Friday Open Thread: Your running goal/dream for 2020?
www.thehalfmarathoner.com
Now that we’re starting to slide into the holidays — it’s hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is less than 2 weeks away — my thoughts are starting to turn to next year and what I’d like to do. So that made me wonder: what is a big running dream or goal you’d like to achieve in 2020? — Terrell
(In the photo above, runners make their way along the Pacific coastline at the Monterey Bay Half Marathon, one of my dream races.)
What I am about to write will probably seem silly to younger runners but some of you seniors will understand perfectly. My big goal is to run a half at 63 yo as fast as I did at 60. If I could shake the last year trend of injuries I think I can.
To remain healthy and continue my 50-state half marathon quest (just reached state 24 two weeks ago in Utah), knock 10 or 11 more states off the map, in between 3-month checkups and scans for Stage 2 NonHodgkins Lymphoma. #EveryMileIsAGift.
I began running at 50 years old. I began racing 5K races at 52 years old. I ran my first Half Marathon at 57, and ran two each year for a total of eight so far. I am no longer able to maintain the level of conditioning to feel comfortable and healthy running the longer distances, so I have "retired" from distances longer than ten miles.
My goal is to keep running regularly, and find a new healthy equilibrium - a "steady state" I can maintain to keep my heart and lungs strong, and to remain mobile as far as possible into my old age. It is hard to push myself each week, to find or make opportunities to run, when I have no lofty goal of a "big race" ahead.
I wonder how many others find this to be their challenge. Running long distances might not be maintainable, so how do we keep our interest and motivation going?
Leadville 100 or bust. Attempted in 2016 was 20 behind cut off @ 60 miles & got pulled. Was in best shape of life @57 years old. If I don’t get in via lottery I am prepping to race my way in one of the qualifiers. Good luck to all in 2020.
i want to run the philly marathon! there i said it out loud:) i haven't run a full since 2002. been feeling really good and like i finally have it in me!
Main goal for 2020 is to finish the full SF Marathon. I did the first half in 2018 (my first 13.1 ever!), the second half in 2019, and both times thought, "I can't imagine doing another 13.1 miles right now." Now, having finished the 'hilly' NYC marathon, I start the work toward SF. My mantra for the next several months: "I eat hills for breakfast." RAWR!
My goal is to run again! In 2018 I was diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis, a spinal condition. My last 1/2 marathon was in 2017 and I finished 2nd in the 70-75 Women's Division. After 43 years of running, I miss the exuberant feeling of training, running, and the excitement of the 1/2 marathon. It has always been my distance and it's hard to believe I won't feel that again. So now I'm setting a goal to run a 5K and be grateful at the end.
I notice that several posts are from folks in my age bracket, so here goes... I turned 66 last week and completed my 82nd half last Saturday, my 65th since recovering from cancer five years ago. My first post-chemo race was in November 2014, and I also did one in December that year. I set a goal of completing at least one half marathon per month for as long as possible. So far, so good 😎. I’m currently registered for 10 in 2020. Half crazy?
I’m running my first marathon at Disney World in January! I started my running journey with a 2018 St Paddy’s 5k, and completed my first half last November. I’ve done three halves since and really like that distance, but figured I should challenge myself with at least one (fun!) full marathon! Best of wishes and prayers to those healing and in their respective running journeys!
I'm planning to run my first marathon in 2020. The Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon. I have aspirations to run another marathon in the Fall. Anybody have a favorite fall marathon recommendation?
1) To keep rehabbing my ankle back to running health
2) We're taking a trip to the UK in May and I'm considering doing the Snowdonia Half...it would be a bucket list race for sure! I wouldn't race it, though, just leisurely jog and enjoy the scenery.
I think my number one goal is to stay healthy and get over this plantar fasciitis that has plagued me for almost a year. The second would be to arrive at the starting line of the 2020 Boston Marathon healthy.
2016: 1st half marathon (Parks Half); 2017: 1st marathon (NYC baby!); 2019: 1st 50K (the very awesome Blues Cruise). So for 2020...goal is first 50 miler, Stone Mill 50 in my own lovely Montgomery County MD backyard. Have definitely swallowed the Kool-Aid! Good luck to everyone with all goals -- distance, speed or otherwise!
