#RWRunStreak 2016: #StreakingintheUSA

Yes, I deliberately skipped posting a Workout Recap for week #21 - because last week's only workout was literally 60 minutes of yoga on Wednesday. That's not much of a recap, is it? However, I'm super excited becaaaaaause...

It's that time again - time for the annual Runner's World summer #RWRunStreak challenge! The gist? Run a mile a day, every day from Memorial Day to July Fourth. This year, that's 36 straight days of at least a mile each.

While this is my fourth year taking on the challenge, it's my first year in this magnitude! Erica and Tina and I have regularly done a challenge - deeming some kind of prize for the winner, based on mileage - but all of a sudden this year, we've got 14 ladies participating. What the what?! Seems like we're all on the struggle bus and trying to get up and going again too!

The best, or coolest part, is that our challenge is literally across the country: California, Arizona, Texas, New Jersey, South Carolina, Nevada, Wisconsin, and Colorado are represented in this year's challenge! Stoked!

So how does our challenge work, you ask? It's not just about completing the streak (which, let's be real, can get HARD) but the winners are determined by total mileage (assuming the streak is complete). Everyone will buy in for $10 and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd will be divvied up the cash prizes accordingly. It's seriously going to be awesome. And now you can guarantee that my weekly recaps are going to be a little more entertaining - double win! :)

I'm not going to lie, I'm a little nervous about making sure I stay on top of it. This super lackluster last month has been nice, but as I've said a few times, a little guilt-ridden in not doing anything. But I'm glad and ready to be up and going. This morning's miles were with Molly and a little harder than they should have been, but hopefully a little muscle memory comes into play and I'll be back up and going in no time! Here's hoping!

Are you participating in the Streak this suumer?

So... What's Next?

I've had this as my Facebook cover photo since January, knowing full well that I have some huge goals in mind for 2016. 

Namely, this one:

2. Marathon PR
I have a number in my head. A time on the clock that I would love to see happen by the end of the year, but I'm not ready to put it out there just yet. Last year in one marathon I ran a 6-minute PR in 100-degree heat and I've already got 3 fulls on the calendar for 2016. So long as I can maintain some effort, I think my goal is realistic. 4:52 will be demolished this year - demolished!

And yes, as it stands, 4:52 has been demolished! And I say that very loud and very proudly because a 33-minute PR is pretty massive. But - and get this - that number in my head is just out of reach. Running Phoenix and then killing my training for OC and killing the race at OC is just further proof and confirmation that this goal is more than attainable and with just a little more work (and mental fight at mile 21), it too will be demolished this year. 

I'm excited to get there. But for now... what's next? What's next on the to-do list, the massive list of goals for the year, and all that I'm ready to achieve? Well, aside from wedding planning, there's a lot! But that's a whole 'nother discussion for another day. 

In terms of running, here's what's next:

• June 5: Rock 'n Roll San Diego
• June 18: Rock 'n Roll Seattle (State #10!)
• July 17: Griffith Park Trail Marathon Relay

And that's it. And those are going to be fun, chill, be silly, have a good time kinda races. I was tough on myself and my body these first five months of the year and while I've racked up the mileage to show it (459 miles down, 641 to go until another milestone for the year achieved!) and now it's time to just run and have a little fun. 

What does that look like? 

• Keeping up with a regular habit of foam rolling, stretching, and Wednesday yoga. 
• Intentionally get in some strength training.
• Maintain 100-mile months but don't stress when I miss.
• Get back on the trails! I miss them! 

I'm going to run for fun for a few months, until Long Beach Marathon training kicks off in July or August. Summer is toughest for me, not only because of our Southern California heat, but also with my work schedule being a hot mess and all over the freaking place in terms of hours and regularity. Hooray orientation season! I'll be stoked if I can rack up any kind of mileage in July especially (I did a whopping 30 last July), so there's something to shoot for too! 

So that's it - run for fun, enjoy not full-on training for anything and have a great summer doing it all. Excited to knock Washington off my list and daydream about the next state to conquer too! 

How do you re-set after a huge goal or PR is achieved?

