2013 running goals

Well I am already six weeks (well almost seven) into my training for 2013. Though unlike last year, I have a very loose idea of what I want to accomplish this year. In fact, it is SO up in the air right now currently, I only have two concrete runs I am training for to date. Those would be Ragnar in June, and the highly anticipated Epic Run 2013, which will be the most epic run to date (more coming soon). So I have been thinking lately, what do I want to accomplish during 2013.

My first goal I have decided upon is bringing me back to my roots, and my most traveled distance in my short running career, the marathon. Last year I was able to improve my marathon times by a whopping twenty minutes, and though it is HIGHLY unlikely of matching those kind of improvements again, my first goal of the year is to run a sub 3:40 marathon. My fastest to date? A 3:41:25 at the Top of Utah Marathon in September 2012. I think this goal is quite reachable, but will require considerable effort if I really want it.

My second goal of 2013 is very similar to my first goal, in fact the only difference is the distance ran. My half marathon times also improved dramatically last year as I ran a half marathon in 1:39:38, which bested my best half marathon time by 16 minutes. Again, I am not expecting that kind of improvement again, but improving is goal number two for the year.

Goal number three maybe my most challenging of them all, but one I am perhaps the most excited about. This goal takes me off the roads and onto the trails. Last year I found a hidden gem in Utah while out running, this gem is none other than the Lewis Peak trail in Ogden Utah. While not the largest peak around, it offers up views few runs can meet. With this being said, this is not an easy run (or walk), and the first miles are down right brutal if you are planning on running them. This is evidenced by the information provided in the above picture. Totaling 2,889 feet of elevation gain is no walk in the park. So why am I rambling on and on about this information about Lewis Peak, well my goal is to be able to run this entire trail without walking. Not sure if this goal is reachable, but I will try my darndest to achieve it. I absolutely love it up there and am willing to try and try to achieve this puppy.

Lastly, I have only explored just a few trails here in this amazing area of which I live. Therefore, it is my goal to see as many of these trails as possible this year. I am hoping I can catch just about every trail here in the Weber County area of Utah.

So these are my goals for this upcoming year. Let's hope for good health, no injuries, and a great year for running. If everything can fall into place like last year, I believe I can attain each of these goals.