focusing on goals

My 5 Winter Running Goals

January 9, 2026 by Michelle 4 Comments

This week the Fit Five Friday crew is talking about winter running goals.

We all know that winter running hits different — it’s cold, the mornings are dark … it’s a different kind of commitment to say the least. So my goals are all about staying consistent, staying healthy, and continuing to build my base until spring returns.

Fit Five Friday: My 5 Winter Running Goals

Stick with my 3-runs-a-week routine
My #1 winter goal is simple: keep showing up three times a week. It’s all about consistency, which means being willing to embrace the treadmill when Mother Nature doesn’t want to cooperate.

Extend my run intervals
As I wrap-up my C25K plan, I’m going to continue to use run/walk intervals with the goal of extending the time of my run blocks. The focus is still on effort over pace.

Make warm-ups non-negotiable
Cold weather makes everything feel a little more stubborn — muscles, joints, motivation 😅. So my goal is to warm up intentionally before every run, even if it’s only a few minutes.

This is one of those small things that pays off in a big way, especially when the temps drop.

Keep strength training 2x a week (minimum)
I’m already strength training at least twice a week so my winter goal is to keep that going. Strength work is what helps me feel more stable, more powerful, and less “creaky” when I’m increasing run time.

Get back on the Peloton bike
I had let my ride time slide when I started C25K so I’m looking forward to making more time for Peloton rides. It’s such a good way to build endurance and leg strength.

These goals aren’t flashy, but they’re the kind that add up. And honestly? That’s what I want this season — consistency, strength, and momentum.

If you’re setting winter running goals too, tell me: what’s one thing you’re focusing on this season?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday! Link up to share YOUR weekly fitness favorites with your co-hosts My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, and Runs with Pugs every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Please remember to share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts’ posts!

Filed Under: #FitFiveFriday, focusing on goals, Friday Five, goals

Weekly Wrap – Catching up

May 20, 2018 by Michelle 36 Comments

I’m joining Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap. This a great link up to find support and motivation, so be sure to stop by to share a weekly training recap and show these great co-hosts some love!

When I last checked in on my “training” a couple of weeks ago, the piriformis/hammy issue was in full rage. The plan was to back off – run easy, cross-train, and focus on rehab.

And that’s just what I’ve been doing for the past two weeks. Progress has been slow and steady, but I’m happy to say there’s progress. Run/walk intervals are a must right now, and while hills and any attempt at speed are a big no-no, I was super encouraged by yesterday’s “long” run of 6.5 miles. The first 4 miles of that run felt better than I have in weeks.

I’ve been doing my best to focus on every positive I can while also trying to come to terms with facing my second DNS of the spring thanks to this nagging injury. I do have the option of dropping down to the 5-mile distance, but I haven’t decided what to do yet. I was so looking forward to running this half – it’s one of my favorite races and was going to be my “goal race” for the spring. While I’ve run the 5-mile option before, it just doesn’t have the same feel. Perhaps it’s better to just draw the curtain on the spring race season and move on.

I recently shared this on Instagram as it has become my mantra. I still have so much running and racing to look forward to this year, so I need to put this nagging pain in the arse (literally) behind me once and for all.

Have you ever had to put racing on hold? Tell me something about your week? Have you checked out my Stride Box giveaway (see here)?

Filed Under: focusing on goals, injuries, Weekly Wrap

Keeping my eye on the prize

March 11, 2018 by Michelle 20 Comments

If you read last week’s wrap up then you know I was contemplating taking a DNS on the Black Cat 10 miler thanks to a very cranky piriformis. The truth is I knew even as I was typing that post that the chances of my actually running Black Cat were slim. But we runners always hold out hope, right?

Well, I eeked out a run on Tuesday, but it was a lot of effort for a short 3 miles with my piriformis talking back most of the way. Decision made – it was not worth it to push it for what was basically going to be a training run.

Once that decision was out of the way, the rest of the week seemed to get a lot easier. I babied the heck out of my right leg, returned to some of my PT exercises, hit the yoga mat, and spent some time on the Arc Trainer. I also managed two more runs – both slow and easy with 5:1 run-walk intervals and finished the week with 12.5 miles. Surprising…and I’ll take it as a win!

So this week will be more of the same so I can get back to training for the races I have planned for the spring. Next up is the Portland 10 Miler in April and then Boston’s Run to Remember Half in May.

Have you ever taken a DNS? What’s next on your race calendar?

I’m linking up with Holly and Wendy for the Weekly Wrap.