I purposely didn’t set any goals for 2016 prior to now. While I set my usual monthly goals at the beginning of January, I wanted to wait until after I was cleared by my OB to resume running and other forms of exercise to set my big picture goals for the year.
Last Wednesday when I completed my first postpartum run
2016 will be all about rebuilding – rebuilding my strength, my stamina, and my overall fitness abilities. While I was able to successfully remain active for much of my pregnancy, including continuing to run until I was 32 weeks pregnant, I of course had to make numerous adjustments to my exercise regimen, including slowing my pace down and reducing the amount of weight training that I was doing. While I’m eager to get my pre-pregnancy body back and return to my pre-pregnancy abilities, I’m also realistic in that I know it will take time and work for that to happen.
Since being cleared by my OB a week ago today, I’ve been able to run once as well as start some strength training exercises. While I would have liked to work out more than I have over the past week, a combination of this past weekend’s blizzard as well as the realities of being a mother to a five week old baby have prevented that from happening. I’m also trying to not overdo it.
My focus for 2016 will be centered on three main goals:
1. Get back to my pre-pregnancy shape, not just my pre-pregnancy body shape but also my pre-pregnancy running pace and endurance. Though I’m excited to be able to be physically active again, I also recognize the importance of pacing myself as I exercise and to not push myself too hard too quickly.
2. Train for and run half marathons #7, 8, and 9. In 2014 I completed three half marathons, and I completed another three in 2015, two of which were while I was pregnant. It seems natural to set my sights on completing another three this year, two of which have already been chosen. I plan to run ZOOMA Annapolis in June and Wine and Dine in November, so that leaves me with only one other half marathon to choose.
3. Focus on running quality races this year. Like I shared last week, I will not be focusing on completing a specified number of races this year. Instead, I want to be pickier in the races that I choose to run. This choice is for a number of reasons. For one, my priorities have shifted, particularly when it comes to wanting to focus on quality family time over the weekends. Much of my weekend time last spring and summer was spent on training for and/or running races, and I don’t want that to be the case in 2016. While running will continue to be an important part of my life, I want to ensure that I’m finding a balance between working out and being a mom to my little man. In the past I’ve gotten very wrapped up in the excitement of running lots of races, and I don’t want that to be the case this year.
So there you have it – my three fitness goals for 2016. I’m excited to see what 2016 has in store for me, both personally as well as physically, and will continue to use my regular monthly goal setting to help me stay focused on making progress towards meeting these three goals.
QOTD: What is one of your goals for 2016?
This makes so much sense given your new role as mother to your precious little boy. Running will always be there, and spending time with your family is more important than any outside activity. I’ve also gotten away from tons of races and try to make each one a quality race. It’s also expensive to “run all the races”
Cost is another one of the reasons I want to focus on quality vs. quantity this year. I’d much rather refocus some of that previously spent race money on my little boy.
These sound like very good, attainable goals! I’ll be curious to see the other half marathon you select. I’m actually not setting any goals this year as part of my focus of self-improvement. 🙂 I’m hoping that it will give me the freedom to be more successful and not bound by some parameters I set for myself…sounds counterintuitive but it’s something my coach and I think is good for my personality type.
There’s a number of factors that will go into my choice of my third half marathon. Part of it is our calendar and getting a couple of other other things, like our family vacation this summer, on there.
I think your goals are very reasonable. As a mom, it’s all about finding balance. During your pregnancy, you did a great job pulling back when you needed to. I have no doubt you will continue your thoughtful fitness journey through motherhood!
This year will most certainly be all about finding balance.
You are doing great Mama!!! I love that you still have goals but your number one priority is being a mom!
That most certainly is my #1 priority! 🙂
Stay strong! I am a new running dad supporting a new mom who is trying to get back into shape after c-section. Sometimes not as much support/guidance on how to do so! Run on!
Thanks Noel! And best wishes to you and your significant other!
One of my main goals was nothing fitness related. It was just to block off a few minutes every morning and every evening to self-reflect. (Which, in turn, has actually contributed to some fitness/nutrition gains!)
Self reflection is great for your overall well being.
Good luck to you in meeting all your goals, with your new training buddy to cheer you on!
I have the best training buddy now, don’t I? 🙂
You’ve taken the first step of any goal and that is to become accountable to them. Great job and I agree with Wendy it is all about finding balance. 🙂
That’s one of the many things I love about blogging is the accountability factor.
Great goals! I still have to do my 2016 goals post…lots to think about!
Better late than never, Maureen.
See you at Wine and Dine! ❤ Can't wait for our babies to meet.
So exciting!
Great goals!
I feel like I’m stepping back a bit with my goals and I’m totally fine with that! More quality over quantity this year as well.
That seems to be the running theme for a lot of people this year, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
You are very ambitious with selecting 3 half marathons! I don’t know what my year will be like yet but I don’t have 3 halves that I want to do. Good luck with your goals and we will be cheering you on all the way!
Thanks Meranda! I know that you’ve shifted your priorities a bit this year and I’m all in support of that.
You are ambitious and hard working so I have NO doubts that you will reach your goals!
Thanks!
I think those are great goals for this year! Your a smart runner getting back into things slowly and not over doing it.
Honestly, I do have a few goals this year for running. But each time I mention my own online over the past 3 years it’s jinxed it, so I decided a few months back this time I am trying things different, I’ll mention them after and see if that makes a difference, LOL LOL
Hopefully it works out for you this way, Kristy.
I really like the idea of choosing quality!! You’re wise. Plus, you’ll be enjoying more quality time with your new wee one. ❤
Exactly!
These sound like great goals, and good luck. Can’t wait to read your progress.
Thanks Lesley! You know that I’ll be sharing that progress with all of you!
Sounds like a solid plan. I’m amazed with how you’re fitting fitness right back into your lifestyle. Makes me think if I ever decided to have kids one day I could do it too.
Anything is possible as long as you work for it.
You did a great job of staying active while pregnant but don’t put too much pressure on yourself. This first year can be tough! You will get there but be patient with yourself. 🙂
Thanks for the support, Deborah. I know that I can’t expect my physical capabilities to return to what they once were as quickly as I’d of course like them to. That would be nice though, wouldn’t it?
Those sound like excellent goals! You did such an amazing job at staying active while you were pregnant – I’m sure you’ll be back to your pre-pregnancy fitness in no time! One of my goals is to cut my triathlon time by 38 minutes!
Good luck with your goal! Sounds ambitious!
I’m excited for you and your fitness goals going forward as a mom. All the best working toward them with your new running buddy!
Thanks Marcia!
These are great goals. Make sure you give yourself time for that first goal, and longer if you’re nursing. You are looking great already.
Thanks! Slow and steady is my current mantra. 🙂
Love your goals! Especially the one about prioritizing races instead of doing a ton. I’m thinking about doing the same thing too – I don’t need to run everything I find!
I used to feel like I needed to run all the races, but I’m finding that it doesn’t have to be that way.
You have great goals for the year, very balanced and realistic. I guess you’re not considering coming back to Philly for the Rock and Roll Half in September?
That’s one of the many races I’m considering Janelle, but there’s a lot of other factors that will play into our calendar this summer and fall that need to become a bit more concrete before I choose another half marathon for this year.
great goals! I am excited to see how your goals progress
Thanks Juliana!
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