As promised, I have now developed a general plan for my 2021 self.
Goal #1: I will drop some of this extra fluff that I have accumulated. I’m calling it the “Pandemic Padding.” - I’ve put on close to 20 pounds this year and my body can tell. I hurt and ache and even little workouts are much more difficult, so goal number one is to lighten my load. I don’t know how many of you have this issue, but I’ve found when I’m trying to train for these long endurance events its actually difficult for me to lose weight. I think my body drops in to the “must prepare for the bear attack” mode and holds on to every ounce of everything I eat, even when its healthy choices. So, I’m hoping by dialing back on some of the training in the early part of the year I can switch my nutritional focus and drop the extra poundage I’ve picked up.
Goal #2: Chattanooga Half Marathon and 7 Bridges Full Marathon. Chattanooga was originally going to be my first full, but I just feel that I would be safer if I started with a Half and did a full in the fall as part of my 70.3 build. So, Half Marathon in March and Full Marathon in October. Anybody wanna join me?
Goal #3 : Triathlon Building Blocks. I plan to start with my first sprint in May, the Chattanooga Waterfront, then do an Olympic in July (race TBD). Depending on how those go, and how the pandemic proceeds, I may pick up a few other shorter distance races through the late summer and early fall. Finally, the BIGGEST goal for 2021 will be the Middle Distance race at Challenge Daytona. I had intended to complete it in 2020, as many of you know, but there will be no stopping me in 2021.
I have a smattering of other goals for myself for the year, things like reading the Bible all the way through and being consistent with writing my blog posts. Additionally, I am continuing to build my knowledge base as my career as a Nurse Practitioner moves forward.
It sounds like I’m going to be a busy bee. I cannot wait for it all to unfold.