hear about any changes you’re making to the blog, and yay for FUN races! We should all do more!
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats recently posted..CHO-Cornbread and Dips
We should!
I love how you post that crazy pic of me when you’re talking about running more races. LOVE it. that pic never gets old…
let’s run more trail races!
kelsey recently posted..JT’s New BFF
Nope never ever ever!
These are wonderful goals! I’m excited to see where your blog takes you!
Katie @ Livehalffull recently posted..Monday Motivation
Thanks, Katie!
Great goals for 2013. I too, have to remember to stay injury free for my 2013 marathons. I can’t PR unless I am close to 100% on race day!
Pete B recently posted..My 2012 Running Lowlights
Thanks! Good luck to you in 2013!
These are all really good goals and boy can I relate to having tight calves all the freaking time. I need to foam roll more then I do.
HollieisFueledByLOLZ recently posted..Nutella on Nutella on Nutella
Tight calves are the worst!
Great goals! I need to start using my foam roller more as well.
Happy New Year!!!
Jen@HealthyFoodandFamily recently posted..2013 Goals
Happy New Year to you too!
Blog changes!? I can’t wait to see. Awesome running goals – I’d love to complete a triathalon, too…if only I was a better swimmer!
Megan @ runnningonjava recently posted..Big news!
There’s always a duathlon too
Great goals! I think it’s so much better to try and focus on a few specific goals/resolutions instead of creating loosely-defined general goals that you forget about as the year progresses. I still need to create some goals…at least 2!
Irina @ Chocolatea Time recently posted..2013! 2013!! 2013!!!
Thanks! I agree, more focused goals are the way to go!
Pingback: Happy New Year + Blog Changes | Running the Windy City
Great goals!
I have to work on the foam rolling too. I don’t really like using it (who does?) but know that I have to.
Zenaida Arroyo recently posted..December and Year in Review
Yeah, I set an alarm on my phone so it reminds me to foam roll at least every night. So far so good (but it’s only been two days…)
I just got the RAM email and I am looking forwrad to trying signing up for some good Chicago races!
luv what you do recently posted..Healthy New Year Soup
So exciting!
Good goals!
I definitely need to foam roll more too.
Cate recently posted..Highlights of 2012 and Moving Forward in 2013
It’s already making a big difference, my legs feel a lot looser and ready to run!