I was that girl who loved bright and colourful stationery. The shops would sell brown paper covers for school books but I always chose the brightest paper and folders I could find. Remember those pretty letter and envelope sets? I’d always get several for Christmas and there was nothing I loved more. Even today, I won’t be caught dead with a formal business diary. I think it used to embarrass my boss when I’d whip out my bright (often flowery) planners in client meetings but now I think he looks forward to seeing what new look I’ve chosen for the year. I must have been about 10 when I started writing down goals. I’d sit with my sister on New Year’s Eve and write down all the things I’d want to do in the new year. We’d then discuss our goals as our mum slept on the arm chair in front of the telly and my dad was long tucked in bed.
But back to my question. Is it foolish to plan for 2021? Are we setting ourselves up for disappointment? No. I’m a strong believer that goals help to guide us. I know there are people who don’t believe in goal-setting but for me personally, if I don’t have a goal to work towards, I lack direction and spend too much time in limbo, at least it feels that way. Goals keep me showing up and pushing myself to be and do more. Do I fail? Ha! More times than I’d like to count! But then I vow to start again on Monday. And if it means starting again for 52 Mondays, so be it. At least it gets me closer and closer to where I want to be.
When we had our first lockdown in April, I thought we’d be back to normal after a few months. Didn’t most of us? So I told myself that all my 2020 goals would simply be copied and pasted to 2021. Well… given we are still in a pandemic that won’t quite be possible. But let’s see – this is what I’ve been brave enough to put on paper, yes in a pretty and colourful planner.
Goals For 2021
1: Continue with my #40By40 List: There are still things on this list which are within reach. Not easy, but possible in our current situation – run 1km in 5 minutes and a mile in 8 minutes, join the Sports Bra Squad, complete a 40 Push-Up Challenge and hold a 40 second Pilates teaser, among others. So I’m going to continue working hard on those and save the big races for later.
2: Focus On Health and Strength: This is so important to me that I’ve made ‘Health and Strength’ my OFFICIAL chosen phrase for 2021. If you’re a regular reader you know I keep saying I will eat better and do more strength work and although I make some effort on the eating front, I just can’t seem to be bothered with strength work! Seriously, tell me to run 20K and I will start planning the route. Tell me to do a 10-minute strength routine and suddenly I’m too tired or the pantry needs decluttering. But this year, I commit to:
- Strength-train twice a week for 20 – 30 minutes at a time.
- Be proactive about my health. ‘Health’ is quite broad but in this context it covers two main areas, firstly, Improve My Eating Habits (less chocolate and snacking which are my Achilles’ heel and be more conscious about healthy eating). Secondly, Each Month Go For a Specific Health-Related Check, e.g. breast exam one month, dentist the next, etc.)
3: Host the #9×9 Spring Challenge: Last year I came up with the 9 x 9 Spring Challenge – run 9km a day for 9 consecutive days with a splash of colour to celebrate Spring. I’d love to do it again with more runners, maybe some prizes and who knows, even some medals! September is also Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month so I want the challenge to be more than just a celebration of spring but also a platform to encourage women to learn more about gynaecological cancers, including early detection, signs/symptoms and support available when diagnosed. Had this not affected my family, I would still be in the dark about a lot of it.
4: Run 2021 km in 2021: Without any guarantee of races this year, I thought setting a mileage goal would be more realistic. You know I’m all about how things sound right, hence 2021km! But this seems quite steep given my highest mileage (achieved in 2020) was just shy of 1700km. Hhmm. 300km more? You know I love an ‘impossible’ challenge, so bring it on! LOL!
What About Addo?
With the race on the 7th March 2021, I started training for the Addo Elephant Trail Run with Coach Marcel on 1st November. According to its website, the courses (100 Mile, 76km or 44km) “take runners through some of the most remote wilderness in the Addo Elephant National Park, through areas they would not be able to access any other way.” This will be my first ultra-marathon (yes, 44km still counts as an ultra!). I’m not sure if I ever wrote about how I got this entry? At the Gauteng Trail Clinic in 2019, I entered a draw where the prize was a free entry to Addo. I didn’t win. But when we got home, the woman who had won contacted me and said she would love to give her entry to me. I was incredibly touched by her kind gesture and equally terrified… but I found myself saying yes! This is such a wonderful opportunity and if 2020 taught me anything it’s to step outside my comfort zone.