I actually have a list of 10 races I want to try to run. A combo of 10ks and halfs culminating in my first marathon. It sounds nuts but I feel great and want to take advantage of that and see what I can accomplish.
I started this crazy goal of running halfs throughout all 50 states last year! So far #13 will be in Las Vegas. So the goal is to continue to run improving time and posture while visiting new places.
My goal is to complete my second marathon. Aiming for the Marine Corp which takes place near my 60th birthday. (My first was the NY Marathon which I did on my 50th).
I have entered the lottery for the Berlin Marathon. If selected I would be running my 3rd world major marathon. I love that Berlin allows you to sign up as a team of up to 3 people. My husband and a friend will also be running if we get in. If that doesn't happen I may decide to run a fall half instead and am considering Rock & Roll Las Vegas or Niagara Falls.
I am signed up for the Dublin Half Marathon in August 2020. I am pretty excited for this one.. I have been lucky enough to run some pretty amazing races... NYC Marathon twice, Big Sur, Marine Corps, a bunch of Disney Worlds.. Anchorage Alaska. But the fulls just aren't in my lifestyle any longer.. So I do half's now. You can still travel- I ran the Capitola to Santa Cruz in Cali a year ago, and that was pretty awesome.
2020 race goals- Looking to move up from the 50k distance to my first 50 mile race. Time goal for the 50 miler would be sub 8 hour (in the 60-69 AG group). Probably get in 4-5 races with perhaps 2 of them as the goal races for me. Also all races will be on trails as opposed to road races, a major change.
Just finished my 2nd half for the year and wondered why my training seemed to be getting worse. Realized that the two races were 3 months apart which meant 6 months of solid training. Ugh. This year my goal is to run for fun. Back to enjoy running and adding in trails. I will probably do 2 races again this year but I will do one in the spring, one in the fall. I'm 64 and have to learn to enjoy more than compete with myself!
For sure, my first marathon. I was training for this year (Nov. 10th) but was sidelined with two injuries that cratered my ability to complete the training. 2020 for sure, even if I have to walk the thing!
I want to run a 1/2 this spring. I haven't run a 1/2 in going on 2 years; the 1st one wasn't bad, the 2nd one I was so not prepared and I thought I would die. It kind of burned me, a little. After several family issues, illnesses in the rear view mirror, I have a new resolve for 2020 to be my best year---for 62 yrs. young. I do not feel my age!! Thank you running.
My plans are to train at least 5 days a week while running in as many marathons as I can. The end goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon for 2021. Current Pace is 7:23 a mile and need it to be below 7.
For better or worse, I signed up for my 4th half marathon after saying after the last one, I'd never do another. After surgery on my big toe and it seems that my rheumatoid arthritis is coming out of remission, I'm doing it May 2, 2020!
My plan is to train and run the Backcountry Rise 20 mile trail run at Mt. Saint Helens, Washington. The elevation change is 4,900 feet, up then down in a big loop. It's going to take a lot of training between now and the end of August, but I want this challenge to push myself this year. I'm 53 years old, and have taken the oath of "If I'm healthy and want to do it, train and do it!"
I am also rehabbing an injury ! The ligament in my right foot is at about 85 %- feeling pretty good. My running goals for 2020 are to run comfortably, continue to build friendships, improve my form, and run fast as I can :-D
This is my 2nd year of running in races. I'm planning on 3 half-marathons [January, 2020 - Daily News Naples, Fl half; March, 2020 - Marco Island, Fl half; May, 2020 - YMCA Sky Y half in Englewood, Fl] and I'm hopeful of improving my time to get below 1:50:00. Ran a 1:58:01 in St. Petersburg last January. I'm enjoy the competitive nature of running thru competing with myself to reach goals. As a former college athlete [a LONG time ago] it's made me compete again, which I do appreciate.
