Can you believe it’s January already? I’m not much for making New Year’s Resolutions (or keeping them!) , but I do like to set a few goals for the new year. Not surprisingly, I have a few running-related goals that I thought might resonate with other runners.
- Volunteer at a race. The Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Miler Run needs 2,000 volunteers to help the event run smoothly. Did you know that if you volunteer this year, you can earn a guaranteed entry for the 2015 race? (You can learn more here.)
- Run a race for fun and/or pace a new runner through their first race. Even when I plan to just “have fun” in a race, I usually end up pushing myself as soon as the starting gun goes off. One way to force myself to take a different approach would be to pace a new runner through his or her first 5K. If you have more time to give back to the community, you might want to consider getting involved with Teens Run DC, a local organization with a mission to empower at-risk youth to envision and work towards personal goals through a mentoring and distance running program.
- Sign up for a new race. With so many great races in the Washington, D.C. area, I tend to fill my race calendar with the same races year in and year out. Last year I was excited to run in the inaugural US National Road Racing Championships 12K (a USTAF event) in Alexandria, Virginia, and it was a fantastic event. Even if I can’t enter another brand-new race, there are lots of other great races close to home that I’ve never entered.
- Pack my running gear. Last year I had the opportunity to run in several new cities–you can see the photo recap on my blog here. With several business trips already lined up for 2014, I plan to pack my running gear and do my best to get in a run before or after my meetings.
Do you make New Year’s Resolutions?
Other than the CUCB, what is your favorite local race?
~ Courtenay, @Got2Run4Me
Courtenay is an attorney and Virginia native, born, raised and living in Alexandria, Virginia. She started running after graduating from law school, and has been hooked on the endorhpins ever since. Her favorite race distance is 10 miles.
My running goal for 2014 is a bit daunting when I really think about it, but to achieve it would be so great. I am a former marathoner that was hit with health issues about 3 years ago. The worst of which is chronic fatigue syndrome. I’ve learned to deal with it and ration my energy but my activity level is 1/4 of what it once was. My goal is to try to get in shape enough to train for the Vegas 1/2 marathon in November. If I can keep my energy levels balanced I will have only one other issue to deal with, 4 discs in my lower back that keep me in line if I do to much. I have my work cut out for me but if I train smart, I do think it’s achievable. I’m excited to get started.
Good luck to you, Angie!
We’re excited for you, too, Angie. Best of luck and let us know how things are going.
After having run 12 half marathons in 12 months last year, I’m focusing on not over-doing it!
whew…I’m tired just thinking about all those races…
I haven’t decided on my 2014 goals yet – but this one just might inspire me!
Maybe this will be the year I finally watch a race as a spectator without knowing anyone running. It’s a sort of pay it forward that I always mean to do but haven’t yet 🙂
I would to pace someone through a race to help them finish or meet a goal.
I set intentions for this New Year 🙂
I like how if you volunteer this year you get an entry for next year! That is a good incentive for people to volunteer!
I’m not currently a runner but I really want to start so I can do the Cherry Blossom 10k! After my first DC trip I was researching the cherry blossoms and came across the race and it seemed like such a great one!
I’d also love to do a Disney race, they seem so fun!
Rebecca, just take that first step!
I’m actually going to pace my youngest son in his first half marathon in April – I can’t wait!!
Wow, how old is your son? Congrats on his first half-marathon!