April Recap

Total run mileage: 124.3. I'm not sure why it's only 120 up there ^, but whatever. Second highest monthly mileage EVER!  

Highest weekly run mileage: 48.89. Highest weekly ever? I believe so! The week of the kick-ass 21 miler.   

# Runs: 21.  

# Rest days: 10 days. Two only extra because I needed them, needed the break and promised that if I took them, I'd go out hard the next day. Always accomplished, so you know those rest days were well-spent! 

# Cross-training workouts: 4 days of yoga. And 1 awesome hike up in the mountains with my students! 

# Races: 

     - Ragnar So Cal... recap eventually? 

     - Angels 5K 

Favorite run: I can't say it was the favorite because it was the most fun or whatever (though it was), but knocking out that 21 miler (without realizing it was 21) was pretty fan-freaking-tastic. I had some good longer-than-13.1-mile runs this cycle and while they were great, there is nothing like finishing 21 miles (when you thought it was 20) and realizing you did so at a 9:12ish pace throughout. Talk about a confidence boost heading into race day (spoiler: mentally, it works wonders!). 

Current favorite: Given that we're a few days into May, my current favorite is reminscing on Sunday. Working on my race recap that I hope to post on Thursday and share all the gloriousness that race day turned out to be. I'm giddy and sore, elated and in sheer disbelief of what I pulled off. I couldn't have asked for more out of the day, nor out of my legs! Just you wait. ;) 

Current excitement: I'm officially all booked for my racecation 30-hour trip to Seattle! I'm so stoked to be running Rock 'n Roll Seattle and knocking off half marathon state #10 in the process. Though I'm up in Washington for just a day and a half, having a free flight and new friends to share a hotel with doesn't hurt, so this trip is uber-cheap and therefore even more uber-awesome. More to come on this on Friday! 

Join me, yes?

Current read: Many thanks to the super awesome folks at Rock 'n Roll and VeloPress, I've got a couple of new books headed my way and I'm way freaking excited! I still have plenty of other reads to get to, but I'm super stoked about The Accidental Athlete and am definitely cracking this one open first! A few weeks of recovery and easy running will leave me with plenty of time to get some reading done - amazing when you look back and realize how much time you've spent running, and now that you have some free time in your life... reading... some wedding planning... aaaaah! Such a nice feeling.  

Current goal: Marathon recovery! I think that's a pretty good goal to have. :) 

Month Goals: May is going to be all about giving my body some time to recover. Two fulls in nine weeks is pretty grueling on anyone, let alone a girl who took two YEARS between her first and second. I'm damn proud of it, but I know my body needs a little downtime too. To boot, May kicks off my busiest time of year - orientation seasion! - for our new students, so soon my Saturdays are being hijacked, which also leads to my biggest mental struggle of the year in maintaining any kind of fitness during 60+ hour work weeks. Wish me luck!  

Goals for April:
- 125 miles - Well damn, apparently I was .7 miles shy! 
- Add another yoga day in for at-home practice (so 2 times per week) - Nope. But I'm glad I stuck with my once per week at least! 
- Intentional stretching/foam rolling as miles increase these next few weeks heading into race day - Very much so. Lots more rolling as the weeks went on! 

Goals for May:
- Marathon recovery - It's been a tough and super intense last eight weeks since Phoenix. I've worked really hard and now it's time to let myself recover. I have a half on the books on June 5 (Rock 'n Roll San Diego), but nothing I intend to take seriously. Sometimes running just to run is just as good!
- Maintain - Having nothing to train for/focus on is nice, but on the same token can be hard because I'm certainly of the variety that will let myself slack more because of that. My Saturday work schedule also starts up soon (summer is craaaaazy in my world), so I'm hoping to maintain a schedule of running + yoga to keep up with my current fitness.
- Strength - Maybe, then this is a good time to get in some strength work. There's an idea. ;)

Looking back on another month. Fantastic. 

What are your biggest accomplishments from this month? What are you looking forward to next month?

March Recap

Total run mileage: 126.47. New highest monthly mileage EVER! Booyah! 