My current plans and goals for the 2020 running season is to get my during the race nutrition under control. Last year I had issues with running out of energy just short of the end for my halfs it happened about mile 10 for my full it hit me at mile 22. I am hoping to resolve that issue I am currently looking to see if I should overload at the start and use my current maintenance fro during the race or change everything. I have a couple of halfs early in the year so I will have time to work it out before my full late in the year.
Wow, love the picture ....wanna be there right now😊 Actually tried the discussion thread, just this morning and waiting to see the response. So far, Readers click, comment but don't subscribe. Write on we go
OK, maybe it's a little bit late response, but I come here from Substack newsletter today :) My plans are very big for 2020. Longest distance run so far are marathon (two times, both ~3:30) on the road and 53 km on trail (actually it was unfinished 83 km). This year I would like to finish my first "mini ultra" trail (67 km with approximately 950 m vertical), 100 km on asphalt (50 laps x 2 km, should finish in 13 hours or DNF), try marathon in 3:15 as part of my journey to sub3 hour marathon.
My plans for March are to maintain 4-4:10 min/km pace for 14.3 km distance on 11th of March (race dedicated to restoration of independence of Lithuania, 30 years anniversary, yay!!!) and try to run at least 60 km in 6 hour race on 21st of March.
Time for me to get back to the Oakland half marathon — it’ll be 4 years. The good news is that all of a sudden, I’m injury-free, and I’m going to take advantage of that (carefully).
I'd love to run my fourth half marathon somewhere in the USA (my new home) and be more structured in my regular running and diet. I'd like to work with a nutritionist to determine what is best for me and my running and really crack into it early in 2020. 2019 began with a hip injury that hindered my running for 3 months, but it was great to be able to work back into running in the latter part of the year and (for me) the most regular running I've ever done :D
My plan is to run at least two half marathons in different states than my own here in PA. I am also planning on running the steamtown marathon here near my home. I love to run in the winter and the cold, so this is my favortie time of year to get out there now! I will plan an early spring half too! I'm really interested in running the zion half marathon. Any thoughts on this one???
Bear Lake Trifecta is one of my 2020 Goals. Trying to check these states off the list (21 so far) and decided to focus on multi-states for 2020. Bear Lake will be the first time I run 3 half-marathons in 3-days. I plan to do a couple of back to back Halfs in preparation for this June event.
I hope to run the MB half in 2020. I ran it last in 2017. I have run the Pacific Grove 5k for the last 5 years. It is held in conjunction with the MB half.
I’ll be running the NYC Marathon ... my first marathon. I decided to do this two years ago when wondering how to celebrate my 50th birthday in 2020 and I’m doing this as a challenge to myself. I dream of having my entire family there to see me do it. I think it’ll be very emotional for me. All the best to all of you in your running goals!
I’m undecided on a half because I’ve committed to run the NE 10 miler series Portland ME in April, May is Newport RI and November is Stowe VT. I’m also training for my 7th Dan in martial arts. Pretty full plate for an old girl of 62. My main goal is always to stay healthy, and to run until I’m 101!
I’m 50 yo and running my first half in 6 years on December 1. My goal for 2020 is to run 2 more half marathons—1 in spring (hopefully Shape all women’s half in NYC) and 1 in fall (hopefully on Nantucket). When I started running at 40 I had to overcome an overuse injury for every half marathon. At 50, after overcoming hip bursitis from Ragnar training in 2017, I finally have learned not to force a training plan that leads to injury. I only run 3 times/week and practice yoga for recovery plus strengthening. If I can stay injury free, I want to consider a full marathon, maybe 2022 when I become an empty nester!
What I am about to write will probably seem silly to younger runners but some of you seniors will understand perfectly. My big goal is to run a half at 63 yo as fast as I did at 60. If I could shake the last year trend of injuries I think I can.
To remain healthy and continue my 50-state half marathon quest (just reached state 24 two weeks ago in Utah), knock 10 or 11 more states off the map, in between 3-month checkups and scans for Stage 2 NonHodgkins Lymphoma. #EveryMileIsAGift.
