I am back from Florida where we celebrated the MIL’s 75th birthday. If you missed it on Facebook and Instagram, the trip was pretty amazing and went 1000x better than I ever imagined possible. More on that to come.
Right now let’s get to the New Year’s goodness. According to many, 2016 was kind of a shit show. I don’t see it quite that way, even with my dad being sick and losing Remy dog, but remember I’m an eternal optimist. Personally I had a pretty adventurous running year with lots of exciting travel and shenanigans with friends.
2016 was possibly the first year ever that I bothered to set and write down goals. When one sets goals one must go back and evaluate them so I guess it’s time for that. Let’s see how I did with my 2016 goals:
Swim across that lake in Pleasant Prairie at the Iron Girl Triathlon. Um, I didn’t make it across any lake. I didn’t even do the freaking Iron Girl Tri. After getting kicked in the head at the Espirit de She Triathlon, I didn’t do anymore triathlons last year. I also didn’t practice open water swimming. So FAIL.
Drop 10 lbs. Well I came within striking distance when I was down 7 pounds….and then my weight went up again…and down…and up…..and now, post vacay I can assure you I did not return 10 pounds lighter (unless peppermint ice cream is a calorie burner) and I’m going nowhere near the scale for awhile so I guess I’ll have to take the FAIL here too.
Return to a sub-2 half marathon. Running faster for me depends on not dragging around so much weight. Since I did not drop that 10 pounds, I did not run faster. Ergo, no sub 2 for me in 2016. FAIL.
Stretching. Let the record show I made a pretty good effort on this front. I brought back my pre-run dynamic warmup and was fairly good about foam rolling after. Give me a B.
Water before Coffee. This is an easy one right? I mean come on. The truth is sometimes I drank water, and sometimes I did not. I was kind of hot and cold on this. I’ll take a C.
Why I Don’t Feel Like a Failure
Despite all this “failure” I feel like I had a really fun and fulfilling year. Yeah I could run faster, weigh less and be better hydrated but perhaps I set goals that did not align with my PRIORITIES. So this year I’m going to set goals that better align with what I truly want. My exact goals are pretty rough at this point but they involve more adventures. More fun with friends. More travel. That’s the stuff that makes my heart sing. I want a crazy podcast too, so I can yak about running in addition to writing about it. Stay tuned on that one.
With 2017 now in full swing, I’m officially in “eyes on Berlin” mode. That one’s going to be awesome, and I’m going to savor every step of the journey.
Happy New Year! Are you good at setting meaningful goals? What are you most looking forward to this year?
I’m linking up with Tricia and Holly for the Weekly Wrap…
…and with Ilka and Angela for the Sunday Fitness and Food Linkup. Join us!
I love your optimistic view! I never set goals but I make “plans”. Plans can easily be changed, so I like using the word “plans” instead.
So glad to hear the trip to FL went better than expected. Can’t wait to hear about it!
I love how in the second to last sentence, you drop a huge “Oh, and I’ll be starting a podcast” bomb with no follow up. DUDE!! SO excited about this!
I also feel like I had a pretty good year even though I didn’t achieve most of my goals. Its good to have something to work towards, but its definitely better to do the things that make you happy. Can’t wait to hear more about this podcast!
I can’t WAIT to see what you do this year, lady! Nappy 2017!
Yeah, there won’t be any goals this year except to have fun! Looking forward to lots of shenanigans with you and the crew this year!
My 2016 was bipolar. But losing a furkid always tears out my heart, and we had far too short a time with Chester (he was 10), and about half of that time he was sick (he was a very sickly puppy, too).
But travel was really good. Running was really good. Meeting other bloggers? Priceless!
I’m a realistic optimist. 🙂
Water before coffee sounds like the hardest goal of all! 🙂 Happy New Year, Marcia!
I somehow missed that your trip was in honor of your MIL’s big birthday. I’m glad you it enjoyed it. Your pictures were gorgeous. I didn’t set any goals for 2016 (I don’t think. Maybe I should check?). I’m not big on resolutions or goals typically. I’d like to simply enjoy 2017, travel a little, run in a few new places, and let go of the small stuff. I’m so excited for your Berlin marathon. That will be an awesome experience. Thanks for linking, Marcia. Happy New Year!
Welcome back to this awesome weather! I enjoyed looking at your pictures of sunny Florida.
In my book you are still a winner. I love your positive attitude. Yesterday I was at Bed, Bath, and Beyond ready to buy a scale but then put it back because I couldn’t justify spending $100 (Aria which syncs to my FitBit) and I did not want to be tied down to a scale. Maybe later on I will get it.
I didn’t set any goals for 2016. So no failures. But I did have a good year – lots of races, no injuries and an awesome blogger meet-up.
Hope you have a great 2017 – Berlin for a race – how could you not? Hope you can squeeze in a race with the bloggers.
I was hoping this weekend was going to be my goal setting weekend but….well, I will work on it soon! I think fun and adventure is always a big part of the goal! So glad you were a big part of my 2016! Cheers to 2017 Coach M! XXOO
Set priorities. Not goals. it is the way to GO!
I didn’t write down any goals for last year, and this year may be the first time I actually do. All I wanted last year was make improvement, which I did. I did have some frustrating moments, but I did make progress and I’m happy with that.
I am revisiting my goals from last year to finally put down on paper new goals. You know I didn’t meet several of my goals either for 2016 but I don’t feel like a failure at all.
In fact I think I should have set some goals higher! Ok, maybe I shouldn’t get carried away…
Stay tuned for my reveal, soon.
I’m so with you on more adventures, more fun with friends and more travel! I sure do hope our paths cross again this year!!! I’d even like to see a trip that’s too far to take the RV in!
I do love the way you think Marcia!! “…..set goals that align with my priorities” …I’m going to keep that in mind when I write my 2017 goals down on paper this week! I want to challenge myself while being realistic at the same time. I’d love to lose 7 pounds but at this new found “fabulous at 50” age ….weight loss is going to be even more difficult. I’m trying to focus on fun goals and friendship goals rather than number goals …yeah, that’s more in line with my priorities!
Happy New Year Marcia! Hope to see you at a race this year!
I think the older we get, the more fun & family & being present becomes more important.
I love your optimism, even when we don’t hit all our goals progress is progress! Berlin sounds like it’ll be an amazing experience! Happy new year!
I have just started looking back on last year’s goals as I make some plans for this year. I’m so with you on making sure your goals align with your priorities.
I’m so excited for you and the Berlin Marathon! So hope our paths cross this year! Happy New Year!
Loved the Florida photos – looks like a great trip! I didn’t meet either of my two key goals, and felt fine about it given a fulfilling and happy year overall. Can’t wait to hear about the new goals for 2017!
I haven’t had a chance to write down my goals for this year. I think because the year won’t really start until my hubby gets home. I am still in, “don’t die this year” mode from 2016!!
Ha! I love that you “failed” at your goals, but still saw 2016 as a successful year. That’s the attitude we ALL need to take!
Happy 2017! I’m right there with you on the dropping 10 pounds and trying to get back to a faster pace this year!
Now those are fun goals and fun is known to be MOTIVATING.