Now that I took a look back at 2013, and shared my personal goals for the coming year, it’s time to think about my Health and Fitness Bucket List for 2014.
This year’s list is all about accomplishing some of those 2013 goals that got away, building on last year’s accomplishments, and taking on some new health and fitness challenges.
Here are my fitness goals for 2014:
- Incorporate more speedwork into my running. I thought (a bit naively) last year that I could set new PRs in every distance without doing much in the way of sprints or intervals. And that didn’t happen. So my goal is to make sure speedwork is part of my training plans … and that I’m really doing it, and not blowing it off, like I have been known to do. Because I want to …
- Get that sub-25 5k. I really, really, really want this.
- Set a new 10K PR. My current PR, set at the 2012 Tufts 10K for Women, is 54:38, and I’d love to crush that time.
- Run a sub-2:00 half marathon. My first half marathon of the year is a repeat from last year: Boston’s Run to Remember (which I’m running with Dr. G.!). It’s a relatively flat course, and I think with the right training plan, I could do it.
- Run a “hat trick” or double race. What’s that? It’s running two road races on the same day. Yes, it sounds slightly insane, but it’s also a brand new challenge for me, one that I think I could accomplish. (I’m considering running a 5K and 10K at the Runner’s World Heartbreak Hill Half Marathon and Festival in June. Anyone want to join me??)
- Incorporate Bikram yoga into my weekly fitness regimen. I’ve been practicing once a week for 90 minutes for a few weeks now. And while it is incredibly challenging and I sweat like a beast when I am there, I have noticed my ridiculously tight hamstrings starting to loosen, and I’m curious if this will translate to better and stronger running? At the very least, it’s really helped with my recurring piriformis injury.
- Drink more H20. Ahh, I did so well last year with my Drink More Water challenge, and then I totally fell off the wagon. Boo. Time to climb back on.
- Get back into my daily planks. Speaking of falling off the wagon …. Seriously, though, I’ve been neglecting my core for the last few months
- Travel somewhere for a race. Honestly, I haven’t really thought this one through, but I think it would be fun to combine a mini-vacation with a destination race.
- Run an obstacle course race. I’ve done a few (Shape Diva Dash and Panic in the Dark Zombie Run) but neither one really met my expectations. I don’t think I have a Tough Mudder in me, but maybe a Spartan Race? Any other suggestions?
- Keep up with my cross training. As most runners know, it’s so easy to get caught up with logging miles when you’re training for a race and let your cross training slide. But now that I (finally) got my first pair of cycling shoes, I want to make sure I’m still participating in spin class and Body Pump (along with yoga) once a week.
Some of you have asked if I plan to run a full marathon this year. My answer? Hmmm, maybe someday, but I don’t think this is the year. Training for a full marathon is a major commitment that requires significant time, and with everything else I have going on, I just don’t think I have that in me right now. Plus, I’d really like to get that sub-2:00 half marathon time first. But never say never!
So there you have it! Now tell me: What are YOUR fitness goals for 2014??
(P.S. I am hoping to post my 2014 race calendar soon, just need to confirm a few events and other commitments first. Stay tuned!)
Emily Iredale says
Great list! I did a couple obstacle races last year. I would recommend Warrior Dash or Bold R Dash. They were super fun, challenging, and totally achievable. All the best to you in 2014!
Katie @ Pick Any Two says
Speed work really does make such a difference. When I really committed to doing it, I definitely saw improvements in my times. But I always found it tough to motivate myself to keep up with it!
Jessica says
I know, maintaining motivation is key! I am going to try and follow a sub-2:00 half training plan, which I am sure will have some good speed drills built in, and hope that goal is enough to sustain me. Fingers crossed 🙂