Meet Mr. Reasonably-Nice Guy (2025 Running Goals)
Meet Mr. Reasonably-Nice Guy.
That’s me. Or so I’m hoping. Consider it part of my Running Goals for 2025.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Let’s start at the beginning.
It’s early January. The new year is just a few days old. Nonetheless, with 2025 scarcely out the starting gate, it’s time to assess what me and my Nike’s hope to accomplish in the next twelve months. Determining those goals has been much more difficult for 2025 than most other years. Reason for that is I’m less focused on individual races with my mind coalescing on “the big picture.”
That mindset translates into fewer goals with far more significance on each as their outcomes will greatly determine success with the races adorning my calendar for the next twelve months.
Rick’s Running Goals for 2025
Balance Competitiveness with Courtesy. I’m a competitive runner and I make no apologies for it. If I am in a race, I will be laser-focused on crossing that finish line with the best performance my legs will allow me. Weeks of training will go into each race with a meticulous physical and mental strategy crafted beforehand. I’m not going to stop to chat or want to slow down for a pedestrian or walker. But my goal this year is to maintain a cordial manner should I encounter someone who does not share that mindset, keeping my composure in lieu of becoming angry. Firm, loud words if needed, but without profanity. And only those as a last resort. In other words, behave as “Mr. Reasonably-Nice Guy.”
Regain Confidence. I had not one, but two “pops” in my right hamstring during September 2024. Each curtailed training and ultimately cost me two of my favorite races. As both “pops” occurred just before the completion of a workout, I’ve carried a nagging hesitation or caution with me since. Whether speedwork with my running coach or a casual morning run, I am hyper-sensitive to every “twinge” or “tingle” in either leg. Such a sensation has me immediately shift into an uber-cautious mode, fearful that another “pop” is only a few strides away. Reality is that I’ve always had various reactions in my legs and they’ve never led to any real injuries. I know that in my practical mind. Now, I need to convince my running mind that everything is fine so that I can take it up another notch for my training and racing.
Compete in Every Race on my 2025 Calendar. This is a goal I’ve fallen short of since 2021. Hamstrings. Latissimus dorsi muscles. Pectineus. Each has had their day in the sun when it comes to keeping my Nike Vaporflys in the closet. Am I setting myself up for failure with this goal? I don’t think so. Last year’s injury was more a fluke than anything else (Straining my hamstring by not looking both ways when crossing the street and having to suddenly sprint.) Frustrating as it was, I only missed two races with a speedy recovery. I’m also planning more “rest” days following my various “mini-seasons” of racing to allow more recovery. I also have the considerable talents of both my running coach, Tim Ives, physical therapist James Laughlin and massage specialist Sarah Messengarb, offering further guidance. With them on my side, how can I fail?
Looking forward to this year's Loop the Lake 8K! Become More Social at Races. This is more challenging for me than it sounds. Although I can come across as outgoing in certain social situations, truth is that I'm very much an introvert. As a result, there are times after a race when I opt for a quick exit where I can drive home to retreat into a "social media cocoon" to talk about a race in lieu of being with real people. However, being around real people and having a real conversation is ultimately more rewarding than writing a clever post with a few choice pics. It won't be easy, but I do plan to push myself to accomplish this goal. And don't worry - I'm quite good a verbal cues and can tell when my time is up.
Give Serious Thought to Running a Marathon. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know this is a cop-out. "Serious Thought" is not quite the same as actually committing to a marathon. But to be perfectly honest, running a marathon has never been a goal of mine. Half marathons beat me up enough. It was only last year that I actually ran 15 miles. But as I get older and know that this adventure called life does have an ending, I'm find myself more compelled to experience the challenge of a 26.2-mile race and fully appreciate what so many of you have endured. (Okay, let's be really honest - I really want one of the Boston Marathon jackets and there's only one way to get one.)
In and around all of that, I do hope to have some good races in 2025. But enough about me. What about you? Any goals for the upcoming year that you’d like to share? You can include them in the comments below or on Facebook.
Best wishes for 2025!
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