We’ve made it to another year and another decade.

I’ve been trying to train for and run a marathon for the past five years — half a decade. And guess what? I’m throwing in the towel. At least for now. A few weeks back, I went out for my 16-mile run, and about 3 miles in, I realized I no longer wanted to do a marathon. You can read more about it here.

I’ve been relaxing and recovering for the past week or two. Not pushing myself or running a lot. I needed the break both mentally and physically. I’m slowly getting myself back into a routine. I often forget that taking a break from training is just as important as the training itself.

I took the time when I broke my leg, but it was forced, not my choice.

I started planning 2020 trail races, and I’m excited at the idea of smaller runs, closer to home, and shorter distances. I was going to drop to the half or 10k at Rock n Roll AZ, but the thought of getting up, driving across the valley, and waiting in corrals with thousands of people makes me cringe. I’ll probably pick up my packet and run a trail that morning.

I want to hit 1000 miles in 2020. I was doing pretty well in 2019 until I broke my leg. I missed about 3 months of running. Then one to two months were spent doing a couch to 5k type program. I ended up with about 610 miles. I plan to hit 85 miles each month. I’ve found my sweet spot to be about 80-90 monthly miles. I’ve hit 100 a few times, but it’s hard for me.

I also want to refocus on losing weight and reducing body fat.

I’ve started tracking my food again. I reset all my calorie and macros goals and hope to track daily. I haven’t started weighing food yet. I figure baby steps, and once I get into the habit of tracking, I can add in weighing. I truly believe in taking it one small change at a time.

I decided, on a whim, to do Dry January as well. I sometimes have a drink after work a couple of days a week. I figure I can cut 70ish calories easy by cutting out cocktails. And maybe cutting it out will improve my sleep a tiny bit? So far, I haven’t noticed a difference there.

I plan like I do every year to update this blog more. I made calendar entries, so hopefully, it will keep me on track. My goal is to post 3 of 4 weeks in a month (the fourth post will be on my true crime blog, Only Joggers Find Bodies). I hope to write one fitness blog and one general life blog each month. The last blog of the month will be my “book club” post, where I share what I read that month, rate, and give my thoughts.

What are your plans and goals for 2020?


Jenna

Jenna Volden has a degree in business and has spent the last 10 plus years working for others. She believes it is time to start her own photography and writing business. She enjoys running, coffee and helping others achieve their goals. Gluten-free foods are a lifestyle, not a choice, for her due to celiac disease. She is currently based in Phoenix, Arizona.