New Years Resolutions: Why I am not a fan

Wednesday evening 10 mile run done!

Not a big fan of New Years Resolutions but do like to use this time to set fitness goals for over the next year… after I reflect on my list of goals from 2021 first.

Only by looking back can you properly assess what worked, why it worked and what didn’t. And, looking back on my goals over the course of this year, a few goals hit, few missed. As the saying goes, you can’t fail if you don’t try!

92% of New Years Resolutions fail by the end of the month. I feel it’s because people try to do too much too fast. Injuries, unsustainable routine or just finding it hard to keep going after that initial wave of momentum and motivation that a New Year brings subsides.

By looking over my goals over the last year and how they panned out, I can see what worked and why it did or didn’t work. I can also prioritise the goals, have little goals building towards the bigger ones. This helps keep me on track and build the long game over the course of the year rather than trying to accomplish everything in the first few weeks

An example:

My first fitness goal set for 2022 is to get a 5k PB, working towards that sub 20 min barrier. To set a deadline, I signed up yesterday for the Streets of Clane 5k. Giving me a little over 6 weeks to work on a 5k training plan. More on that on this blog page soon. After that, I have other running events planned fo the first few months of the year that will all contribute towards the big goal: a Dublin Marathon PB in October.

The most important thing from these running specific goals? I enjoy running and working towards it. No matter how much you are told that running is good because of x and y, if you hate the idea of it, you won’t stick to it.

Choose your goals around a fitness journey that you either will enjoy or, particularly if you don’t loathe it, can at least share the experience with friends.

As well as my running goals, I also have a few goals for lifts in the gym. One of which, the deadlift, I have documented HERE

What are your fitness goals for 2022?