Highest weekly run mileage: 45.47. That was an awesome week.  

# Runs: 21.  

# Rest days: 9. Fully intentional - I'm feeling outstanding, and even took two rest days last week that were unplanned. Rockin' and feelin' good.

# Cross-training workouts: 6. Yoga five times (four at Fleet Feet and once in my living room) and one decent day of core + strength work. Pleased. 

# Races: 

     - Dairy Aire 5K
     - St. Patrick's Day Half Marathon (2:15 pacer)

     - Hot Chocolate San Diego 15K (9:30" pacer)

Favorite run: Amazingly enough, I'm going to say my 16 miler with Monica last Sunday. We headed out before the sun was even up, were greeted by some nasty humidity but a gorgeous sunrise and tons of bunnies everywhere (how perfect for Easter bunny morning!). ROCKED our 16 miles at a 9:51 pace overall and we felt amazing - even come Monday when we both said, "I don't feel like I ran 16 yesterday!" Fantastic long run to get me psyched for Ragnar and another 20-miler in a few weeks! 

Hardest Run: Hot Chocolate was a toughie - that course is certainly no joke, with 80% of the 9 miles on uphills, it'll certainly test ya. But also one of my favorites, as so many folks were telling me that I was keeping them on their goal pace and that I was a "GREAT pacer!" and I just loved being out there. If you're going to run this one in the future, be prepared for that hill work! The good news is that the last 1.5 flatten out and have one reallllly good downhill to push you along into the finisher chute.

2016 Beast Pacing Hot Chocolate San Diego 15K team!

Current need: To get over this "flu-like" whatever that's been plaguing me. I woke up yesterday (Tuesday) with a migraine about 1 am, didn't go to work because of a significant lack of sleep and that eventually turned into feeling chills, body aches, and other issues. After Doug got home from football practice, we went to urgent care... sooo... you can see where that leads. Hoping I can shake it off enough for a decent enough run at Surf City on Sunday. :( 

Current favorite: Abundant Heart, because this: "Abundant Heart: the belief that fitness should be FUN; combining inspiring mantras with lively colors to make any workout, event or everyday experience more abundant." Perfection, right?! AH is my newest favorite tank company (they do sweatshirts and stuff too) thanks to Shelby. I wore AH tanks for both Surf City and Phoenix, and they are some of the softest, most comfy, cute and hilarious tanks ever. Both mine are burnout tanks, and you can be I am eye-balling this one, too: 

{Abundant Heart}

Current goal: Finish the last four weeks of OC Marathon training strong and on point. Getting in my yoga, stretching, foam rolling and making my runs count. I'm honestly just looking forward to beasting that race and showing myself what I am really capable of! 

Month Goals: Post-Phoenix recovery was awesome, but by the time Dairy Aire rolled around (re: my first run in a week, very intentionally) I was itching to run... which also told me I was ready and that I did recovery right! I feel like I really kicked some major ass and made some mega-progress this month and am excited to jump into April with Ragnar and my last month of OC training! 

Goals for March:
- 110 miles - Done! 
- Incorporate strength training at least 1-2 times per week - I did it once. All month. 
- Add another yoga day in for at-home practice (so 2 times per week) - Achieved one week! But never missed a sesson! 

Goals for April:
- 125 miles
- Add another yoga day in for at-home practice (so 2 times per week)
- Intentional stretching/foam rolling as miles increase these next few weeks heading into race day

March was awesome. I'm on such a high right now and that's mostly thanks to the last week or so, where I feel like I've just nailed my runs, nailed my workouts and am doing it all right. With many thanks to Jacky and My Fitness Pal, I am at least paying attention to what I eat and take in each day (even with just estimates) and that in just two and a half weeks of tracking my food, I lost 2 pounds. That's far more than I've done in a while, and I am looking forward to dropping some more weight before OC (goal: another 6 pounds). I think I can hit that goal in 4.5 weeks, so ready to make it happen! 

What are your biggest accomplishments from this month? What are you looking forward to next month?

