Well, it’s that time of year. Time to pick ONE WORD to focus on for the entire year. (If you’ve never heard about the My One Word approach, here is a summary:

Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.)

Below is a list of the words, I’ve chosen so far:

• 2014: ACCEPTANCE
• 2015: BELIEVE
• 2016: GRATITUDE
• 2017: RELAX
• 2018: ADAPT
• 2019: RE-FOCUS
• 2020: PATIENCE
• 2021: RESILIENCE
• 2022: INTENTIONAL
• 2023: REJUVENATE
• 2024: JOY
• 2025: UNLIMITED

So was I UNLIMITED in 2025?

• New Races.
• New Hobbies.
• New Experiences.
• New Travels.
• New Habits.
• New Meet-Ups.
• New Eateries…

You bet!

What about 2026?

What word did I choose?

Last year, I saw Wicked (Part 1). This year, I saw Wicked (Part 2.)

Along that vein, this song spoke to me. But instead on thinking about a person that has come into your life (and changed you for GOOD), substitute RUNNING (for the “you” and the “those” and “them” being other RUNNERS).

Words are below (in case you are not familiar with the movie or the song):

I’ve heard it said
That people RUNNING come(s) into our lives
For a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led to those
Who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well I don’t know if I believe that’s
true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a Sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for
the better?
Because I knew you
I have been changed for good.

Has running changed you for GOOD?

It has me and I hope it will continue!!

IOW, my word for 2026 is (for) GOOD.

• good friends, good runs, good races, good relationships, good experiences, good travels, good health, good books,  good hikes, good workouts, good meet-ups, etc.

Of course, with running  (and runners) playing a part role in all of the above.

Happy Running! Do you choose a Word each year? If so, what have you chosen one for 2026?   Please share.

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Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

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I’m also linking up here tomorrow:

with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs