Happy New Year! It’s finally 2021. I’m hoping and praying that 2021 is a much better year for all of us. New Years is actually one of my favorite holidays. I love to wrap up my year with all the lessons I’ve learned, and start over with fresh goals and a new beginning. This year I spent New Year’s Eve on the couch by myself because Jeff and Ethan fell asleep early. It wasn’t the most exciting New Years Eve, but it was very 2020.
Friday, January 1st: Still I Run Breaking Stigma in Stride Virtual 5k (3.1 Mile Run)
This year I am excited that I have been chosen as Still I Run Ambassador! I love the Still I Run organization and I can’t wait to contribute to the community in a bigger way in 2021! To kick off 2021, I ran the Still I Run Virtual 5k in 38 degrees and rain. It ended up being pretty enjoyable and a great way to start the new year!
Saturday, January 2nd: 4 Mile Run
On Saturday, I went out for a 4 mile easy run. The weather was in the 40’s and not rainy or snowy so it was a decently nice running day (for Pittsburgh). It was very grey and cloudy though, which is typical for winter in Pittsburgh.
During this run and realized that lately I have started to get discouraged with my running. I promised myself I would never do this, but lately I have been falling into the trap of comparing myself to other runners and getting caught up in not feeling like I’m a good enough runner.
I think everyone struggles with insecurities sometimes and I’m glad I was able to recognize it early so that I can address it and turn my mindset around. I’m not the fastest runner, and that’s ok! My goal is not to be the fastest or to run the most miles. You will always find people who are faster than you or better than you if you compare yourself to others. We are all different and have different journeys.
I recognized that it is a blessing even to just have the opportunity to run no matter what speed I go. Speed is not my goal. My goal is to run for my mental and emotional health and for how great it makes me feel. When I ran that slow run on Saturday, it made me realize how much I miss just going on a nice easy long run and just focusing on enjoying it. It was refreshing to not try to hit a time goal or continue to push myself to be faster and faster.
So I am going into 2021 with a new mindset. This year I don’t have any huge running goals like I have in years past. This year I am focusing on taking off the pressure and just enjoying running. I’m focusing on keeping balance in my overall life.
Running is a lifestyle for me and something to be enjoyed. Sharing my runs and connecting with others in the running community brings me a lot of joy, and I’m looking forward to doing more of that in 2021! More joy and less comparison!
Run Coaching Special Promotion
To kick off 2021, I am offering a special run coaching offer for the month of January! For new athletes, I am offering sample coaching with a two week free trial! If you choose to sign on for coaching, then you will also receive 50% off of your first month. This offer expires on January 31st and only applies to new athletes. To learn more about my coaching, visit 1:1 Run Coaching.
To take advantage of this offer, please contact me at lauren@runningforwellness.com.
Letโs make 2021 a great year!
What are you looking forward to in 2021?
12 Comments
Oh, I like the mindset that running is a lifestyle โ thatโs where I am. I donโt have any specific goals except to just run. Happy New Year!
That’s great!! I’m glad to hear you’re taking the same approach. Happy New Year!
I think 2021 is going to be good. Maybe not perfect, but good.
Congratulations on your ambassadorship! How fun!
I get down on my running, too, but it’s just a phase for me. Everything comes full circle.
Thank you!!! I totally agree, every day is a work in progress!
Congrats on your 5k! It can be so hard not to fall into the comparison trap. I like your goal for this year. Hopefully 2021 is a good one!
Thanks Lisa! Happy New Year!
The comparison trap is all too common, and does us no good. …but we’re human LOL I have that conversation with myself from time to time. I just try to remember that this is my journey. My struggles are my own, and I probably wouldn’t want to trade them for someone else’s.
That’s a great point Kim! I remind myself of that on a regular basis too!
I actually took most of 2020 with that attitude — that I didn’t need to push hard or run some crazy virtual race PR, that it was a good time to kick back and figure out what my body truly enjoys when it comes to fitness. I’m still working on that, LOL! But I have learned a lot. As much as I missed my racecation (because it’s actually been a couple of years already), I think it may have been what I needed at this point in my life.
That sounds lovely! I am so excited to take that laid-back approach this year! I also miss taking racecations! Me and my husband have done a few and they are SO fun! Maybe after the pandemic calms down a bit!
Still I Run sounds like a great organization ~ congratulations on becoming an ambassador!
38 degrees and rainy sounds a bit too nippy for me!
I don’t generally worry about my times – it’s so nice to be able to run relatively carefree!
Yes, I could’t agree more!