February Recap

Total run mileage: 73.88. Not the 100-mile-months I'm gunning for each month, but given that it started with 3 days in bed for the flu and 9 days in the middle of the month where I didn't give a damn about putting on a pair of shoes, I am more than pleased. Never mind than 1/3 

Highest weekly run mileage: 34.3. I mean, 'caus yanno... I ran a marathon that week. 

# Runs: 10. Ooph. 

# Rest days: 18. I would say most were rest by choice (re: I was lazy) but three also forced thanks to the power of the flu. Lame.  

# Cross-training workouts: 1. One week at yoga. Also sad.

# Races: 

     - Run for Russ 5K
     - Surf City Half Marathon

     - Mermaid Series San Diego Half Marathon (2:15 pacer)

     - Phoenix Marathon

Favorite run: Phoenix! Surprisingly, because I never thought I'd say that a marathon would be my favorite run of the month, but I guess with only 10 runs in a month that's fairly easy to say! For going in and knowing that my training hadn't been the best (again, I took more than half of February off, essentially), I am more than impressed with how I performed. I'm damn proud of that race and look forward to feeling the same way after OC! 

Hardest Run: Quite honestly, Surf City. Post-flu, I thought I felt pretty okay and then got into the race and at mile 4, I knew I didn't have it in me. So while I learned a lesson in "Listen to your body," it was an incredibly difficult run to get through and finish. Continued high fives and hugs to Jacky for getting me through.

That smile is all kinds of fake, don't worry.

Current need: To get over this "flu-like" whatever that's been plaguing me. I woke up yesterday (Tuesday) with a migraine about 1 am, didn't go to work because of a significant lack of sleep and that eventually turned into feeling chills, body aches, and other issues. After Doug got home from football practice, we went to urgent care... sooo... you can see where that leads. Hoping I can shake it off enough for a decent enough run at Surf City on Sunday. :( 

Current favorite: Recovery week. As awesome as Phoenix was, I am feeling pretty amazing this week and am even pondering an easy run this evening with the pup. I am enjoying the relaxation, the massage, the yoga, the walks.. but it's also gearing me up to get really excited about jumping into a real cycle again and doing it right.

Current goal: I seriously left Phoenix with such a high - a weird feeling considering I only made my C goal, but it was more than I could have asked for. I'm in the middle of recovery week as we speak, but I am really looking forward to lacing up my shoes and getting out on some runs. Two 5Ks this weekend to kick me back up and then it's time to get into a training cyle for the OC Marathon on May 1. I'm fired up and ready for it.

Rockin' at Mile 17.

Month Goals: February - overall - was pretty lackluster in terms of my fitness. I mean, in life, it was FREAKING AWESOME. But I am looking forward to tackling March with a vengeance and making it a pretty freaking awesome. It's also the last month before my super busy season (re: April - August) at work takes off, so I am hoping to take advantage of it and get in some super kick ass long runs before insanity hits me. Wish me luck. 

Goals for March:
- 110 miles
- Incorporate strength training at least 1-2 times per week
- Add another yoga day in for at-home practice (so 2 times per week)

2016 Goals Update

1. Run 1,100 miles. 
174.65 down, 925.35 to go! I am a little behind where I was last year at this point, but after running the LA Marathon last year I was totally tuckered out and injured and my mileage totally tapered off from there for the better part of the spring. I am hoping this spring brings exactly the opposite - that I'm geared up and ready to push through the spring and pretty much kick ass. 

2. Marathon PR
Attempt #1 for the year has passed and again, though unsuccessful, a great race for me and I know my big PR is coming. #2 in 8.5 weeks! 

3. Complete a triathlon.
I'm still toying with this idea. I know I can do it if I give myself the time and commitment to training in something other than running shoes. We shall see! 

4. Finish off my credit card debt.
Knocking off more, a little at a time. No major progress this month, but a good size tax return sitting in savings while I debate what to do with it. Knock off a credit card bill or save it for some wedding-related stuff that is soon to come my way? Adulting. It's hard.