I began running at 50 years old. I began racing 5K races at 52 years old. I ran my first Half Marathon at 57, and ran two each year for a total of eight so far. I am no longer able to maintain the level of conditioning to feel comfortable and healthy running the longer distances, so I have "retired" from distances longer than ten miles.
My goal is to keep running regularly, and find a new healthy equilibrium - a "steady state" I can maintain to keep my heart and lungs strong, and to remain mobile as far as possible into my old age. It is hard to push myself each week, to find or make opportunities to run, when I have no lofty goal of a "big race" ahead.
I wonder how many others find this to be their challenge. Running long distances might not be maintainable, so how do we keep our interest and motivation going?
Peace & Good Health,
Nathan
Leadville 100 or bust. Attempted in 2016 was 20 behind cut off @ 60 miles & got pulled. Was in best shape of life @57 years old. If I don’t get in via lottery I am prepping to race my way in one of the qualifiers. Good luck to all in 2020.
i want to run the philly marathon! there i said it out loud:) i haven't run a full since 2002. been feeling really good and like i finally have it in me!
Main goal for 2020 is to finish the full SF Marathon. I did the first half in 2018 (my first 13.1 ever!), the second half in 2019, and both times thought, "I can't imagine doing another 13.1 miles right now." Now, having finished the 'hilly' NYC marathon, I start the work toward SF. My mantra for the next several months: "I eat hills for breakfast." RAWR!
My goal is to run again! In 2018 I was diagnosed with Spondylolisthesis, a spinal condition. My last 1/2 marathon was in 2017 and I finished 2nd in the 70-75 Women's Division. After 43 years of running, I miss the exuberant feeling of training, running, and the excitement of the 1/2 marathon. It has always been my distance and it's hard to believe I won't feel that again. So now I'm setting a goal to run a 5K and be grateful at the end.
I notice that several posts are from folks in my age bracket, so here goes... I turned 66 last week and completed my 82nd half last Saturday, my 65th since recovering from cancer five years ago. My first post-chemo race was in November 2014, and I also did one in December that year. I set a goal of completing at least one half marathon per month for as long as possible. So far, so good 😎. I’m currently registered for 10 in 2020. Half crazy?
I am 64 now and going to retire in February or March after being with the same company for 43 years.
My plans are to start knocking out more of the 50 states ( half marathon distance) . I plan to do more of these with the Mainly Marathons group.
I’m running my first marathon at Disney World in January! I started my running journey with a 2018 St Paddy’s 5k, and completed my first half last November. I’ve done three halves since and really like that distance, but figured I should challenge myself with at least one (fun!) full marathon! Best of wishes and prayers to those healing and in their respective running journeys!
I'm planning to run my first marathon in 2020. The Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon. I have aspirations to run another marathon in the Fall. Anybody have a favorite fall marathon recommendation?
I don't have 20/20 vision on my eyesight lol. However, I plan to do 20 things I have not done before (running related) in the year 2020.
1) To keep rehabbing my ankle back to running health
2) We're taking a trip to the UK in May and I'm considering doing the Snowdonia Half...it would be a bucket list race for sure! I wouldn't race it, though, just leisurely jog and enjoy the scenery.
I think my number one goal is to stay healthy and get over this plantar fasciitis that has plagued me for almost a year. The second would be to arrive at the starting line of the 2020 Boston Marathon healthy.
2016: 1st half marathon (Parks Half); 2017: 1st marathon (NYC baby!); 2019: 1st 50K (the very awesome Blues Cruise). So for 2020...goal is first 50 miler, Stone Mill 50 in my own lovely Montgomery County MD backyard. Have definitely swallowed the Kool-Aid! Good luck to everyone with all goals -- distance, speed or otherwise!
I'm just resuming running after being out for 6 months due to meniscus injury and surgery 😢
I'm looking forward to keeping up with all my PT exercises, resuming a full running schedule, AND running my fastest 5K and 1/2 marathon ever💪
I actually have a list of 10 races I want to try to run. A combo of 10ks and halfs culminating in my first marathon. It sounds nuts but I feel great and want to take advantage of that and see what I can accomplish.