After a very easy October, I eased into training with 137.4km in November with my longest run being 16km. I had some calf niggles mid-month which slowed things down a bit. But a few days rest seemed to do the trick and in December I clocked 208.2km (including three 20km long runs). Although I followed the plan quite well (80 – 90%), my runs were a lot slower than usual. I was sluggish, not enthusiastic and generally lacking in energy. I’m pleased I showed up for most runs and the mileage speaks for itself. But I was starting to get frustrated at myself and running in general. However, as a much-needed boost to my confidence, my first run in 2021 felt great, like really great. Despite it being a 20K, I was strong, energised and above all HAPPY. I’m hoping my lacklustre running was down to it being the end of a tough year. I needed this happy run.
But Will The Race Take Place?
The race is two months away. It’s in South Africa which is currently in a higher level of lockdown than previous months. In Botswana, we are not in a lockdown (yet) but we are under a curfew (no movement between 8pm and 4am) that’s expected to last until 31st January. Will the situation be worse or better in March? Will the race even take place? And if it does, will I feel safe (or responsible) travelling to a higher risk country to participate in a race? I don’t know. But what I do know is that training will continue as planned. With my renewed energy, I’m hoping the next two months go better than the first two. I want to be as physically and mentally prepared as I can be. But I also know there’s a possibility it might not happen and I’ll just have to cross that bridge when I get there. See? 2020 taught me plenty!
What are you looking forward to in 2021? Any new challenges? Do you anticipate a return to “normal”? Or more of the same?
I’m joining Kooky Runner and Zenaida on their link up, Tuesday Topics. I’m also joining the Runner’s Roundup with Mile By Mile, Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Runs with Pugs, and Laura Norris Running. Be sure to read their blogs and catch up with other runners from around the world.
The Gaborone Runner 
Exactly, Shathiso!
We’re in the same “Addo Boat” and I was wondering about the race yesterday, too. The SA government has an urgent meeting this morning and it is expected that the president will address the nation this week. Maybe more restrictions?
In any case, I am with you: let’s just keep on training as if it would happen. At least, we’ll be in great shape by March and it will help you to reach your 2’021k for this year!
Onward and upward!
PS: I love the story of how you got the entry. So kind of that other runner!
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That’s it! And if it comes down to it, I may just find a 44km route to run around Gabs! All these long run weekends have to count for something, LOL! Really hoping things are better by then. Also looking forward to finally meeting you and Kai. So let’s hope for the best outcome.
I was so shocked – as soon as she found she had a scheduling conflict, she contacted me and the organisers immediately. True kindness exists in this world.
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I totally agree that its important to have goals to guide us! I think we will slowly return to normal- maybe not completely normal but hopefully towards the end of the year we will be back to doing most of the things we are used to. I do think the first few months will be tough. 2020 taught us alot and I know you will do great with your goals for 2021!
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Thanks Lisa! I think you’re right. A few more Rocky months and then I think we will start getting back to “normal”. And I think 2020 has shown how resilient we are. We can do hard things. Best of luck to you!
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Oh, this ultra is SOOOO exciting!!!! I swear, some of the words you wrote about bright colors and planning and staying out of the comfort zone, could have come form my mouth 😉 Let me know when the 9X9 challenge happens, I just might have to join you (via Iowa soil/streets). I’ll also be doing my Week of Pi when March arrives for my birthday 😉 (in case you’re interested). Happy 2021, Shathiso!
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Would love for you to do the 9×9!! You’ll look for fall colours 😂 Please also remain me when you do the Pi Challenge, I’m in for sure!
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Right there with you as we face the uncertainty that lies ahead of us in 2021. I had a trail race this weekend and it is now virtual. Booo! I have only one other race on the calendar right now, for May, and that was deferred from last year. It’s hard to set goals, but the running will go on. When races return, we’ll be ready!
