Kick Start 2021 Training
Tags: Racing, Running, 2021, Goal Setting, Runners

So here we are, December 2020. This year felt so incredibly long and short at the same time. It doesn’t look like life will be “back to normal” (whatever that means anymore) for a while longer. Goals and new year’s resolutions are hard to process right now. When it comes to long distance running, however, goal setting might be easier than you think.

Photo by Mehul Patel on Unsplash

I began 2020 with big running goals, and most of them fell through. I adjusted, did some cool solo adventures, and ended up hitting a few fitness milestones. It looked nothing like I envisioned, but at least I can look back on my Strava Year in Review fondly.

If you are heading into 2021 with dread of the unknown, take this into consideration — we can much more accurately predict how this next year will shake out when it comes to racing. The beginning of the year will be much like the end of 2020, but vaccines are already being distributed. If all goes according to plan, fall race season 2021 is still a go. Here’s a suggested outline for your next twelve months of training.

Start the year by focusing on strength, speed, and power.

Photo by Victor Freitas on Unsplash

I’ve noticed myself and other runners lose speed and strength this year. Let’s face it, escaping for hours alone on the trail was more therapeutic than a high-stress track workout. It’s time to gain back that competitive edge.

Shorten your weekend super long run and use that extra energy to add in a focused speed session each week. In addition, hit the home gym a few times a week. Even if you have zero equipment, bodyweight exercises will translate to faster miles. Start by focusing on your core and eventually expand that to full body strength sessions.

Set a shorter mid-year solo goal.

Photo by Austris Augusts on Unsplash

Using the power and speed you gained, set yourself a solo spring goal. Pick a short distance, about half the length of your A race. For example, if you have your sights set on a marathon, go for 13.1.

If races end up happening, you can enter one. However, go into this goal with the expectation you’ll be doing it alone.

As distance runners, sometimes we get hyper-focused on slower paces we can hold for hours. Challenging yourself to go faster and training specifically for that shorter distance will give you the confidence to push the pace during longer races in the future.

Aim for a fall or winter race.

Photo by Brian Erickson on Unsplash

After you gain strength, speed, and PR your solo race, start thinking about your fall/winter goals. By that point, you’ll have a better idea of your options. If you can, enter a small local race. Hometown race directors are working hard to keep their events safe. The likelihood is much greater that a 200 person event will be flexible enough to change protocol as needed. Events with thousands and thousands of participants can take years to plan, so they might not happen even if they legally can.

Breaking the year up into quarters will help those of us who like to think ahead. At the end of 2019, many of us sat down with our running calendar and set up a full year. We can’t quite do that anymore, but we can control our goals and think in three-month increments instead of twelve.

Starting 2021 right where 2020 left off can feel pretty heartbreaking at times. Remember, we are at least heading into this year prepared. Enjoy goal-setting season and get ready for another memorable year!