As we are gearing up towards the very last day of the darkest, coldest month (well, usually), I have some very personal advice for you.
It comes from a realization that New Year’s Eve, with it’s anticipated legendary parties, romantic midnight kisses, and party dresses that are completely not appropriate for the weather, is bunk. New Year’s Eve parties can be fun, don’t get me wrong, but you don’t have to place all your bets on changing your life on a one-day goal-setting spree.
Instead, think about what you want to change and just make that change. Today, next Friday, April 2, whenever. And think both big and small, long term result and in-between steps. Maybe it works for you to have a micro-resolution for every day – do a core workout, drink more water, write down your mileage.) Maybe you’re better off with a seasonal resolution: take it easy now but plan to really start training on April 1, and make a plan about how you’ll get started. Or maybe you are pretty happy with the way things are going right now, and your goal is to not stress yourself out about running.
The bottom line is that running should be fun. If your idea of fun is a regimented training plan so you can run an optimal race, that’s awesome; but there’s also room for those whose idea of fun is enjoying a 5k at which you can chat with a friend the whole way. If you’re not having fun, try something else. But don’t wait until New Years. Try it now, when the promise of spring is here and warmer weather and longer days are right around the corner.
There’s no right or wrong way to enjoy running. Except with scissors – don’t run with scissors.
This post was originally written in 2017, but we are reposting because it’s as equally true now as it was then.
