Tuesday, December 21, 2010

New Year. . . New You: Challenge Yourself!

To use a running reference, the RMEC is really hitting it's stride right now. It may be hard to tell in the cold winter months, but our membership is as strong as it has ever been. Once the holidays pass, you will start to see some of the biggest crowds we have ever seen on Saturday mornings. Don't be left out!

Every year when January 1st comes around we all set resolutions for how we are going to improve in the new year. Often we start late, and/or fall short. That is why I am posting this now. Don't wait until January 1, 2011 to decide your next goal. Decide now, and start to make a plan for your success.

Run my first marathon. . . Set a new PR. . . Drop 15 pounds. . . Run an Ultra. . . Run my first 10k. . . Run four days a week. . . Convince a friend to run. . . Run a half marathon. . . Become a RMEC Member. . . Run one race a month. . . Start to cross train. . . Do my first sprint triathlon. . . Become an Ironman. . . Run a 200 mile relay. . . Run my first trail race. . . Qualify for Boston. . .Start running on Saturday mornings with the group. . .The opportunities are limitless!

There are so many different goals that you can set for 2011. It is time to pick yours and work towards it. From the outside looking in the RMEC may look like a group on elite runners who have no interest in newcomers. If you join us for a run, you will find out we are a down-to-earth group of people who simply stay dedicated to our goals. In fact, four years ago the RMEC was originally built based on a beginner marathon training program. At some point we are all beginners.

So what do I do now?
  • Step 1: Pick a goal (or two). Make it a big one. If it doesn't scare you at least a little bit, you should reach higher.
  • Step 2: Tell people your goals. Your true friends will motivate and encourage you every step of the way. If you fall short they will be there to pick you back up, not to laugh.
Goals can also be internal and personal, but if you are comfortable sharing, please post a comment on the blog, and let the RMEC know what extraordinary things you are going to do in 2011!  Remember goals are relative to the person setting them.  Running your first 5k can be a giant goal for you.  Be proud of that and let people know.

15 comments:

  1. Anonymous8:40 PM

    Three things on my list for 2011...#1-Run my first half marathon.
    #2-Lose 5-10 pounds (increase muscle...decrease fat).
    #3-Keep up with Tom Thurman on a Saturday morning run without slowing him down!

    Merry Christmas All!

    Margaret :o)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Frank Lilley10:18 PM

    Thinking...I post tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Patti Miller7:06 AM

    First and foremost......become injury free!!! After that...2 goals....run a BQ marathon and finish a half ironman (without having to walk the half marathon portion!!) In the meantime I may take on a few time trial races. Now THAT will be a challenge!!! Looking forward to it, though!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Michael8:38 AM

    #1 Run a BQ.

    There I said it. I have never really said it is "my goal". I think I just hoped to stumble in to a lucky race day. It is time to pull it off.

    #2 Run a 50k

    If I pull off number #1 above, I plan to run the New River 50k this fall.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Frank Lilley10:59 AM

    #1 - Run at least 75 miles at the Umstead 100.

    Would like to think I could finish the whole thing, but I really don't believe that is possible for me in the race time limits. But I've never gone past 50 miles . . .

    #2 - Run at least 15 marathons &/or ultras.

    #3 - Convince at least 4 new RMEC runners to run an ultra.

    It's just not all that hard. And the ultra crowd is way more friendly and supportive then you expect. Just forget you 'time' for once and try it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Seale12:03 PM

    1. Lose another 20 to 30 pounds.
    2. Complete at least one half iron distance race - preferably without walking any of the run.
    3. Complete the Medoc 10 miler with no walking, in a better time than 2010.
    4. Get my cycling to a point where I can finish in the upper 50% of all the cyclocross races I enter next year... and not get lapped!
    5. Get some more RMEC'ers into cross - you'll love it.

    6. Find ways to repay my spounse and kids for allowing me to have the time to train for all these goals. ;-)
    Eric

    ReplyDelete
  7. Arthur1:39 PM

    1. PR in a half marathon.
    2. Break 2 hrs in a half marathon.
    3. PR in a 5K.
    4. Get competent in the water.

    * Plus one or two others I'm still working on.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Steve2:30 PM

    1. Set a new Marathon PR.
    2. Drop 15 - 30 pounds.
    3. Run a 200 mile relay
    4. Run my first Ultra.
    5. Run a race--together--with my beautiful wife.
    6. Finish a half ironman (without having to walk the half marathon portion!!)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Anonymous2:53 PM

    Turn the intensity dial down a notch...or three in 2011.

    Have fun running and training.

    Run some different races in 2011

    Interact with the group more often

    Maybe a duathlon if I can get up the nerve to get the bike off the training stand and on the road

    Oh, and a PR at Boston

    Brian

    ReplyDelete
  10. Anonymous8:24 PM

    #1- qualify for boston
    if I do nothing else the rest of the year but this i will be happy(lets go michael)

    #2- start swimming
    this will help with a 2012 goal of doing a 1/2 triathlon.

    #3- find the ugliest christmas sweater(womens size small) to complete with Derek at the lavelys party next year.

    Dennis

    ReplyDelete
  11. Anonymous8:52 PM

    Has RMEC published White Lake half preferred date, registration is coming quick, '10 was 2nd weekend?

    ReplyDelete
  12. Amber S.7:10 AM

    1) PR in a Half Marathon distance.

    2) Take an hour off last years time at the Boogie Marathon.

    3) Complete a Warrior Dash! (coming to NC in August)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Frank Lilley8:39 AM

    There sure are a lot of RMEC members that haven't responded! Come on folk!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous1:20 PM

    1) Make my first attempt at a BQ marathon (Tobacco Road). We'll see what happens???

    2) Participate in a 6 lady team for the 200 ml relay (American Odyssey).

    3) Try another BQ marathon if necessary. :)

    4) Some triathlon(s), don't know which yet.

    Note: those wanting to swim more, join the masters swimmers at the Y and join in the fun. (I hope to get back to it in Jan.)

    Sorry Frank, ultra is not on my bucket list right now. :)

    kp

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anonymous1:21 PM

    Oh, and a time trial or two or three. That will be new. kp

    ReplyDelete

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