5. Journal
I journaled once this month, right after our engagement so I didn't lose the magic of the day (please know that I still haven't!). February was a journal fail but am hoping to bring it back into the routine soon! 

6. Strength & Cross Train
I love my yoga Wednesday nights - like, I've gotten to the point where I wake up almost looking forward to the day being over so I can go get my stretch on. I see the progress I've made and where it's taking me and I absolutely love the feeling! I am hoping to add at least one day of practice at home each week and I would like to commit to getting on to some weights this month for reals.

7. Volunteer More
My mom and I are signed up to volunteer at Tinkerbell weekend in May, which I am way excited about! I hope to also find a few more races to get out at and cheer folks on, support runners, and be the best volunteer and cheerleader I can be. I owe so much of my good races to volunteers and want to be sure I share the love.

8. Speak Up
This is by far one of the hardest goals for me this year. Nothing exciting to report, but am looking forward to the personal challenge. 

February was insanely busy and I think it's finally caught up with me. I'm looking forward to more weekends in my own bed this month - a few early mornings for races and fun, but it's still MY bed and that's exciting. Doug and I said to each other on the drive home last weekend from Phoenix that February was fun and all but "... damn, we're tired." Guess that's in the name of fun, right?!

What are your biggest accomplishments from this month? What are you looking forward to next month?

January Recap

Total run mileage: 100.77. I just wanted to get to 100, and since I skipped so many runs or shortened so many long ones I'm stoked I at least hit that goal. It definitely could have been higher, but I'll take it for what it is, considering how insane January was! 

Highest weekly run mileage: 28.82. Not stellar, but again, I'l take it for what it is! 

# Runs: 17. 

# Rest days: 11.  

# Cross-training workouts: 5. Four weeks of yoga (once a week) and one day cycling. Not great, but a lot better than I used to be! I'll get there. 

# Races: "Just" two this month, both half marathons:

     - Citrus Heritage Half (2:00 pacer / 2:00)

     - Inaugural Phoenix Women's Half Marathon (2:07:43)

Favorite run: The first long run of the month - January 2. I killed 12 miles at race pace (8:30) and talked and laughed and had a great day. And I got finished that run with a big smile on my face and the realization that I could do it and that maybe there's a PR for me at Surf City. This was the day I realized I could. Bring it on, Huntington Beach! 

Hardest Run: There were actually a couple of tough runs this month. I credit it to just how freaking busy this month was and the fat that there was a LOT of treadmill time. I've definitely struggled this month and for as much as I've gotten used to treadmill time, it certainly doesn't make it much easier! Soo boooooo to that! Looking forward to some later sunshine so I can get some evening runs in in daylight without worrying about nighttime safety. 

Current need: To get over this "flu-like" whatever that's been plaguing me. I woke up yesterday (Tuesday) with a migraine about 1 am, didn't go to work because of a significant lack of sleep and that eventually turned into feeling chills, body aches, and other issues. After Doug got home from football practice, we went to urgent care... sooo... you can see where that leads. Hoping I can shake it off enough for a decent enough run at Surf City on Sunday. :( 

Current favorite: Not gonna lie, yoga has been rocking my socks (or bare feet) off lately. I'm enjoying a cool, mellow hour every Wednesday and am at the point that I very much already look forward to it when I wake up each Wednesday morning. I am far from flexible, but I can feel myself already loosening up just a bit and getting a good stretch on. Now if I could only commit to doing this by myself another day each week, I'd be good to go. 

Current goal: It's February 3 and it's PR week, baby. Surf City is on Sunday and while I am stoked and pumped and all kinds of ready, the race nerves have also set in and I am also (not so) secretly terrified. My badass Ironman girl Jacky is pacing me and I know she's got this on lock for me. I just hope I have it on lock for myself. 

Month Goals: Being that it was the first month of the year, I didn't set any specific January goals, but wanted to get a good start on my 2016 goals overall. Accountability time, friends! 

1. Run 1,100 miles. 
100.77 miles down, 999.23 to go! If I can keep up 100 mile months this year consistently, I'll be done WAY before December 30 like I was in 2015! 
2. Marathon PR
Marathon #1 for the year comes at the end of February (Phoenix). January is just working towards that! 

