Being the best version of yourself – as a runner, a triathlete or a person – is not about making a New Year’s resolution or starting on January 1. It’s about waking up every day – on January 15, April 3, July 7, October 26, [insert any random date here] – and choosing to go after the dreams and goals you have for yourself. But to know how to get there, you have to know where you’re going.

I have 8 goals for 2013. These aren’t things I hope to accomplish. These are things I will accomplish. For me, 2013 will be a year that is defined by discipline. But also by dedication, focus, joy, triumph, heart and balance.

Drum roll, please …

1. Run a half marathon in 1:45 or faster. Yes, 1:45:59 will count as successful. My previous half marathon PR is 1:48:05, which I ran at the Atlanta Thanksgiving Half Marathon in 2010. I haven’t focused on the half marathon distance in about 2 years (my focus has been on marathons), but I think it is the perfect race distance … still extremely challenging but not as mentally or physically brutal as the marathon distance. I’d like to run at least 2 half marathons in 2013. Here’s a list of my target 2013 races. I welcome your suggestions!
2. Finish my next Ironman 70.3 race in 5:45 or faster. This means picking a race that has a somewhat equitable course to the Ironman 70.3 Augusta race I did in 2012 and also spending more time on the bike. In 2012, the bike was my nemesis. I spent as little time as I possibly could on it, and my speed suffered as a result (so did my crotch, ouch!). Ideally, I’d like my swim (1.2 miles) to be under 30 minutes again, my bike (56 miles) to average 18 mph or faster and my run (13.1 miles) to be faster than 1:57. I’d like to take some swim instruction this year to improve my technique and efficiency in the water. I’d also like to start (or at least try) training with a heart rate monitor. I realize there are several goals wrapped up in this half Ironman goal, but I think they’ll all be critical to achieving my one overarching goal.
3. Run a 10K in 48 minutes or faster. I have never trained for the 10K distance. By focusing less on the marathon distance and more on the half marathon distance this year, I think running a much faster and focused 10K is definitely possible. I ran a 49-minute 10K during my current half marathon PR, so this should definitely be do-able.
4. Finish my first trail race. I just recently started trail running, and it is a constant reminder of why I love running. It’s not about pace or time. There is no pressure to hit stretch goals or intently check your mile splits on your Garmin. Trail running is a chance to enjoy the outdoors. Take in the beauty of nature. Have a long chat with a friend. It’s just you and the leaves, pine needles, dirt or gravel under your feet. I’m already signed up for the Mississippi 20K on March 2. I’m looking forward to a new adventure.
5. Participate in my first relay race. I’ve been dying to squeeze in a van with 12 of my runner friends and run 200 miles in 2 days. Yes, I really have been. Right now I’m considering the Palmetto 200 in April, which starts in Columbia, South Carolina, and ends in Charleston. It would also be a complete dream to run Hood to Coast on the Nuun Hydration blogger team. A girl can dream!
6. Get my coaching certification. This year I plan to become a Road Runners Club of America (RRCA)-certified running coach. The process starts by attending an in-person RRCA coaching certification course that includes 16 hours of lecture, group work and interactive exercises, such as working in teams to build training programs for new and experienced runners. Next, there is a 100-question online exam to pass. Finally, you must also get your first aid and CPR certifications and abide by the RRCA Coaching Code of Ethics. I believe that by getting my coaching certification, not only will I be a better runner myself, but I’ll be a better blogger and able to help more people find joy and success in a sport I love so much.
7. Continue strength-training/cross-training at least 2 days per week. Since joining my boot camp in November, I feel I’m really becoming a more well-rounded athlete with all the strength training and cross-training work. It is allowing me to gain power that I’ve never had. I am going to continue my boot camp in 2013, doing 3 days a week through February and then shifting to 2 days per week starting in March. I am going to have to be disciplined in order to fit strength training AND swimming AND biking AND running into my busy schedule.
8. Do more weekday workouts in the morning. This was a goal on my 2012 list that I was not very successful in achieving. I’ve confessed before that I often choose sleep over morning workouts. For me, 2013 is about being more disciplined. This is one of the ways I’ll achieve that discipline and the other goals I’m committed to accomplishing.

I hope you’ll follow me along my journey this year and share yours too. We can keep each other accountable.

Here’s where to find me:

• Twitter: @rUnladylike
• Facebook: facebook.com/runladylike
• Instagram: instagram.com/runladylike
• Pinterest: pinterest.com/JesicaD
• Daily Mile: dailymile.com/people/Jesica
• Email: runladylike@gmail.com

What are your 2013 goals for fitness, running and/or training? What strategies do you have for achieving them?