I started this crazy goal of running halfs throughout all 50 states last year! So far #13 will be in Las Vegas. So the goal is to continue to run improving time and posture while visiting new places.
My goal is to complete my second marathon. Aiming for the Marine Corp which takes place near my 60th birthday. (My first was the NY Marathon which I did on my 50th).
I have entered the lottery for the Berlin Marathon. If selected I would be running my 3rd world major marathon. I love that Berlin allows you to sign up as a team of up to 3 people. My husband and a friend will also be running if we get in. If that doesn't happen I may decide to run a fall half instead and am considering Rock & Roll Las Vegas or Niagara Falls.
I am signed up for the Dublin Half Marathon in August 2020. I am pretty excited for this one.. I have been lucky enough to run some pretty amazing races... NYC Marathon twice, Big Sur, Marine Corps, a bunch of Disney Worlds.. Anchorage Alaska. But the fulls just aren't in my lifestyle any longer.. So I do half's now. You can still travel- I ran the Capitola to Santa Cruz in Cali a year ago, and that was pretty awesome.
A 50 miler in Mar then a 100k in Sept and maybe a 100 miler in Oct
2020 race goals- Looking to move up from the 50k distance to my first 50 mile race. Time goal for the 50 miler would be sub 8 hour (in the 60-69 AG group). Probably get in 4-5 races with perhaps 2 of them as the goal races for me. Also all races will be on trails as opposed to road races, a major change.
I would like to run a 50K. I turned 50 this year, so it is a great way to celebrate that! The Niagara Ultra is the one I have my eye on. :-)
Just finished my 2nd half for the year and wondered why my training seemed to be getting worse. Realized that the two races were 3 months apart which meant 6 months of solid training. Ugh. This year my goal is to run for fun. Back to enjoy running and adding in trails. I will probably do 2 races again this year but I will do one in the spring, one in the fall. I'm 64 and have to learn to enjoy more than compete with myself!
For sure, my first marathon. I was training for this year (Nov. 10th) but was sidelined with two injuries that cratered my ability to complete the training. 2020 for sure, even if I have to walk the thing!
I want to run a 1/2 this spring. I haven't run a 1/2 in going on 2 years; the 1st one wasn't bad, the 2nd one I was so not prepared and I thought I would die. It kind of burned me, a little. After several family issues, illnesses in the rear view mirror, I have a new resolve for 2020 to be my best year---for 62 yrs. young. I do not feel my age!! Thank you running.
While not solely a running goal, I have signed up for my first half Ironman in April in Hanes
City Fl and plan to do the full Ironman next November, here in Florida.
My plans are to train at least 5 days a week while running in as many marathons as I can. The end goal is to qualify for the Boston Marathon for 2021. Current Pace is 7:23 a mile and need it to be below 7.
For better or worse, I signed up for my 4th half marathon after saying after the last one, I'd never do another. After surgery on my big toe and it seems that my rheumatoid arthritis is coming out of remission, I'm doing it May 2, 2020!
My plan is to train and run the Backcountry Rise 20 mile trail run at Mt. Saint Helens, Washington. The elevation change is 4,900 feet, up then down in a big loop. It's going to take a lot of training between now and the end of August, but I want this challenge to push myself this year. I'm 53 years old, and have taken the oath of "If I'm healthy and want to do it, train and do it!"
I am also rehabbing an injury ! The ligament in my right foot is at about 85 %- feeling pretty good. My running goals for 2020 are to run comfortably, continue to build friendships, improve my form, and run fast as I can :-D
This is my 2nd year of running in races. I'm planning on 3 half-marathons [January, 2020 - Daily News Naples, Fl half; March, 2020 - Marco Island, Fl half; May, 2020 - YMCA Sky Y half in Englewood, Fl] and I'm hopeful of improving my time to get below 1:50:00. Ran a 1:58:01 in St. Petersburg last January. I'm enjoy the competitive nature of running thru competing with myself to reach goals. As a former college athlete [a LONG time ago] it's made me compete again, which I do appreciate.
