Back in October I reflected on how I had managed to fail most of my 2014 running goals. As I am nearing the end of the C25K training plan, I have decided to set some new running goals for 2015. My theory is that if I make my goals for 2015 public, I am accountable and, therefore, more likely to achieve them. Although I don’t want to set myself really easy goals, I need to remember that I spent most of 2014 injured. I am hoping that 2015 will include…

A sub 30 minute 5k – I am quietly confident that I will be able to achieve a sub 30 minute 5k in January/February.  If I do, then the goal for the rest of 2015 is to achieve a sub 25 minute 5k.

A sub 60 minute 10k – The first goal is to run a 10k in under an hour at the Fradley 10k in March. Fradley is one of the flattest/fastest 10k courses in the Midlands so I have no excuses. If I smash my first goal, then I want a sub 55 minute 10k.

Complete a Half Marathon – I am yet to complete a half marathon this decade. In 2015 this will change! I have entered the Lichfield Half Marathon in May, please let me remain injury free in 2015.

Conquer ‘Cardiac Hill’ – Located in Sutton Park, ‘Cardiac Hill’ has become a bit of a personal nemesis. Although I have run up ‘Cardiac Hill’ on numerous occasions, since 2012 I have failed to run up the hill without stopping. In 2015 I will do my best to conquer ‘Cardiac Hill’.

Run with my Club – I have been a member of my local running club for years. When I trained with my club I was a better runner. Although the online running community is great, it’s hard to beat training with real people at a club. Unfortunately, a combination of Injuries, tennis commitments and living between London and Birmingham means that I only attended one training session in 2014. In 2015 this will change.

Race more – This will probably be the most challenging goal. Although completing more races than I did in 2014 will be relatively easy, the combination of limited finances/transport means that I can only enter local races. The goal for 2015 is, therefore, to complete 12 races.

Run more consistently – My running has been consistently inconsistent for several years. Although in 2014 this was mainly due to injuries, in previous years it was due to laziness. In 2015 I plan to take my running more seriously and to see what I can achieve. Injury permitting the goal is to run 2-3 times every week.

Be healthier – Not exactly a running goal, but if I am to improve as a runner, I need to improve my diet in 2015. I believe that junk food input equals rubbish running output. I need to eat more fruit and vegetables and cut down the amount of ‘fast’ food I eat.

Enjoy my running – Since starting from scratch with the C25K, I haven’t really enjoyed my running. Although I always feel great after I have been for a run, sometimes I have been reluctant to head out the door. I am hoping that once my fitness levels return, my love of running will return.

Volunteer more – I really enjoyed volunteering at Bud’s Run in October, so in 2015 I want to volunteer at a minimum of six events.

What are your running goals for 2015?