Seems like I blinked and I’m halfway through Tokyo Marathon training. I sort of expected that to happen since the holidays are such a diversion, but I’ll be honest. I feel like I’ve got SO much work ahead of me training-wise. The good news is December has been gloriously mild, which was very good for getting in some longer runs.
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 3 road miles, then 1 mile alternating 100m fast/100m easy on the track
Wednesday: Strength
Thursday: Run 5 miles
Friday: Rest
Saturday: Strength
Sunday: Run 15 miles
New Year New You. I swear I’ve already heard this phrase about a billion times. It’s on magazine covers, on the lips of talk show hosts and news anchors, and certainly a big buzzword at the gym. Personally I can’t stand this phrase, one, because it’s so overused and two, because do you really need a NEW YOU? Is the old you so bad it needs to be tossed out completely? I don’t think so.
What is it about change? Seemingly everybody WANTS to change in one manner or another yet almost none of us actually does so.
Do you actually NEED to change? Adversities like job loss, loss of a loved one, and injury force a NEED to change. Things simply cannot go on as they did before. According to experts, this is called reactive reinvention. Many times the best way to react to adversity is to see the windows that have opened when the proverbial door closed.
Or do you WANT to change? This category is where most of our goals fall. Maybe we want to run a marathon. Get healthier. Get a better job. Learn a new skill. Start a new relationship. Typically this type of reinvention forces us out of our comfort zones and prompts us to do things we haven’t done before. This kind of change is where most of us fail because we need to be proactive in order to achieve these kinds of goals. We need to change up our routines and STICK with new behaviors, all while avoiding burnout. Easier said than done, right?
While I’m all for a fresh start, I think it’s important to look back and acknowledge our successes as well. When we realize our strengths, we’re motivated to build upon them. So cheers to the fresh start a new year brings. Whether you thrive by setting goals, proclaiming a “word for the year” or prefer to navigate 2019 seat-of-the-pants style, I hope you make 2019 you’re best year yet.
How do you embrace the fresh start of the New Year? Have you ever set a New Year goal that you stuck with?
I am not a New Years resolution gal, for me the idea of doing something for an entire year seems overwhelming. I do a lot of monthly goals/challenges, though. Monthly goals/challenges are more manageable, and can be tweaked each month…many of them wind up being change-of-lifestyle things that continue on indefinitely after their month-long trial run. Wow…you’re halfway through your training…already!
The whole New Year, New You thing kind of irks me too. If you really didn’t like the old you why wait until January 1? Why not start changing things immediately? That being said, I do set goals for the year. Sometimes it’s as simple as remembering to have fun.
I feel like I should try to do something differently in the new year, but when push comes to shove I always have an excuse. I think I’ll ponder goals/resolutions between now and our coffee date and see what I come up with when I’m honest with myself.
P.S. I thought you were going to have to reinvent your blog. 😉
I feel like I should try to do something differently in the new year, but when push comes to shove I always have an excuse. I think I’ll ponder goals/resolutions between now and our coffee date and see what I come up with when I’m honest with myself.
P.S. I thought you were going to have to reinvent your blog. 😉
At this point, I’m just happy to be plugging along. I have no goals, no resolutions except to keep on keeping on. I did refresh my blog, so there’s that…
Happy New Year my friend! You’re killing your marathon training and that makes me happy!
I typically set goals for the year but on a more quarterly/monthly basis to keep them manageable. I have general themes and intentions – like this year I am focusing on community – but I also will set these goals anytime during the year. Happy New Year!
I have heard that saying “new year new you” so many times before but funnily enough I have not heard it yet this season..haha
I actually dont do well with change, so if things stay the same I am happy…lol -M
I also hate the phrase “New Year, New You”. Like you, I think it’s way overused but I also think it’s way too vague.
When setting my 2019 goals this year I thought about the things that I would like to do better. I know what my strengths and weaknesses are and this year is all about tackling the weaknesses, but I don’t think I need to completely make myself over as a new person, lol
While I’m a big goal setter, the whole “New Year, New You” thing makes me crazy – I agree, so overdone! For me goal setting is a combination of nudging myself out of my comfort zone, shifting focus, and sometimes trying to improve upon a weakness. It actually makes me a little sad to think someone feels the need to completely “reinvent” themselves.
Can’t believe you’re halfway to Tokyo! Wishing you smooth training the rest of the way!
December has been a nice mild month- that’s great that you’re already up to 15 for your long run!
I like to set intentions- not strict goals, but it gives me some sense of focus for the year ahead.
I have definitely set some goals I’ve stuck to, and others have been a miserable failure. And some in between. I do like working towards a goal, though; it motivates me. And that’s not true of everyone, obviously.
Am I looking to change in 2019? Probably not. Are there things in my life I want to change? Some of those things I’m already working on (like decluttering and making my house more of a home). The key for me is always to break those big goals into little steps (and then actually remember those little steps, LOL).
Happy New Year, Marcia! May the weather continue to favor your training (and mine, LOL).
Glad Tokyo training is going well! So exciting. Do you know where you’re staying before/after the race?
When I ran it, it was drizzling and chilly, but great running conditions.
I haven’t even thought about New Year’s resolutions…Time to start thinking of some!
I just told my trainer today-new year same me! I am content and don’t feel the pressure to make some huge change a the moment. BTW I think you are pretty good the way you are as well! Happy New year
“Do what makes me happy and never stop laughing” has suited me well as a pseudo resolution since I rarely keep anything else. I agree with you on need v. wanting to change, and the New Year, New Yoi cliche needs to go because there ‘s no substance behind it. That said, I don’t think wanting to change is enough at times — there’s an element of readiness that needs to be there.
So exciting that Tokyo is getting closer! I sometimes fall into the trap with New Year’s Resolutions, but I actually do enjoy the chance to reset some things with a clean slate! I also like to challenge myself with meaningful goals and I’m hoping that I’ll have a very successful 2019! Happy New Year!
I don’t even like the New Years Day holiday, much less setting resolutions or goals. I’m a believer of if it’s broken…you fix it then – not on Jan 1st. Keep plugging away with your training, my friend. You’ll get there and it will be amazing. Happy New Year and thanks for linking with us this year!