QT: Questionable Running Goals You Might Want to Avoid

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Happy New Year!

I hope that 2024 ended on a positive note for you.

And however last year went for you, I hope your 2025 is even better!

New Year, New Goals

It’s no secret around here that I’m a big fan of big goals.

That said, when it comes to setting annual running goals, sometimes a little practicality is the best option.

This year, my running resolutions are a combination of more of the same and a few subtle tweaks/improvements.

My expectation is that these pragmatic goals will move be closer to my bigger goals before 31 December 2025.

TBD, I guess.

No Bad Goals

What are your running goals for 2025?

As far as I can tell, there are no bad running resolutions.

That said, not all running goals are a good idea for everyone.

Here are a few common questionable running goals that may not be right for you this year.

Mileage Goals

Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with setting a mileage goal for the year.

Provided you’re willing to drop it like a bad habit if things go sideways.

Another potential issue with setting a mileage goal for the year is upping your volume too much too quickly.

How much is too much?

Impossible to say.

But remember, one of the quickest ways to wind up burned out, or injured, as a runner is making a big jump in your mileage.

Assuming that dealing with an injury isn’t on your list of things you want to accomplish in 2025, be careful if you’re going to set a mileage goal.

Race Day Results

Another common running resolution is setting new PRs in the new year.

Most of us want to get faster, but remember that race day success is multi-faceted.

And not all of those facets are within your control.

So if you want to aim for a new PR this year, go for it!

Just don’t make that your only goal because success is only partially in your control.

Vague Targets

Run more. Stay healthy. Have fun.

What do these even mean?

In theory, we kind of know what they mean.

But when a goal is hard to quantify it’s hard to track.

And when it’s hard to track, it’s hard to know if you’re successful or not.

A better option might be something a bit more tangible.

• Run 4x per week for at least 40 weeks.
• Do a 20 minute yoga session at least once per week.
• Join the group run once a month.

If you’ve got a vague goal? Find a way to make it more tangible and you’ll have a better chance at success.

Kick Ass, Take Names

To be clear, I’m not saying any of these potentially questionable running goals should be avoided like the plague.

Shoot, if I’m honest I think I’ve got goals that fall into two of these categories.

But if you are going to set a mileage goal, a race result goal, or a vague goal, please be willing to adapt if/as needed.

And maybe just maybe, set a goal or few that don’t fall into any of these buckets as well.

No matter what goals you have?

I hope you crush in 2025!

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Make sure you're setting the right goals for yourself in 2025. #runchat Share on X

What are Your Running Goals for This Year?

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