My Running Goals for 2024
A glimpse at the upcoming races for this year!
Happy 2024!
It's my hope that everyone's holidays were enjoyable, rewarding and relaxing. Of course, it's also my hope that they did not interfere too much with your running.
Since my final 2023 race last month, I've been thinking about this upcoming year in terms of my running, pondering the various goals that me, my earbuds and Nikes hope to accomplish.. Now that we're a few days into '24, I've some goals to share.
But before delving into them, looming over my running are two noteworthy issues. The first being the awkward, but significant question, am I slowing down? This year marks my seventh one since returning to competitive racing. Since then, I've had personal bests each year in various races. Until last year. Don't get me wrong. I had several good races in 2023 where I was pleased with the outcome. But none of those times surpassed ones from previous years. I'm not ready to concede anything yet, but I am certainly curious how I will do in the next twelve months.
The other concern is a strong desire to avoid or minimize injuries. I’ve missed races the past two years because of them. At the same time, with last year's injury not being running related, I'm cautiously optimistic that I can avoid missing any races this year.
But enough of all that. Let's jump into...
My Running Goals for 2024.
1. Check One Off the Bucket List. No more excuses. I've already coughed up the necessary funds required to participate in the Eugene Half Marathon in late April Just the mere thought of finishing on the hallowed grounds of Hayward Field brings chills. Having grown up in that part of Oregon, I also know that, unlike the Des Moines area, the worst weather I'll face that time of the year would be rain. No ice, snow, strong winds or some unholy combination of each to worry about. I'm just hoping that my wife will allow me to grow a "Prefontaine moustache" prior to this race.
2. Break the Curse. Since returning to competitive racing, I've had left hamstring injuries cause me to miss races in 2018, 2020 and 2022. Not that I'm superstitious (knocking on wood as I type this), but with 2024 being another even-numbered year, I'm double-crossing my fingers so that I won't have to curtail any of my training or racing due this ornery muscle acting up again. Actually, I've committed to tad more to those hopes than simply chance. Since '22's mishap, I've used a specific stretch to activate those muscles before running. In addition to that, I've also incorporated several intense hamstring stretches that are part of a strength workout that I do three times a week. With any luck, those hamstring issues are now truly behind me. (Yeah, that's a lame joke.)
3. Atone for My Sins at M2M. I'm more than ashamed to say that it was my miscalculation that caused our Body Project team to miss an exchange in last year's Market-to-Market Relay race, ultimately costing us first place in the open division. Although unintended, that mishap has gnawed at me since that beautiful spring day. It's my hope to have another "go" with the Body Project team to make amends - starting with renting a large van for the day so that we're all in the same vehicle and can avoid such a mishap again.
4. Celebrate the Bix 7's Golden Anniversary. Iowa's largest race turns 50 this coming July. My wife and I have already booked rooms for two nights in Davenport to fully enjoy this amazing event. And when I say "celebrate", I mean that I hope to place in my age group again. However, that's never an easy task with a race as competitive as this one. Particularly given what's likely to be a larger than normal turnout.
5. Keep "Running With Rick." 2024 commences "Year 3" of "Running With Rick." Although not sure I had enough ideas for two months when I started RWR in 2022, this blog often seems to write itself. Ideas emerge on their own from various events or situations. And from suggestions made by other runners. That's where all of you come in. If you have any ideas for topics that I can write about, don't be shy!
Other Areas of Focus
As much as I enjoy races in my area, I'm also curious about branching out. While Eugene's most likely limited my budget for long-distance options in 2024, I am curious about other races for this year and next. Although I've visited a respectable number of states, I've only raced in three others - outside of Oregon and Iowa.
Another unwritten goal is continuing to expand my social circle. It's been truly rewarding to connect with so many of you on social media. And even more so when we meet in person at a race. It's my sincere hope that continues in '24.
You now know my goals. I'm interested in yours. As well as any ideas for future blogs. And future races. Let me know in the comments below or on Facebook!
Maybe I'll go down to Eugene and cheer you on! I like the retro picture of Hayward Field, the new field looks like a space ship from a Sci Fi movie. Good luck with your running goals!