Does anyone else LOVE setting goals? I am a list-maker and goal-lover for sure. But sometimes, it can be scary to put goals down on paper. I also find that with running, it’s hard to put my finger on goals that don’t involve picking a distance and running it faster than last time. However, I have some big exciting things coming up so without further ado, here are the running goals that are on the horizon for me:

1. Run a strong, smart Boston: I worked my butt off to BQ and my #1 goal for Boston is to enjoy the experience. I am going to train hard for a 3:25 marathon, but if I don’t get good weather (and given the past couple of years in Boston, I don’t expect to) or my training gets thrown off when I’m on my honeymoon, then I’m going to run for fun and just enjoy the experience. More here!
2. Complete my first 50k: I’ve been toying around with the idea of a 50k for the past couple of years, and am signed up for my first in May. Similar to my “plan B” for Boston, my goal for this is to complete the race feeling strong and happy. I’m so excited to have a crew of buddies to run with for this one!
3. Break 20 minutes in the 5k: After coming SO close to hitting a sub-20 a few weeks back, I know for sure I’m ready for this one. Pacer friends, please text me to apply.
4. Set a big marathon PR: While I’m incredibly proud of my BQ at Sugarloaf this year, I think I’m capable of running a fair amount faster than 3:28 at the full marathon distance. When I put my half marathon PR (1:34:19) into a pace calculator (I like this one), my predicted marathon time is in the 3:16 range–and this nets out anecdotally as well in terms of what I’ve seen others run. I am by no means an experienced marathoner and I have yet to run 26.2 in the cooler weather my body loves, but I think I owe it to myself to really work for a big PR. As I mentioned, Boston isn’t going to be the right race for this, but I’m considering running CIM this coming December! My marathon buddy Denise is off to Cali, so it seems like the perfect reason to head out there for a visit. Plus, I’ve heard a million and one amazing things about the race.
5. Break 1:32 in the half: I’ve mentioned this a bunch, but I freaking love the half marathon!! It’s just the best race distance. I brought my PR down from 1:36:55 to 1:34:19 this fall and while it was a fantastic race, I do think I have more in me. If I can run a sub-1:32, I can time qualify into the NYC marathon. I don’t for sure know if this will happen in 2018, but I think this is a realistic goal for me. Plus, I loved the NYC marathon, although since it was my first, it would be nice to run it again now that I know what the heck I’m doing.
6. Run as a pacer: I would love to be a pace group leader for a half marathon–I think it would be such a cool experience and way to give back to the running community. I applied to be a pacer for the Old Port Half Marathon in June, and I’m crossing my fingers and toes I am chosen!

Some of these will definitely happen in 2018 and some may not, but they’re all super exciting! What big running goals do you have for 2018 and beyond?