3. Complete a triathlon.
I'm still toying with this idea. I know I can do it if I give myself the time and commitment to training in something other than running shoes. We shall see! 
4. Finish off my credit card debt.
Knocking off more, a little at a time. No major progress this month, but with a good size tax return coming my way in less than 21 days, I am fairly certain this will become a good reality in February! Booyah! 

5. Journal
I journaled twice this month, much less than I had hoped but you know, life gets in the way sometimes. I need to find a time each week, set it or schedule it, and commit to making it a reality. New month, new chance to start over and get to work! 

6. Strength & Cross Train
I made it to yoga every Wednesday this month - while that's only four days (plus one random day of cycling), that's a significant increase from what I've done prior. I look forward to Wednesdays and am excited to make this a pattern! 

7. Volunteer More
Already eye-balling races I want to volunteer at. More next month, hopefully, when I set this into action! 

8. Speak Up
This is by far one of the hardest goals for me this year. Nothing exciting to report, but am looking forward to the personal challenge. 

January was insanely busy and really, February is going to be no exception, but I am looking forward to making progress to all eight goals continuously. Here's to the start of the year because having 11  months to go means I still have a shot! 

What are your biggest accomplishments from this month? What are you looking forward to next month?

Run Megan Run: Spring Schedule

Well, with all this sudden talk of #marathontraining on my Insta, you're probably wondering what I'm up to. If you follow me on Twitter, none of this should be a surprise, but! There's lots of really awesome goodness coming my way this spring and I am way freaking excited.

Citrus Heritage Run Half Marathon

January 9

I ran this race in both 2014 and 2015 and want to keep my legacy status! It's a favorite local race with an amazing production. Run through orange groves? Yes please. I'm looking forward to seeing if I can continue bettering my time on this hilly, challenging course. 

Run for Russ 5K

February 6

Part of the Chino Triple Crown 5K series (race number two of three) and one with a worthy cause. This will be year three headed back here (2014 / 2015)!

Surf City Half Marathon

February 7

Register with code SCMJOHNSTON10 and save 10%!

This is the major goal race of the spring - yes, I'm overlapping marathon training (a phase not about speed for me, but endurance) with my goal half marathon time (where I am more about speed). My current PR is 1:50 and I am aiming to break that with a stellar day at Surf City. I know this course well and am ready to smash it. Jacky, my personal pacer for the day, thinks she'll pull me in for a 1:45. We'll see about that.

San Diego Mermaid Half Marathon

February 13

Register with code BEAST and save 10%!

First race of 2016 to be pacing with Beast (2:15) and I already can't wait. I love women's races and am excited to be a part of this pacing team! 

And the early spring doozy...

Phoenix Marathon

February 27

Spoiler: I have another full on May 1, but I am really trying to train hard and make my workouts count for Phoenix. Phoenix will either be a stellar, super race or it will be a great temperature check for how I'm doing for OC training and what I need to work in the two months following. Either way, I am excited and ready to rock and roll! 

During marathon recovery, I'll be pacing two more races:

San Diego St. Patrick's Day Half

March 12

Another easy run with Beast pacing team 2:15! Super fun, all-green races with beer gardens afterwards never hurt, either. 

Hot Chocolate 15K San Diego

March 20

Register with code BEASTBUFF and get a free buff with all your other race swag!

I haven't done a Hot Chocolate race since their inaugural year in Atlanta, so I am super excited to do another one finally - and in the last two years, they've added race medals in for all their 15K finishers on top of all the chocolate swag! Win. 

Excited for all the fun through March. Excited that it's a bit of racing, a bit of pacing, all while mixing it up and being better about my cross training, strength work and getting in some solid runs during marathon training. Boom.

Will I see you at any of these races? What's on your schedule for spring 2016?

2016: The Year of the Marathon

I accomplished every goal I set out for in 2015. Every. Single. One. Though some were not to the degree I had hoped for (namely, that marathon PR), I can still they were achieved and can do so with a pretty big smile on my face.