My current plans and goals for the 2020 running season is to get my during the race nutrition under control. Last year I had issues with running out of energy just short of the end for my halfs it happened about mile 10 for my full it hit me at mile 22. I am hoping to resolve that issue I am currently looking to see if I should overload at the start and use my current maintenance fro during the race or change everything. I have a couple of halfs early in the year so I will have time to work it out before my full late in the year.
Preparing to run the Marine Corps Half in May and the MCN again in October. I am really hoping to improve my time and take on some other remote races.
I would like to run more races. This year I ran two races, one being a half marathon. I would also like to improve my time.
Wow, love the picture ....wanna be there right now😊 Actually tried the discussion thread, just this morning and waiting to see the response. So far, Readers click, comment but don't subscribe. Write on we go
OK, maybe it's a little bit late response, but I come here from Substack newsletter today :) My plans are very big for 2020. Longest distance run so far are marathon (two times, both ~3:30) on the road and 53 km on trail (actually it was unfinished 83 km). This year I would like to finish my first "mini ultra" trail (67 km with approximately 950 m vertical), 100 km on asphalt (50 laps x 2 km, should finish in 13 hours or DNF), try marathon in 3:15 as part of my journey to sub3 hour marathon.
My plans for March are to maintain 4-4:10 min/km pace for 14.3 km distance on 11th of March (race dedicated to restoration of independence of Lithuania, 30 years anniversary, yay!!!) and try to run at least 60 km in 6 hour race on 21st of March.
Good luck for you all and for me :)
Time for me to get back to the Oakland half marathon — it’ll be 4 years. The good news is that all of a sudden, I’m injury-free, and I’m going to take advantage of that (carefully).
I'd love to run my fourth half marathon somewhere in the USA (my new home) and be more structured in my regular running and diet. I'd like to work with a nutritionist to determine what is best for me and my running and really crack into it early in 2020. 2019 began with a hip injury that hindered my running for 3 months, but it was great to be able to work back into running in the latter part of the year and (for me) the most regular running I've ever done :D
My plan is to run at least two half marathons in different states than my own here in PA. I am also planning on running the steamtown marathon here near my home. I love to run in the winter and the cold, so this is my favortie time of year to get out there now! I will plan an early spring half too! I'm really interested in running the zion half marathon. Any thoughts on this one???
Bear Lake Trifecta is one of my 2020 Goals. Trying to check these states off the list (21 so far) and decided to focus on multi-states for 2020. Bear Lake will be the first time I run 3 half-marathons in 3-days. I plan to do a couple of back to back Halfs in preparation for this June event.
I just ran that for the first time! Beautiful! ❤️❤️
I hope to run the MB half in 2020. I ran it last in 2017. I have run the Pacific Grove 5k for the last 5 years. It is held in conjunction with the MB half.
At 61 years of age, I intend to run my first marathon in September of 2020!
I’ve run the Monterey Bay half, an amazing experience. For 2020 would love to start running again, just not motivated anymore.
I’ll be running the NYC Marathon ... my first marathon. I decided to do this two years ago when wondering how to celebrate my 50th birthday in 2020 and I’m doing this as a challenge to myself. I dream of having my entire family there to see me do it. I think it’ll be very emotional for me. All the best to all of you in your running goals!
I’m undecided on a half because I’ve committed to run the NE 10 miler series Portland ME in April, May is Newport RI and November is Stowe VT. I’m also training for my 7th Dan in martial arts. Pretty full plate for an old girl of 62. My main goal is always to stay healthy, and to run until I’m 101!
Keep working on my 50 states at least a 3 mile run in each goal. Also keep getting better.
I’m 50 yo and running my first half in 6 years on December 1. My goal for 2020 is to run 2 more half marathons—1 in spring (hopefully Shape all women’s half in NYC) and 1 in fall (hopefully on Nantucket). When I started running at 40 I had to overcome an overuse injury for every half marathon. At 50, after overcoming hip bursitis from Ragnar training in 2017, I finally have learned not to force a training plan that leads to injury. I only run 3 times/week and practice yoga for recovery plus strengthening. If I can stay injury free, I want to consider a full marathon, maybe 2022 when I become an empty nester!