Since it is Thursday,  I’m linking up today with Amanda for Thinking Out Loud Thursday.

Here’s what I’m thinking about today:

Last January, I decided to have a year of NO Goals.

Instead of goals, I listed hopes and dreams for 2016.

Let’s see how I did. Did any of them come true?

I hope to…

• To improve my running

For me, it’s to get stronger and be a more confident runner.  To have more quality training runs.  To maintain my current speed and if I am very lucky PR at some distance. To run lots of races (both long ones and short ones.)

Well, I think I am a stronger runner and more confident at times.  Though I didn’t have many PRs, most of my race finish times were close.  I did PR at the half marathon distance which I am very happy about. I did run a lot of races – 43 to be exact and 17 of them were long ones. I still think that I may be able to get even better.  That may involve improving the quality of my training runs and doing some drills to increase my speed and endurance.

To run with others

With my schedule, it is easier to run solo.  But running with others is more fun.  I often shy away from running groups (like Fleet Feet, ARE, etc) because I feel that I am too slow.  I hope to take advantage of more group running opportunities.

I still haven’t had enough guts to run with the HMRRC or ARE folks but I participated again in the advanced group of both the Troy Turkey Trot Training Challenge and the Freihofer Run for Women Training Challenge. This gave me the opportunity to run with faster runners.  I also ran with Barbara and new running friend Alyssa – both of whom challenge me.

• To volunteer and give back

I had great experiences with this in 2015 and I hope to continue with STEM, GOTR and any others opportunities that present itself.  My specials needs buddy (IRUN4) is awesome. I hope to connect with him more. And to make time to see my mentee Amanda & her kids more often.

JA, my IRUN4 running buddy, is still awesome but I have been slacking on the posting pictures front.  I have continued to send him race shirts and medals. I volunteered as a running buddy with GOTR last spring and my experience was not that rewarding. However, mentoring the STEM clients was amazing. I will continue to do this twice a year and hopefully become even more involved in this program. I still see Amanda and her kids throughout the year. Since she works a lot, I am not able to as often as I’d like.

• To eat healthier

I am addicted to carbs and sweets.  I can justify the carbs for running but I hope to substitute more fruits and veggies into my diet. This also includes drinking more water.

This is a work in progress.  I eat healthy at home.  I have granola in yogurt and fruit for lunch at work.  But when the temptation is there, I am weak.  And I do go out often. I love my desserts!! And I never drink H20 (my bad!)

• To get physically on track

I may not weigh myself but I know for a fact that the excess pounds have moved to an ugly place (my waist & butt).  My excuses have been that it is an age thing (Sorry, the meni pot is a fact.) But I think it is important for me to exercise (not just run and play tennis).  Sit less, walk more? Gym time? Planks? Yoga? Whatever it takes to look better.

Total failure here!!! At my new job, I sit more.  There’s no treadmill or track and no one to walk with. I have hardly worked out at all in my “free” gym nor have I done any exercises at home.  I don’t want to know what I weigh. It is more important to feel and look good. And as you get older, your metabolism slows down… I need to start movin’ and shakin’ in 2017.

• To spend quality time with family and friends

Running is important but not more important than those I care about.  Skipping a run to be with them…it should happen.

I have successfully fit almost everything in.  Now that I work until 4 pm, I run after work and still can meet friends to go out.  I was able to race during the summer months and still spend time on our boat.  You can do it.  Just gotta be organized and prioritize.

Happy Running! Are you goal setter?  What do you hope for in 2017?