New Years Resolution for Running & Fitness

Happy New Year!  It's time to make some resolutions regarding your fitness.  Maybe you want to run your first 5K.  Maybe you want to run faster or simply lose weight.  Perhaps you'd like to try a new distance like a half or even full marathon.  It's really up to you.

If you did not meet your goals for 2011, there is no reason to give up.  2012 is a whole new start.  If you are a runner, look back in your running log (or computer) and I bet you will see why you were just short of your goals.  The training log does not lie.

There are lots of reasons we don't hit our goals.  Perceived lack of time, personal matters, injuries, etc... All of these can be fixed. 

Perceived lack of time:  Treat your fitness like any other necessity...make an appointment.  Set a time of day, on certain days of the week, and commit to that time just as if it were an appointment. Let's face it, we could all watch a little less T.V.  Actually, watch all the T.V. you want...but work out while watching, on commercials, or record your shows, exercise and then watch them commercial free.

Personal Matters: While going through difficult times, the last thing on your mind is probably fitness.  But keep this in mind.  Exercising can actually clear your mind...make you see things more clearly.  Most of the solutions I've come up with to problems, have been while I was training or shortly after.

Injuries:  Let's face it...it's hard to log miles while suffering a leg or foot injury.  However, that doesn't mean you have to stop training.  Work your upper body with weights.  Get in the pool where there is no impact at all.  Be creative and you can stay in shape through cross training.

One other reason for not hitting our fitness goals is not having a proper plan.  If you are doing the same thing over and over, and not seeing results, something is wrong.  Maybe you're not training hard enough.  It's even possible that you are training too hard.  Again, review your exercise log and a lot will be revealed.

Good luck in 2012 - as the Mayan Calendar shows, it's not the end, but the start of a new beginning.

Certified Track & Field Coach in Asheville, NC

I just passed my USATF (USA Track & Field) Developmental Certification Exam!  I am now a Certified Track & Field Coach.  If you or anyone you know needs help with sprints, hurdles, long jump, triple jump, shot put or discus events in the Asheville or Buncombe County area, please let them know about me, Coach John Noce, and this site.

The USATF and the NFHS (National Federation of State High Schools Associations) have teamed up to offer a great online course for anyone that's interested.  It's reasonably priced and since it's online, easy to take classes when it's convenient for you.

New Year's Day 5K in Asheville - Resolution Run

Looking to Run a 5K in 2012?  Why put off what you can do right away?  If you're up for it...the Asheville Track Club will host a "Resolution Run" on January 1st.  This is run through Biltmore Forest which should mean a beautiful run!  Details below are copied from the ATC website.

"The Asheville Track Club will be hosting a Resolution Run on January 1 2012 at 2:00PM for current ATC members. Registration will be in the South Forest Ingles parking lot starting at 1:00PM.   

The run will begin across Hendersonville Rd on Busbee Rd just inside Biltmore Forest. The finish of the run will be behind the Biltmore Forest Town Hall next to the police station. 

This is a free run to all ATC members in good standing. If you want to run and are not a member just join the Club on the spot and you will get an ATC t-shirt and you can run. 

There will be something at the finish line for everyone. This is a low key, fun race so come and enjoy your first run of 2012!"