New year's resolutions always seem a little cliche, but sometimes setting goals is the only way to keep us on pace in our training. It sometimes helps to set more creative goals instead of relying on strict pace standards.
Runners often find themselves missing a lot of training sessions during the extremely cold weather and holiday activities, so one easily attainable goal could be to simply run a certain number of times in a week. During these first days back on the road it is also helpful to not always obsess over the mileage and simply run according to how you feel. Pick a moderate block of time to shoot for or a reasonable landmark to visit and just take it as it comes. Twenty minutes of continuous jogging is a good starting point. That standard can easily be adjusted as your fitness improves.
Working out alone can also be frustrating when starting a new training regiment. Hook up with a few of the many group runs around town to hold you accountable. Breakaway hosts two runs a week (Thursday night in midtown and Saturday morning at Shelby Farms) and Paul Sax has a number of great runs throughout the week including a track workout at the University of Memphis on Tuesday evenings. There is a helpful list of group runs posted on MRTC's website and in the back of their newsletter. Breakaway can always help you find training partners as well so please don't hesitate to contact us.
Training goals are definitely important, but it is helpful to set more than just one. Set many that serve as stepping stones toward your ultimate objective. Keep the goals fun as well. Running is supposed to be an edifying activity not torture. Good luck in 2010 and let us know how we can help.
Breakaway Running
Below: Breakaway's New Year's Eve Pub Crawl/ Run.
