Running Resolutions

What better way to start the new year of Real Running than with some New Year’s resolutions. I’m not really one for resolutions since setting goals is the first step toward failure, but I admit that there is some allure to the idea of a fresh start for the new set of months. And since I am sure both of the readers of Real Running will be making resolutions for themselves this year, I figured we could help out.

Running Resolutions are a little different from your typical New Year’s Resolutions in that they don’t have anything to do with being a better person or making the world a better place or even really doing anything productive. It’s a good thing most runners are already good, kind people, because running is about as selfish an activity as there is.

Running Resolutions, unlike regular running goals, are measured over the course of a year. Theoretically, we will check in with our Running Resolutions next December and see how we did, but anyone who has ever been to the gym in March knows that most resolutions are really only good for a few months, tops.  But let’s think in terms of twelve months just to stay on topic.

The simplest type of Running Resolution is a mileage target. Be aggressive here. At the end of the year you can always remember a few long runs that you forgot to enter back in June to make your target. Like that 235 miler you did. Remember that? My static mileage goal every year is an even thousand. A thousand mile year is a nice milestone and it is a challenge for regular schlubs like me with jobs and whatnot. Five hundred miles is totally reasonable for a new runner. If you stay healthy and run a little each week, you can do it. You can log your miles however you want, but I let the satellite and Internet gods do it for me. Set your mileage goal for the year before moving on to the next paragraph. I’ll wait…

You should set other targets for the year as well. Set a goal for the number of races you will do. One race a month is attainable, no? How many marathons or half marathons can you squeeze in this year? For whatever reason, I’ve never run a 5k, so this year is my year! I figure this is an easy resolution to pick off in December 2011 if I need to.  Maybe 2011 is the year of the marathon for you. Go for it. Write it down.

And let’s not forget to have some fun. If you’re a pavement pounding runner, resolve to get into the woods and run on the dirt once in a while. Tired of lacing up those shoes? Vow to go barefoot for a few miles every week.

Of course, Running Resolutions, like their normal life counterparts, wouldn’t be resolutions if you couldn’t watch them fall apart in the weeks after the new year begins. So set some unrealistic goals that will let you feel a little bad about yourself as they pass you by. My favorite is the “run every day” goal. 

Yeah, right. I’m out of this one by January 3^rd.

Running Resolutions only work if you are held accountable. So post your list of goals for 2011 here or at our Facebook page. You are following our Facebook page, right? Just for kicks, I’ll be publicly logging my miles and other stats here in 2011 so you can watch me fall short of my goals and shame me into trying again in 2012.

Greg's Real Running Resolutions for 2011

• Run 1,000 miles in 12 months
• Run 3 marathons
• Attempt one Ultra Marathon
• Find an alternative to Powerade Zero, to which I am now addicted, and which cannot be good for me
• Foot commute once a week
• Enter at least one 5k. I don't know why.

Real Running’s Holiday Gift Guide

This Hat Keeps Me Warm on Long Runs in the Snow

The driving rain, dark mornings, and stores jammed with holiday kitsch tell me it’s time to start thinking about gifts for friends and family.  Real Running has you covered with the first ever Real Running Holiday Gift Guide.

Buying for runners is hard, in part because the big expense in running is shoes, and in part because runners really don’t need any of the stuff that is marketed to them. Heck, we barely even need shoes. Nonetheless, here are some tips that should help you navigate through your shopping experience.

Buying shoes is usually a bad move, since runners are very particular about what they put on their feet. Most of us are fiercely brand-loyal and have worked hard to find “our” shoe. One option is to sneak into the closet and steal product numbers and sizes and just buy another pair of the same shoes your runner already has. Another option is to add a different set of shoes to the quiver. For example, maybe your runner has been running off-road in her regular shoes? How about some trail shoes? Go to the local shop with the details of her regular shoes and get an equivalent fitting trail shoe, from the same brand, of course.

The real trick to gift-giving is to find something your runner doesn’t really need, but would think is really cool. Here are some ideas:

• Satellites. Is your runner still logging miles with his old Timex watch from 1992? This is cute and everything, but why not an upgrade to a watch that tracks time, miles, elevation, heart rate, course, laps, effort, and looks cool at the same time? Garmin and Suunto make some excellent options.
• Tunes. Sure, they make holsters for that old-school MP3 player your partner lugs around, and he can technically use that iPhone for tunes, but they make MP3 players now that are far better suited to running. Get an iPod from Apple with a personalized message engraved on it at Apple’s online store. Slick.
• Threads. Those nasty old race shirts from three years ago have to go. Most runners are too cheap to buy the nice stuff, but we wish we had it, for sure. This time of year, jackets and thermal gear is a nice option.  Or maybe some warm up clothes? Sweat pants and sweatshirts for before and after a workout are always a fine choice.
• Words and Data. Most Real Runners can read. And most of us would love a subscription to running and health magazines. Or sign your favorite runner up with an account at a site like MapMyRun.com or FavoriteRun.com where she can track workouts, get custom training plans, or create and share running routes.
• Vacation. Here’s how to go top-shelf this holiday season. Find a warm-weather race destination, get a hotel room, some plane tickets, and register your favorite runner for the race. Of course the bonus of this is that you get to go, too. Double bonus if you’re also a runner. There are races every weekend in places like Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Florida. Most of the big races have travel packages already put together for you.

Of course, not all gifts have to be big-ticket items. In no particular order, here are some inexpensive gifts all runners need more of:

•  Fuel. GU, PowerGel, or whatever your runner usually uses make for great little gifts. Don’t buy too much. Those things do expire. Don’t overlook hydration. Those drink mixes and electrolyte supplements are a welcome addition.
• Protection. BodyGlide. There’s never too much BodyGlide.
• Warmth. Cheap cotton gloves and hats (check your local dollar store) make great winter race day warmers that your runner won’t feel bad about leaving behind.

But clearly, the best thing you can do for the runners in your life is shake your head, smile, and wish them luck as they head out into the rain, wind, snow, and darkness this holiday season to feed their addiction to logging miles on foot. So might I suggest the old standby gift?

• Coupon Book of free passes from family events, household chores, and other obligations for running purposes. Make these in mileage denominations so your runner has to decide how to spend them. “Your mother is coming over? Here’s my 12-mile coupon. See you in two hours.”

Happy Holidays from all of us here at Real Running!

Have a great holiday gift idea? Share it here.