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I loved what you said in your post. Running is not cancelled and I think if the pandemic has shown us anything is that races may make running more exciting but we can also run for the love of it. I’m hoping your 50K trail for May is still on. 5 more months so it’s in with a chance!
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I am cautiously optimistic for races returning the second half of the year. I am going to plan for fall races happening live and keep putting my efforts into staying healthy and training. I like how you have spelled out your goals very specifically. Looking forward to watching you crush them
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I think you’re right. We just have to get through the first half of the year and I think we will start seeing real change for the better. Let’s keep getting stronger. Those races will find us ready!
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I love all of your goals! I’m big on having a planner and writing it all down too! I hope that your race will still be able to happen in March but if not, I know you will make the most of it! Loved seeing your 9×9 challenge last year! I hope to get my mileage back to some consistency so I can handle further distances 🙂
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Thank you Janelle! If the race doesn’t happen, I’m really tempted to run the distance on a trail here. Let’s hope I don’t have to though. If you’re ready in September, please join us. It will be a welcome to fall challenge for you 🤣 I have a good feeling you’ll be running longer distances real soon.
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It’s certainly NOT foolish at all to plan for 2021. Sure, we may not be able to do in-person races for a while, but we can certainly work on other goals! I love the phrase Health and Strength and that’s an awesome theme for 2021. I love all the goals that you have outlined too!
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Exactly! I think we were so used to having races all the time, it became the norm. Time to focus on other areas and come back better and stronger 🙂
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I think it’s ok to plan. It might be a different plan, but we can still get goals and hopes and aspirations on the books.
I hope your ultra can take place. I don’t know if things will get better in the immediate future, but I have so much hope.
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I love planning so I couldn’t imagine not doing it this year 🤣At least most of it is in my control so let’s hope for the best. As for the ultra, going to train, train and train and if it doesn’t happen, I’ll probably run the 44km on a trail around here. 😊
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Who knows with races in 2021; the soonest one I’m registered for is a deferred marathon from last year which is in November. There’s no way of knowing, so might as well set some other fun goals! I do hope your ultra takes place. Chasing 2021km sounds like a fun goal in itself!
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I suspect by November things will be a lot better. At least I hope so! But let’s have fun and do things we might not otherwise have done! 2021km will keep me running for sure 😂
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I do love your positivity! I am trying to do 1200 miles this year, with a stretch goal of however many miles 2021 km makes (about 50 more I think). Of course it has now chosen to snow on my parade so who knows if I’ll be trying to make up the miles all year! Happy running! And of COURSE that’s an ultra!
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Running in the snow is a phenomenon I can’t even imagine! I have a strong feeling you’re going to get that goal, even if it starts off a bit slower.
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I think it is important to plan, as long as you are prepared to be flexible and have a plan B. You might as well plan for a good year.
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Exactly! And 2020 really taught us about flexibility 🤣
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These are great goals! I do think there will be some races after June/July. I am being optimistic. However, as of now I have not planned for anything yet. There are a few races I have in mind for this year.
Thank you for linking up with us!
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Thanks Zenaida. I really hope by mid-year we will have some real races. That would make my year, LOL!
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It will make everyone’s year! 🙂
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I’m going to take another shot at down sizing.
I’m usually good for a few days or a week each year of enthusiasm for getting rid of things.
When I’m in the mood I’ve learned to roll with it because I know my motivation to clean out will be short lived.
Until I get a vaccine I do not plan on running any IRL races or going to a restaurant. It’s just not worth the risk.
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So like you, one of my personal (non-running related) goals is always de-cluttering. Every year, its the same and every year I fail dismally! But this year, I’ve already worked on the kitchen and I’m so motivated to continue. So best of luck with your mission! We’ve got this. And just give me a shout when you feel you’re starting to lose motivation.
PS: I agree about going out to eat. I’ve not been comfortable at all.
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Starting at the beginning of the year is a good idea. I have 4 PCs lined up that I need to clean up and get rid of. That takes some time.
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I love this post and your mindset! I’m a big goal setter too – I don’t think it’s foolish. As you said, keeps you motivated to show up!
I am cautiously optimistic about in-person races this year. Hopefully by the fall.
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