Running really took a big part of my life in 2015, partially from the tail-end of unemployment and it providing me some kind of sanity through that nonsense, and then even a little bit of relief as the new job started and trying to maintain a balance in my life with a pretty demanding job over the summer. July hit some mileage lows (like 30 all month), but showed me that when I am determined to do something (like 1,000 miles), I'll do what I can to achieve it and look past the harder times.

I put numbers and specific goals into a lot of things. I believe in setting SMART goals, mostly so I can keep myself in check and also set goals that are realistic and that I won't kill myself doing. 1,000 was a stretch, but I backed off for a bit and then had to make up for it later! Numbers are hard and sometimes they leave a lot to live up to and sometimes put on that extra stress. At the same time, they hold you accountable.

That being said, my goals for 2016 are a mix of numeric and non-numeric things - some things I keep track off like a mad-woman (mileage!) and race times do other work for me, but some other things are plans and ideas that I'd like to see put into action.

1. Run 1,100 miles. 
I know, I just said 1,000 was hard. But now I really know what it entails and how to hold myself to it. Between training plans and cycles this year, I've got big plans that should be nothing but supported by these miles anyway. Watch me do work! 100 mile months almost seems the norm now, so in theory this is not that hard to attain.

2. Marathon PR
I have a number in my head. A time on the clock that I would love to see happen by the end of the year, but I'm not ready to put it out there just yet. Last year in one marathon I ran a 6-minute PR in 100-degree heat and I've already got 3 fulls on the calendar for 2016. So long as I can maintain some effort, I think my goal is realistic. 4:52 will be demolished this year - demolished!

3. Complete a triathlon.
Alright, there. It's out there. I'm not specifying a distance, as I really just want to give myself an opportunity to try something different! Honestly, I think that I could roll out of bed tomorrow and complete a sprint tri - it might not be pretty, but I have the endurance to. However, I would like to actually train and feel that I successfully completed some (undetermined distance) tri!

4. Finish off my credit card debt.
Also attainable. Knocking off about 70% of it in 2015 was huge, and though my savings took a little hit, I want to knock it all out of the park so I can continue to build up my savings again. To be honest, I have about $3,000 left to finish off and I know it's more than do-able (and should take well less than a year). I know I have some big financial goals coming up in my personal world, so my hope is that should I achieve a 0% credit card debt status, I can handle other financial responsibilities that come up. Let's see what I can do.

5. Journal
Don't get me wrong, I love my blog and I love sharing my little corner of the world with you all! BUT there is nothing like grabbing a pen and paper (or my notebook) to actually get the rest of my head out on paper. My goal is to journal at least once per week and, to make a habit of it, commit one evening each week to writing.

6. Strength Train
When I was training for my first full way back when, I was actually really good about cross and strength training. For whatever reason, I cannot for the life of me get back into a mindset of doing it. It sucks. However, with those three fulls on the calendar, I know giving my body a break from pounding pavement is going to be crucial  to not only making myself stronger, but giving myself some true recovery time. My local Fleet Feet does yoga on Wednesdays and I've already scheduled Sundays for cross training and strength days. Every little bit counts, right?

7. Volunteer More
I always say I'm going to volunteer at more races, and I would like to actually put that into use this year. Volunteering at the Disneyland Half weekend this past year was awesome, but I want to be out road-side, passing out water or medals and giving folks all that they need on race day! My goal is to volunteer at at least six races by next December!

8. Speak Up
I back down from confrontation. I hate it more than anything. I'm not a good advocate for myself. In relationships, at work, and in life, I want to work on speaking up on my own behalf, whether I'm upset or frustrated, but also wanting folks to know when I'm happy and grateful and glad they're on my side. There's work to do here, for sure, but that goes into some other work on self-esteem! For now... we leave it as 'speak up.' Be your best advocate. It goes a long way!

There it is. 2016 has a lot of good things coming already, including an awesome race schedule that I am way excited about, but other life and fun adventures to come. I can't wait.

What are your goals for 2016?