Around this time last year I wrote a post titled, Is It Foolish To Plan For 2021? Given how the year turned out, it might well have been foolish! But I still stand by what I said in that post, “Goals keep me showing up and pushing myself to be and do more. Do I fail? Ha! More times than I can 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.” Something I didn’t do very well last year though was to check in periodically to see how I was doing. It is so important that goals are reviewed on a regular basis otherwise you lose focus and don’t adjust things in time. I’ll have to remember to check in more this year. Let’s get to it!
Goals For 2022
1: Run A Trail Ultra-Marathon: I’m already training for the Addo Ultra Trail (44km) Race scheduled for 19th March 2022. I’m not at my fittest and training feels really slow and tedious. But the only way I’m going to give myself any chance of finishing this race is to stay consistent. I’m running four days a week and trying to hike up Kgale Hill at least once a week.
2: Complete 10 Items On My 40X40 List: There are still things on this list which are within reach even without the big races. For example, run 1km in 5 minutes, a mile in 8 minutes, a Half in under 2:15, join the Sports Bra Squad, complete a 40 Push-Up Challenge and hold a 40 second Pilates teaser, among others. I’m going to work hard on those that are within my control.
3: Do More Strength And Cross-Training: In 2022, I commit to the following:
- Strength-train twice a week for at least 15 minutes at a time
- Kgale Hill 1x a week
- Pilates 2x a week
4: Eat, Sleep and Drink Better: I need to re-establish healthier habits:
- Drink 1.5 – 2L of water a day
- Sleep between 9 – 10 pm
- Improve my eating habits (less chocolate, healthier snacks, better portion sizes)
- Schedule monthly health check ups, e.g. breast exam one month, dentist the next, etc.
5: Run 2022km in 2022: Similar to 2021, without any guarantee of races, I’m setting a mileage goal again. I failed last year but this time I’m determined not to be defeated! My highest mileage (achieved in 2020) was just shy of 1700km. I believe it’s possible but I have to remain consistent. As part of this I want to sneak in a couple of extra goals:
- Run Every Street Project: Block 3, Broadhurst Industrial and Block 6
- Run all races in Gaborone! (if there are any!)
- Run in 15 new villages/ towns
BONUS GOAL: Write 100 Blog Posts. Last year I wrote 49 blogs (an average of one a week, almost) which was my highest ever in a year. I would like to double this in 2022 to 100 Blog Posts! I have quite a few ideas so I’m hoping I find the time and energy to get this done!
And finally my word for the year: ALIGN – using this definition: “To adjust (parts of a mechanism, for example) to produce a proper relationship or orientation, e.g. aligning the wheels of a truck”. I fell out of alignment last year and I’m determined to adjust things so I feel aligned again. On that note, wishing you all the best year – hope this one is better than the last couple of years we’ve had, and if it’s not, sending you lots of strength and courage to navigate it all. Let’s go get it!
What are you looking forward to in 2022? Any new challenges? Any races on the schedule? What’s your word for the year?
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 
Kgale Hill will serve you well for Addo, Shathiso! Doing that once a week is excellent training.
I also like your other goals – they complement each other very nicely.
For example, after Addo, you can focus on your speed with the 5-minute kilometre and the 8-minute mile – which will serve you well for the 2:15 half. Very well thought through!
100 blog posts for 2022 would be a great goal to achieve. But it is also a lot. If you find that you start to struggle for time, don’t hesitate to cut this goal to fewer posts. As blogging runners, we understand how hard it is to fit everything in!
Wishing you the very best for your 2022 goals!
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Thank you Catrina for all your support and encouragement as always! I remember you said Kai had to navigate two big hills on his 44km Addo run! I’m really looking forward to focusing on speed and less endurance. I miss just training for a Half! LOL.
100 blogs is so tricky! I already struggle with half that amount so it might be a bit of a stretch! In fact, I’m already behind, LOL! But I’ll see how it goes and if this doesn’t work out I won’t stress myself. It’s so important to remember that all this is meant to be fun as well!
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Yes, exactly! Even reaching 50 blog posts is a great achievement with your full schedule.
I like your attitude – there’s no need to stress about it if it doesn’t work out.
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Wow. That’s quite a few goals and many are challenging.
Good luck. With those extra blog posts, I will get read more about your progress lol
My word is Intentional and I also have many goals… I think they are almost ALL doable. We’ll see. I do plan to continue running races. That makes me the happiest.
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I love that word – INTENTIONAL. Races make me the happiest too! Can’t wait to return to that!
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I hope they continue to happen and that you are able to do some live races too.
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Align is an interesting choice! I hope that your year aligns with your goals, but of course, that is one thing that is at least somewhat in your control.
You are a strong and determined person, and I know you can achieve your goals if you put your mind to it. Best of luck, Shathiso!
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Thank you Judy! I thought long and hard about my word for the year – had a few options but Align just felt right. Hope you also have a great year!
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Absolutely love all of your goals for 2022, and I have no doubt that you’re going to achieve each one!
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Thank you Kim! Really determined to give it my best shot! They all seem doable, I just need to stay focused!
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Sounds like exciting goals, and running trails are always amazing. Wishing you all the best with your training and your race!
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Thank you so much Stuart! I think these are doable – I just need to stay focused and also make sure I’m having fun and enjoying the process!
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You have some challenging and exciting goals for the year! I am looking forward to watching you crush them.
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Thank you Deborah! I’m feeling excited!
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Looks like you will have an exciting year! I agree, it can be hard to plan when things are still unpredictable. But its good to have something to work towards!
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Thank you Lisa and I think most of my goals are in my control this year.
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Oh, gosh, you have some awesome goals. I should borrow a few. Especially the health appointments. I did schedule one today but I am still behind from 2020 ….
If you want to try the Peloton app for strength workouts, I think I can email you a link for a 60 day free trial …. You know how much I love it!
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Please borrow away! For some reason I keep postponing health appointments, I guess because I “feel” healthy. But it’s so important to be proactive!
Thank you so much for the Peloton offer! Sadly, I’ve just googled it and it says “The offer is only available in the U.S.”
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I love “align.” Great word for the year, and not one you hear often! It’s funny how, once you pick a word to focus on, examples of it suddenly come up in your life constantly.
You have some big goals! I love it. I can’t wait to hear how they all play out, and I hope you achieve 100 blog posts! I enjoy reading along.
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Thank you Jenny! There were so many other words I was toying with but kept coming back to Align! I’m really determined to get these goals done and I think it’s possible – won’t be easy but going to try and have fun doing it!
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Great goals!
I like the idea of checking in periodically. It’s a great way to stay on track and make adjustments.
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Thank you Jenn! Yes, when you don’t check in, it’s so easy to forget what you’re chasing!
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hello again, my new found friend. Just wanted to report to you that i have started walking once again. taking baby steps here.
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Yay!!!! It starts with baby steps, a few falls along the way, then bigger steps, again a few falls, and before you know it you’ll look back and marvel at how far you’ve come!
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Love your goals! I am excited for your 100 blog posts. You know i love reading your blog. You got me thinking that 2022km is 1256 miles which is close to my goal. Hmm, something to think about. I am excited to following along!!
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I just read about your 1200mile goal! If you do 1256 it’s 2022 which has a beautiful ring to it!! I’m also so excited to see how you get on with yours!
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Me too! Now if only it would stop snowing and warm up here. 🙂
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Best of luck on your goals, what an exciting year you have in store! I’m excited to follow your ultra journey.
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Thank you Laura! I’m really excited about the year 😁
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