January is considered a month for resolve, renewal, and rejuvenation. But it can also bring lot of subtle pressure if you have life-changing objectives you're planning to put in motion this month. Instead of daunting, unrealistic or too-easily-broken resolution, focus on reasonable goals and take action to achieve them and put yourself on a path for an epic year.
- Set goals. Make a long-term plan for what you want to accomplish in the spring, summer or fall - whether that means getting fit for a half marathon, running your fastest marathon, tracking an obstacle-course race, running for a charity or completing an Ironman - and then set out the steps it will take to get you there.
- Take action. Start this week! Commit to those goals. Register for your big goal race. Download a training program. Join a weekly running group. Hire a coach. Go to fitness classes regularly. Buy new running shoes. Do 100 extra sit-ups every morning as soon as you wake up. Take a 30 day challenge. Just start doing it.
- Be consistent. Work, school, family, usual tasks can get in the way, but only if you allow it. Plan your week around specific daily workout times and make it happen. An hour a day (or sometimes even less) will go a long way in achieving your goals. Set goals, take small steps and be relentless in your pursuit this year.
By Brian Metzler, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF