Running is something that makes me happy. Sometimes, between the tough workouts and the big goals we set for ourselves, we can forget the happy part. In 2015, running for me is simply going to be about running happy. Running for the pure joy and the new and unique experiences running brings. No matter what your running focus is going to be in the New Year, here are 15 goals every runner should have to run happier in 2015.

1. Sign up to be a race-day volunteer. Give back to running by supporting other runners. From handing out water to helping with registration, help make someone else’s race special.

2. Find a meaningful way to memorialize your race bling. From a blanket made out of race shirts and a wall covered in race bibs to a medal hanger or medal Christmas ornaments like me, find a meaningful way to celebrate and organize your medals, race bibs and/or shirts. You earned it, so make sure to remember it!

3. Wave to other runners and walkers. Every time you go for a training run, smile and wave at other runners and walkers in your path. We are a community, and everyone out there is on a journey with you.

4. Run a race that scares you. Running in the heat? Running hills? Running in the wind? Think about the running conditions that scare you – the ones you “don’t think” you can do – and choose to conquer it. I tend to shy away from races with hills, so I ran 3 hilly races in 2014. You’ll find that you’re stronger than you think and that finishing something you think you’re not good at brings you more confidence and strength as a runner.

5. Take a self-defense class. Knowing how to protect ourselves in the case of a dangerous situation can save our life, including while running. Take the time to take a self-defense class for runners (and a first aid and CPR class while you’re at it if you’re not already certified).

6. Run with your significant other, regardless of your paces. If running makes you happy, magnify that 10-fold by running with the person you love the most. Forget about paces. Just run together. Grab your boyfriend, husband, girlfriend, wife or partner and go for a run. Spend quality time. Don’t have a significant other? Run with a parent, your best friend or even your dog. Use running as a chance to connect.

7. Learn your heart rate training zones. Understanding your heart rate training zones is another great tool to assess your running, especially your intensity. Heart rate training can also help ensure you’re running your easy days slow enough. If you haven’t already done so, take the time in 2015 to learn about heart rate training, your personal training zones and try it out. You can read more about it in the meantime here.

8. Record your training. Keep track of your daily training in a journal or online training log. It’s great to be able to look back and see your progress. It’s also nice to know what works and doesn’t work, so be sure to write down how you felt (when you felt good and bad and what you did differently), what you ate before big runs, etc.

9. Stretch and foam roll regularly. This is something many runners neglect, but it is important to help prevent injury. Take the time every day to care for your body. Five to 10 minutes every evening could do wonders for you physically and mentally.

10. Try a completely new workout to change things up. Sometimes we need a break from all the miles. In 2015, try something new. Barre class, competitive spinning, Orange Theory, boxing. The options are endless. Grab a friend and change things up.

11. Run with someone slower than you to help them achieve their running goals. Helping other runners is one of the greatest joys of running.

12. Run when you travel to explore new/different cities. Every time you go on a vacation or business trip in the New Year, try to also schedule a run while you’re there. It is a fabulous way to explore a different city (and get some great photos).

13. Commit to a proper warm-up and cool-down protocol. After talking to many runners, I’ve learned that so many don’t take the time to properly warm up and cool down  before and after workouts. Not only can doing so help you prevent injury, but it will also help you feel better during a workout when your body is warmed up. Take the time this year to do it right, every time.

14. Read more about running. I have learned so much about running from other experts, coaches, elite runners and everyday runners. Commit to reading more to learn more this year. Whether that’s subscribing to a new magazine, like Runner’s World, Running Times or Women’s Running or reading running blogs more often, take the time to read more.

15. Plan a racecation. Make one of your races in 2015 a destination race. Plan a mini vacation around one of your races so you can enjoy and celebrate a new experience after your race.

How will you run happier in 2015?