LISBETH HOYT, PT, DPT, CSCS.
Wow, 2020… what a year! Am I right?!
While this past year was less than ideal and far from what anyone predicted it would have been, it still was another trip around the sun. December is usually a time for reflection on the year past and goal setting for 2021. We spend a lot of time at Custom Performance talking about what went well with racing and what we can improve on as runners in the following year. But with very few races to reflect back on, does this change how we approach our 2021 goals?
The short answer is no. With so many race cancellations, you might not have had the chance to PR formally in a race this year. But since running wasn’t canceled, maybe you surprised yourself and hit that goal on a virtual race, or even in a workout. If you did, that’s great! You can set a 2021 goal based on how that felt and what could be improved in a race situation.
If you didn’t, that’s ok too! Maybe you’ll reset that same goal you had for 2020 for 2021. Or maybe you’ve decided you want to focus on a different goal instead, something not even related to running. Personally, I set a few new strength goals this year to help me become a stronger runner in 2021.
Just because it’s a new year, you don’t need to forget your 2020 goals if you haven’t achieved them yet. If you’ve had trouble reaching a goal you’ve previously set or are setting a new one, here are some quick goal setting tips to help you get started.
Pick a goal: do you really want this and are ready to dedicate time to achieving it?
Make it SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound. The more specific you are the more likely you’ll want to work towards this goal.
Write it down. This makes it real! Put it somewhere you’ll see on a regular basis for motivation.
Make a plan: What do you need to do to reach this goal? Do you need help?
Set a timeline: pick a race or a specific date to give yourself something to work towards.
Take action: pick your Day One and get going!
Re-evaluate: check in on your goal weekly and make any necessary adjustments along the way.
So… what are your goals? We love to help you reach them!