I was going to write a ‘review of 2015’ type blog post but decided not to. 2015 has happened. 2015 is history. I completed my PhD and can now call myself Dr Emma (I won’t because I’m not a real doctor). I laughed, I cried and I said farewell to too many loved ones. I travelled, I ate too much food and I drank too much wine.

Due to various injuries I ran the grand total of 150 miles in 2015. Although 2015 was a bit of a write-off from a running perspective, it’s time to look forward and to think of some running and fitness goals for 2016.

The more observant readers of my blog *waves to my friendly stalker* will notice that some of these goals are identical to the goals I set this time last year.

No purchases of running gear – Perhaps a slightly unusual goal, but in 2016 I have set myself the challenge of not purchasing any running gear. I have enough pairs of trainers to supply a centipede and enough running clothes to last a lifetime. Both Sweaty Betty and Lululemon are located less than 5 minutes walk from my friends flat in Marylebone. Wish me luck!

A sub 30 minute 5k – Last year I managed a 30:04 parkrun, those 4 seconds irritated me for days. This year I will retire from running if I fail to run a sub 30 minute 5k. That is correct. I will retire from running! The slightly long-term goal is to achieve a sub 25 minute 5k.

Complete a Half Marathon – I am still yet to complete a half marathon this decade. I’m aware that going from zero to 13.1 miles in a matter of months is a massive challenge but I’ve already entered the inaugural Cannock Chase Half Marathon. As an experienced runner I really should be more sensible.

Complete 10 parkruns and 10 races – I love my local parkrun; Walsall Arboretum.I love the challenge of racing against other runners and pushing myself. I don’t, however, love the limited public transport in Sutton Coldfield during the weekend. Although completing more races than I did in 2015 will be easy, the lack of transport options means that I can only really enter local races. The goal for 2016 is, therefore, to complete 10 parkruns and 10 races.

Run more consistently – My running has been consistently inconsistent for a number of years. Although in 2014 and 2015 this was due to a series of injuries, previously it was due to laziness. In 2016 I plan to run more consistently. Injury permitting the goal is to run 3-4 times every week.

Make friends with strength and conditioning – In December I spent over an hour with an amazing sports physiotherapist. Rather than simply treating the injury, Rowena took the time to find the reason for all of my running injuries. I discovered that I had a slightly rotated right hip and was provided with a personal exercise program. As a result I will be following a strength and conditioning program for the first time.

Improve my diet – Not a running goal, but if I am to improve as a runner, I need to improve my diet. I was given a copy of ‘Training Food’ written by Renee McGregor as a Christmas present. Once I’ve finished my temporary Christmas job at M&S I will have plenty of time to read my pile of Christmas books.

Swim more – In a moment of madness towards the end of 2015 I entered Swimathon 2016. As a really, really weak swimmer going from zero to 60 lengths by March will be a huge personal challenge.

Wish me luck!

What are your running and fitness goals for 2016?