New Year’s Resolutions
New Year’s is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. As the final seconds of 2005 tick away, we celebrate the passage of time and turn reflective. The annual tradition of making resolutions can be fun, yet important to our self improvement.
A recent internet poll shows that American’s top resolutions are:
1. Spend more time with family and friends
2. Exercise more
3. Lose weight
4. Quit smoking
5. Enjoy life more
6. Quit drinking
7. Get out of debt
8. Learn something new
9. Help others
10. Get organized
Is it any surprise that two of the top three resolutions have to do with exercise and weight loss? Regular exercise has been associated with many health benefits, including reducing the risk of some cancers, increasing longevity, enhancing mood, and lowering blood pressure. As runners know, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better.
If you’re planning a new running goal this year, here are some tips to help you stick with it. First, be clear on what you want to achieve. Running fast is just an image, but deciding to run a 5K in 22 minutes is a resolution. Next, write it down. When you put your goal on paper, you increase your chances of sticking with it. Then determine how you will achieve your resolution and determine a time line for your goal. The more specific you can be, the more real your goal will become. Also, share your goal with others. That way you are committing to your dream. And remember, if you fall behind schedule or get sidetracked, just refocus. Don’t give up!
Happy trails!
Derek