Happy New Year!! 2021 was a very challenging year for many of us, as we faced another year of COVID-19. I’m grateful to be moving forward and starting fresh in 2022!
Every year on the blog I’ve been sharing my annual goals, so I’m keeping it going with my latest post!
I’m linking up with My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida for Fit Five Friday and Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running for Runners’ Roundup!
Looking Back at 2021
When I reflect on the past year, I have to admit that it’s difficult to recap because so much of it was a blur! Being a mother to Baby E has been wonderful, and it’s amazing to think of how much she has grown. Unfortunately, with COVID-19 still raging, this year was all about masks, vaccines (and boosters), remote work, then adjusting to going back into the office, and so much more.
So with all that said, let’s see how I did with my goals for 2021.
Successes
- Make the most of my therapy sessions. In late 2020 I started therapy and I’m so glad that I did. I have a wonderful therapist (we even share the same birthday!) and I have learned a LOT about myself. I intend to go more frequently in 2022, as it feels like I’ve only scratched the surface.
- Enjoy all the precious family moments. As a family, we had a great year. We had a wonderful vacation to Vermont. in June, spent time with my brother in DC, and made it through the holidays in good health. We had many adventures in the BOB jogging stroller and in the Osprey carrier, which will hopefully continue in. the new year.
- Run a trail race in 2021. The Philadelphia Trail Half Marathon was awesome! While the location had to be changed last-minute, it was still a great experience that I hope to do again!
Failures
- Consistently strength train twice a week. I completely forget this was even a goal, to be honest with you. I started the year strong, but this was just not sustainable for me.
- All of my blogging goals. It feels like every year I’m saying “this is the year” where I’ll really get back into things. In actuality, this is probably my lowest-traffic year of blogging since moving over from Blogspot, and that’s saying something. I wanted to focus on boosting my Instagram, but it was way too stressful and never seemed to work anyway.
- Continue weekly meal planning…again, this challenge just won’t go away. I’m learning to not be so hard onmyself on this one though!
My Goals for 2022
Unlike previous years, I really want to keep my 2022 goals simple. As I’ve looked back at previous posts, I had a LOT that I set out to do each year in all areas of my life. Even though I was able to achieve many of my goals, it can be a little disappointing to feel like I’ve fallen short. So hopefully having a few, targeted goals will serve me much better!
Running/Fitness
- Focus on racing 5K’s and 10K’s. I learned in 2021 that training for half marathons takes up WAY too much of my time and makes me less available to my family. So if I do train for any races, the distances will be kept short!
- Spend more time on the trails. I love trail running and I want to spend more time in my happy place. There are a few running groups in my area like Trail Sisters that are very active and I would love to get them know them!
Nutrition
- Create a good plan with my new dietitian. I started working with a new dieititian at the end of last year. Her approach is very different from my previous dietitian so I just want to be patient and learn as much as I can so that I can keep the healthy habits going.
Career
- Embrace change and enjoy the opportunities. This year, I’ve been moved to a new department with the retirement of my VP, so my goal is to embrace the new environment and have fun along the way. I’m truly excited for the shift and hope good things are to come!
Personal Life
- Improve my conflict management skills. This was a big theme that popped up in 2021 across many aspects of my life. I want to be able to handle conflict in a less combative way, practice more empathy, and face conflicts head-on. I’m working on my mindset as well. Therapy and meditation will be the keys!
Run With No Regrets
- Follow my heart. This is actually my 10th year of blogging – I started Run With No Regrets in 2013. SO much has changed since then. I think over the course of this year, I have to really think about how I want my blog to move forward. Do I want to continue to invest the time in this place? Do I want to do more? It seems like blogs are dying, so I have to do a little bit of soul searching. But for now, I’m still here!!
What are your biggest goals for 2021? Let’s support each other and help keep each other accountable this year!
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