It’s that time of year. The gyms are full, motivation is peaking and the inevitable drop in daily workouts has not yet come to pass. Goals and/or resolutions have been dreamt up (or stolen from others) throughout the tail end of the previous year, never to be achieved. 

This may well be the case in years past.

However, goal setting is essential if we want to achieve that which we do not know is possible.

Contrary to this belief, instead of goal setting, some believe the better option is building daily habits in the hope that this will lead to continuous growth over time. I disagree. Setting goals and forging steps to achieve them will allow the pursuer to achieve greater things than someone building habits. 

There is nothing wrong with failure. Many/Most/All athletes, musicians and business leaders have failed at different times in their life. It is what follows that allows these people to achieve. Those that do not learn from their failures will surely continue to repeat them.

“Do not be afraid to fail. Be afraid of not learning from your failures.”

As JourneytoChamonix has not been running for long, my 2020 goals were unpublished. However, they were recorded in my dusty files from the beginning of the year. Here we go. 

A look back at 2020’s Goals

1. Launch a running/fitness website and blog – Success!

In December, I launched JourneytoChamonix! I had been writing content for some time and building the site. However, the end of 2020 was the push I needed to launch it. Pretty daunting for those who have not done anything like this before.

2. Run 19 min for a 5 km – Success!

In the last Parkrun before the COVID19 Shutdown, I ran a 18:51. Pretty stoked! Check out my Strava Here.

3. Bring my Parkrun tally to 90+ total – FAIL – Impossible to achieve

My first failure of my 2020 goals. However, at the start of the year I was sitting on 53 so it was already going to be a pretty lofty goal. The cancellation of Parkun meant that this one would be not possible to achieve. Oh well. 2021 or early 2022 could be the year that I get that 100 Parkruns Black Running Shirt that is the envy of all!

4. Run my first Ultra – Success!

In Jan 2020 I ran my first Ultra. The Two Bays Trail Run 56 km was my first taste of the Ultra world. You can read all about it Here.

5. Run a half marathon under 1 hr 30 – Success!

In April, 2020 I ran my first virtual event the DeMoor Global Running Virtual Half Marathon. Lilydale Lake was the location that was chosen (due to the minimal elevation gains!) and I was able to run the half in 1:28:37. I was very pleased. Check out my Strava Here.

6. Run 2020 kms for the year – FAIL

Although I ran more kms than I ever have before in a year, I ultimately failed this one. In 2019, I ran 1,384 kms and hoped to have a big increase to the 2020 kms. I was on track when I overloaded my training regime and injured my knee. I cut right back on my training, which allowed for rest and recovery. Still on the mend. I might have to try and redo this one going forward.

In order to ensure that I am closer to my goals at the end of 2021 than I am now, I have laid out the following goals.

Looking ahead to 2021

1. Collect first round of UTMB Qualification Points

Run Surf Coast Century & collect 4 Ultra-Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB) Points – this will get me on my way to the 10 points needed to enter the ballot for the UTMB.

2. Run over 2021 kms

Pretty self explanatory. Try and do a little better than last year. My training loads as I prepare for several of my events I have in my Upcoming Race Schedule, should naturally carry me over the 2021 kms mark. An easy one to tick off at the end of the year? Perhaps.

3. Swim 200 km 

For recovery and to build my upper body strength I’ll utilise the two words most hated by runners – cross training! I found in the tail end of 2020, swimming improved my breathing, the recovery of my knee and muscles as well as improving my upper body strength. Let’s face it, as runners, we need to improve that upper body and lose those runners arms! At 200 km a year, this is around 6 swims a month. Definitely achievable.

4. Strength Sessions 

Strength session once a week minimum! With a particular focus on leg strength. Elevation gain and descents are areas of improvement that are needed for the types of events I’m looking to enter. Still in recovery and looking to ease back in, this may look easier in the new year but with a renewed focus throughout the winter period.

5. Be a Parkrun Tourist – 20 Parkruns @ 5 different locations  

Parkruns are finally back! Yes we all have our favourite local parkrun but I’ve set the challenge to tackle 5 others. I’ve set it at 20 events (with a hope to do more) due to getting the balance right with family commitments. Looking forward to a return to those post parkrun coffees though!

6. Enter More Races  

In addition to the Kilcunda Half Marathon, Razorback Run, Great Ocean Road Marathon, Wonderland and Surf Coast Century (see 2021 schedule) enter another 3 events. Practice race day preparation and continue to gain experience in the execution of race strategy.

7. Nutrition – Cut back on Bread/Carbs

In 2020, Bread was my go to meal for Breakfast and Lunch. Whenever I cut back, I felt better, not as heavy. In 2021, I’m looking to cut back on my bread intake, prioritise higher protein consumption and look into other areas of my diet that can be improved.

8.  Read 6 Running Books

Because if you’re not running, why not be reading about running!

9. Blog Goals

At least one new post a week

Grow JourneytoChamonix viewers.

• 5000 visitors to JourneytoChamonix
• 20,000 page views
• 200 JourneytoChamonix Blog subscribers
• 1000 Instagram subscribers

This is based on the very limited data of visitors I had at the tail end of 2020. I want to focus on assisting others to achieve their running goals and by increasing viewership, I believe these go hand in hand. I’m excited for what the future of JourneytoChamonix will bring!

What are your goals for 2021?