My Running Goals for 2022

I am going to cut to the chase (running pun there...). My running goals for 2022 are lofty, challenging, and a bit bold. Go big or go home they say, right? I won’t be too upset with myself if I don’t actually achieve them, but you better believe I am going for them.

Running Goals for 2022

Some recent events have brought about a new type of energy. It's not exactly a "new year, new you" kind of thing but instead bringing out my inner strength. Sometimes life is funny in giving you a nudge to really chase your dreams. So, here are my 5 running goals for the coming year:

1. Run at least three half marathons (2 spring and 1 fall). As of now, I am already signed up for a half in May. Comment below if you have a recommendation!

2. Beat my half marathon PR 1:39:37, even if is just by 1 second. To beat this, I need to run a 7:35 min/mile average or faster. By fall, I can get there if I put in the work and have a race with favorable weather.

3. Run 400 miles total for the Coach’s Oats Challenge between March 5 and July 5. I am actually part of a team of four, but I still want to exceed our team goal and hit 400 miles myself in this time frame. It averages out to about 3.33 miles per day. Registration and more information about this challenge can be accessed here. You should sign up, you can even walk or hike if running isn't your thing.

4. This one is because of my super competitive nature, but run a sub-6 minute mile. I achieved this back while running at Iowa Central, so I know I am physically capable. Just because I am older and have had 2 babies doesn't mean I can't still be fast.

5. Have fun and spend more time exploring new trails! I always love running, but this year I really want to have a greater attitude of gratitude for my health and the joy that running brings me.

Now, I want to run a fall marathon and obviously want to run a PR (3:32:36), but I know that it may not be feasible while breastfeeding for logistical reasons. I will experiment with long distance training runs this summer to see how it goes. For now, this goal is tentative.

Training Plan

To become a better and faster runner, you obviously have to run quite a bit. However, unlike in past years, I am going to run smarter and not just run for higher mileage. Rest days are key for improvement. I also have some plans for speed and cross training. If you want to follow along on my day-to-day progress, find me on TikTok @runtothetable. Here are stats from a recent run:

Nutrition will be at the forefront, as well as hydration. Just one of many perks of being a registered dietitian is knowing how to nourish yourself! Since I have two little ones, I will be logging quite a few stroller miles as soon as the weather permits and Natalie is of the appropriate age. Running with Mitchy in the stroller really improved my strength between kids and ultimately made me a faster runner. I am curious to see how much things will differ by pushing a double compared to a single stroller.

Now, a few other key things you should know. I am breastfeeding and plan to until Natalie is at least a year old. Does this complicate running? Absolutely, but it does not make running impossible. It just requires extra planning and high-quality sports bras. There are obviously other things, but those are the main two that relate to running.

With that, I look forward to my 2022 running goals. If you have questions or want to share your goals, please let me know in the comments. Also be sure to subscribe to my emails to never miss a post or recipe!