Happy New Year 2013!

Happy New Year! It’s 2013 and with the start of a new year I have set some goals for what I want to achieve fitness-wise. My goals are straightforward. I am very confident in my ability to achieve the first two while the second two goals will push me outside my comfort zone. I’m not quite sure how I will achieve them yet, but I will have faith that the path to my goals will become clear as I start working towards them. I’ve gotten much better at stepping off that cliff and learning to fly on my way down. I can’t say it doesn’t scare me, but I’ve learned that any goal really worthwhile will scare you.

So here are my goals. First, the ones that my mind sees as achievable.

1. Complete 3 triathlons of any distance. After finishing one triathlon last year, I don’t doubt that I can finish at least 3. I’m planning to shoot mostly for sprint triathlons as I was completely sick of long workouts last year. I don’t want to burn myself out completely.

2. Complete a Half Ironman Relay. I would love to experience a Half Ironman, but I don’t want to train hard enough to complete one myself so a relay is the way to go. I’ve already talked to my friend Alison and we have one in mind for June 30th. She will do the run while I do the swim and we have to find a willing soul to tackle the bike leg. I’m excited to take on the 1.2 mile swim. In fact, I have found I like swimming so much that I really should have named this blog Swimming with Karen, but well, how much can you really write about swimming in a pool? Running outside affords many more funny anecdotes.

And now for the two goals that scare the pants off of me.

3. Running a sub 25 minute 5K. I have no idea how I am going to shave a full 3 minutes off my best 5K time ever. Plus, since I’ve been marathon training my mile time has gotten a little slower. I’m used to my marathon pace. Running a sub 25 minute 5K will be quite a challenge for me, but boy would I love to achieve it!

4. Become more flexible, aka BE ABLE TO TOUCH MY TOES. I have never in my life been able to touch my toes. In fact, I remember when I was a little kid that all the other kids would sit with their legs out straight in front of them while I always crossed my legs. Sitting with my legs out straight was extremely uncomfortable for me and I never understood why anyone would sit like that. It took me years to realize that for most people it was actually very comfortable. I was the only one that found it so excruciating. This goal is going to be tough for me, but I’ve started by enlisting the local yoga teacher to help me learn some poses to help me stretch. It might take me all year, but touch those toes I will. Hey, it took me 2 years to run a marathon, the first to believe I could and the second to train. I’ve had 40 years to finally believe I can be flexible so now I’m ready for the year to train.

I’ll keep you updated on my progress throughout the year and will throw a massive party when I finally touch my toes. I wish you good luck with all your goals, running related or not. Have a happy 2013!