Since completing the Chicago Marathon in October, I’ve been contemplating my next set of goals. While my immediate instinct is always to sign up for the next race, past experiences have taught me the importance of taking a moment to reflect and carefully plan my objectives for the upcoming year. This strategic approach ensures that my goals align with my life and allow for balance.

For the remainder of this year, my sole focus is on maintaining consistency. I’m planning to run four times a week, incorporating a longer run on the weekends, and integrating a couple of strength classes using our Lululemon Studio mirror. As we embark on a Christmas vacation, I’m looking forward to utilizing hotel gyms (I know this seems crazy, but I love trying out new equipment) and staying active in the snowy outdoors of Canada.

Looking ahead to 2024, I’ve set thoughtful and achievable SMART goals. I aim to become leaner and stronger and plan to run another marathon, aiming for a time closer to my previous races. Having finished the Chicago Marathon at an easy pace of 4 hours, my previous marathons clocked in around 3:35, and I’m eager to regain that level of performance. Given a history of pelvic stress fracture and osteitis pubis, I’ll approach speed work cautiously to avoid injury.

Here’s a glimpse of my aspirations for next year:

Winter and Spring:

• Strength training for race preparation, with SMART goals to be defined.
• Participate in a 10-miler or half marathon in spring. The Cherry Blossom 10 Miler in DC is on my radar, pending the lottery. If not, I’ll explore local half marathons. I’d like to do the DC Rock and Roll half, but it has the worst hill right in the middle of it (it’s around the corner from my house, so the hill and I are well acquainted) so I won’t be signing up.

Summer and Fall:

• Target another marathon in the fall. I’ve entered lotteries for Chicago and Berlin and plan to do the same for NYC. If unsuccessful, the Philadelphia Marathon in November is a backup choice as it’s local, flat, fast and bonus, I love the medal!

Amidst all my running pursuits, I intend to continue strength training at a reduced intensity, contributing to leanness and injury prevention.

I’m excited for 2024; it feels like it holds a lot of potential. With additional plans for a summer vacation and a potential move with my husband, I aim to stay focused on my goals without overwhelming myself. Ultimately, I run for enjoyment, physical and mental health, and no training cycle is worth sacrificing my overall happiness.

Have you started thinking about your plans for next year? Any bucket-list races on your plan?