Running Goals

While I was out for a run last week, I started thinking about my running goals for 2009. This year, I ran in three 5K races and my first 10K race. I ran 412.92 miles in 2008....I took off most of April due to an ankle tendinitis and part of October due to knee problems.

Here are my running goals for 2009:

1. Log at least 500 miles.

2. Run in at least 5 races.

3. Do more cross training....cycling, strengthening, walking, etc. Right now I exercise 3-4 days a week. My goal is 5-6 days a week with only 1 day off.

4. Lose 15 pounds. This is the big one. I am sorry to say, even with all my running, I am 15 pounds overweight. :( Currently I race towards the back of the pack. But, my 5K PR for 2008 was 28:20. So, it is very possible for me to move to the middle of the pack. I know that my speed will increase if I can lose those 15 pounds. As a fellow runner noted, running with 15 extra pounds is like running while carrying a turkey. Surely I can go faster if I can drop the turkey.

My plan is to do a weigh-in this Monday morning and the every Monday after that. My goal is a pound a week. My birthday is in April and if I drop a pound a week, I should be able to lose 13 by my birthday, just in time for the start of racing season.

So...there they are. I think they are quite realistic. I plan to report weekly on the weight issue and monthly on all others. The biggest one that I want to conquer is my turkey. I hope that by blogging about it, I will hold myself more accountable. We'll see.... :)