Guest Post: What does the New Year hold for you ...by Pat Walsh

 * What does the New Year hold for you *

Lots of thoughts, resolutions and plans are being made at the moment and that is super. If you don’t have a dream or a plan you have no chance of being satisfied come Years end. It is dreaming and scheming keeps the spirit alive.

It actually doesn’t matter how big or small it is, what is important is that it is YOUR GOAL and what will you do to achieve it.

If you plan a marathon then you know you need mileage so just get going. Look for weekly totals that are realistic for January and just knock them out. Work your way through the year until you get there.

If you want short fast races then some speed work must be built into the plan to get you moving quickly. Faster leg turnover through intervals and some strength training are vital.

If you are running and racing for your health and a social life then be happy to do that. Stick with it, enjoy, smile and encourage others around you. The numbers in this category are far bigger than people realise. Word of caution, don’t be worrying about other runners times. They might be serious, you are a winner in your own category.

Try something different. Go to a different race or try a distance you may not have ran before. Give yourself one race far from home or overseas. Make it enjoyable. There is a great social side to running so be the sociable one.

Elite runners form a very small percentage of the running population. Admire them, learn from them and their hard work but be realistic with yourself. 

Know what you can and can’t do. 
Know your domestic situation and what training it allows you.
Know your domestic situation and what recovery it allows you.
Know your limits.

Be mindful of previous injuries and don’t bring them on again  by repeating previous mistakes.

Find peace with yourself, your watch, your expectations and hopefully end of the year you will be happy with how it went.

Best of luck for the New Year

#PWR #2024