2020 Cycling and Activity Goals
I know, I know. New year, new resolutions, blah, blah, blah. Hang in there, though. I don't really believe in resolutions or ultimatums. I do believe in goals. Not everyone is super goal-oriented but I am. I don't pretend that exercise is easy or that I don't have significant advantages in keeping up. I just feel like having goals that are both totally doable and also "reach" can be helpful for many people.
My brother-in-law is a streak runner. He's the most running-obsessed person I know. He has a lot of goals. He doesn't make them all but does make a lot of them. His goals have really inspired me in past years to do more whether he knows it or not. Some years, those goals were simple. The first year after Ruth was born, I just wanted to run a 5k. That now seems so small but, back then, it was a big reach. I had just had a baby. My body had been destroyed by pregnancy. I was also working very trying hours and commuting a lot. I did it, though. When I made it into 2018, I was stronger. I made a goal to lose some weight and, more importantly, exercise 3 times a week. Little did I know that I would do so much more. Those goals seemed so big but I ended the year lighter, much fitter, a dedicated exerciser, and changed my relationship with my body and food. I also ran a 10k. I exercised much more than 3 times a week. It wasn't easy but I did it. 2019 was the year of totally cementing my exercise routine. For physical health and mental health, I made commitments to move 5 times a week for at least 30 minutes. In August, I doubled down with my walking mileage and saw overall gains in strength and general energy by walking 5-6 miles a day. I am aided in this because I use a treadmill desk often during the day. It increased my productivity, mood, and health to move more. In September, I bought a e-bike. The riding weather remained fairly nice and I racked up about 550 miles between the end of September and the end of the year. I now know I am capable of so much more! I met my goal of 1000 miles riding and riding year-round. I also move at least 30 minutes a day 5-7 days a week. Recently, for the past month at least, it's been every day. In 2020, I also have some goals. I'm hoping to make good progress and meet at least some of them.
There are some I think I can accomplish easily but will motivate me:
1. Ride 1500 miles.
2. Ride at least 1 30-mile charity ride.
3. Hike/walk 500 miles.
4. Pull a kid in a trailer at least 250 miles.
5. Get my commute times to average 15 mph on a regular basis (I'm already approaching this and have done it a few times recently).
And some that are more "aspirational" but totally do-able barring serious injury: 1. Ride 2000 miles. 2. Accomplish some 30-50 miles this year.
3. Ride a metric century.
4. Hike/walk 750 miles.
5. Break the 20-minute commute time at least a few times. Do you have goals for the year? I'd love to hear them!