New Year's Running Resolutions, Part 1

Back when I started running (and blogging!) again post-baby, I posted a list of goals that I wanted to accomplish.  While it's been much less than a year, there is no better time than the start of the new year to revisit these goals and to either extend the previous goals or create new ones for myself. It's actually perfect timing because I'm feeling a bit lost right now post-women's half. There was so much work and excitement leading up to that 1/2 and now I'm not sure where I'm going with my running really. Hopefully this post will help me lay it out and get organized for the 2nd half of the race season.

Training Runs
Goal #1: Run 4-5 times a week
I've been pretty consistent in hitting this goal thanks to ABK.  I think it's also a goal I'll keep for the new year as it allows for recovery days.

Goal #2: From now until October 1st is to increase my mileage by a 1/2 mile each week until I reach 6 miles.  My hubby says this goal is a little over-ambitious, but I feel like if I run 4-5 training runs a week, an increase by a half mile shouldn't be too painful.  I know that the beginning-of-the-week runs will be slower and more painful, but I should be fine by the end of the week.
This goal was not reached. My hubby was right that I was a little over-ambitious in my goal setting, but I was easily hitting 6 before this date so I wasn't that far off! In fact, I raced this distance during the 2nd week of October and was pleased with my race results.

Goal #3: After reaching 6 mile regular training runs, include speed work once a week.
This goal was not reached. Once I was at this point in my training, it really was more prudent to keep up with longer and consistent runs, rather than to include speed work. This will be a goal that I will keep at for the remainder of the year.

Goal #4: After reaching 6 miles regular training runs, Include one long run a week.
Goal met! Nearly every week, from October and onward, ABK and I had a run of at least 7 or more miles.

Times
Goal #1: Once I am consistently at 6 miles for my training runs, I want to see myself running at a 7:15 pace for the 6 miles. 
Not even close! I knew this one would take some time. I can run at about 8.15 pace for an 8k. My average pace for a 6 mile training run is about a 9.13.

Goal #2: 20 minute 5k
Not even close! I don't even know what my 5k time would be right now. Although the last two 5ks have been on grass, my last one, which is also my fastest according to Nike+, was a 24.59.

Goal #3: 1:30 half marathon
Not even close! I also knew this would take some time. My realistic goal for my next half is 1:55.

Races
The following are the races that Ali and I will most likely do this year (thanks to Ali compiling the list):
September 1: Legacy 5k
October 6: Lexington Cares 5k
October 13: 10k Race for F.I.S.H
October 27: Race the Roof 8k
November 18: Women's Half Marathon
December 15: Frosty 5k
February 10: Rock 'N Roll Half Marathon

While I didn't do the Frosty 5k (instead opting for the Jingle Jog) and I won't be doing the Rock N Roll in February (instead choosing to do both the Naples and the Hooters for approximately the same cost), this goal is one I'd call completed!

I'd also like to add one more goal of strength training.
Not even close! I really need to work on this one!