Saturday, December 31, 2016

Some Thoughts on the Year's End

You know what's funny about running short for a year? You start to notice how many people set a yearly mileage goal and how weirdly arbitrary that is, especially when some of the mileage goals are really high but don't take any racing or training into account. I wonder if people who don't reach those rather lofty goals for yearly mileage feel bad about it as December 31st draws to a close.
But like...why?
Run 2016 miles in 2016...run 1000...run 400...Whatever. As long as it's bringing you joy and giving you a purpose.

This fall and winter have been hard for me mentally and emotionally. I am not a naturally optimistic person, so I've put a lot of energy into being more positive when it comes to running and fitness; over the last few years, this shift in mentality has really worked and been beneficial to my running, and it spread into other aspects of my life. It's frustrating to not be able to get back into that mindset after being knocked out of it a bit.
I don't think 2017 will magically bring a new perspective and easy optimism back into my life. I'm not that naive. But I hope this funk...this depressive episode...will lift. (I'm also not naive enough to think "hope" alone will do it, so if it looks like more is necessary, then I'll do more.)

Anyway, I do hope the winter holidays have given you all time to relax, unwind, and reconnect where it counts. I hope 2017 brings opportunities, joy, and purpose into your lives. Maybe this will be the year that you overcome whatever has held you back from realizing a dream, taking a risk, or going on an adventure.

Whatever you determine 2017 will mean for you, I hope you have a safe and happy New Year!

ABK
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13 comments:

  1. JenniferDecember 31, 2016 at 1:36 PM

    Happy New Year!!

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  2. Megan @ Meg Go RunDecember 31, 2016 at 1:46 PM

    2016 miles is way too much for MY body! If the year was 1216 rather than 2016 I'm pretty sure I could do that in a healthy way haha!

    I'm sorry you are depressed. Like I said, I'm angry. It's a horrible feeling because I basically feel it all day long. Depression is even worse. I'm here if you do ever want to talk or vent.

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    1. Ali K.January 1, 2017 at 8:10 PM

      Thanks. I hate to burden people. I don't see the point in talking if all I'm going to do is make other people depressed, too! But I really appreciate it and I appreciate that you and Kristina talked it out with me the other night.

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    2. Meg Go RunJanuary 2, 2017 at 4:55 PM

      YOU are not a burden to me. That's what friends are for. I promise you wouldn't be able to depress or scare me more than I already am! It actually makes me feel comforted that other people are feeling crappy. Not that I want people to feel crappy, but when everyone acts like it's no big deal I feel like I am in the freaking twilight zone.

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  3. KristinaDecember 31, 2016 at 4:06 PM

    I'm sorry you're stuck with depression as your feeling post-election. I'm also very worried about T's cavalier attitude towards foreign policy, climate change, education... you name it and I'm worried. It never really helps to say "you're not alone in how you feel" but you're definitely not alone.

    Arbitrary mileage goals are interesting. I think they give some people motivation to be consistent in their training. For runners who don't race or train it's probably a good way to feel like they're working towards some goal -- and gives them a sense of accomplishment. For runners who train for races... like why? I guess it's something to do! I have no reason to be run streaking right now except that it's something to do so I can't judge too much, haha!

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    1. Ali K.January 1, 2017 at 8:11 PM

      Thank you - it does help. It also makes me sad to know how many others feel this way. Ugh.

      I think streaking is different because it can really serve a purpose, but maybe that's because I've done it before so I'm biased!

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  4. AnaDecember 31, 2016 at 7:28 PM

    I'm sorry to hear you are having a difficult time. If you need to talk or vent, email me or message me on Instagram. I'm here for you. I know I don't know you in person, but I know you are an awesome strong woman.

    I try to not compare myself to others with how many miles I did, because whatever I did, mean so many times of going running when I was tired, sleepy, sad, mad, when I had other things that needed my attention.... So my accomplishment is my own and I'm ok with whatever number I get

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  5. Montana RossJanuary 1, 2017 at 6:45 AM

    I am usually an optimistic person, but I have to admit with all the good going on in 2016 towards the end of the year for me I was wondering when the other shoe would drop. I had my fair share of challenges and bad news but somehow I still kept relatively optimistic throughout it. I'm hoping 2017 brings more good news and upward movement in my life! I finally feel like I have *most* of my shit together...haha.

    As for mileage goals- I think some people (like me) make goals because it helps us have something to work towards. I'm on a team doing the run the year 2017 challenge, so I won't be trying to run 2017 miles by myself (though with marathon training I have a feeling I might get close) but for me it keeps me working towards something and gives me motivation to keep training. Personally I'm not motivated internally to run so I have to have something external to work towards. Just another perspective. :-) Happy New Year! I hope 2017 brings awesome things your way!

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    1. Ali K.January 1, 2017 at 8:14 PM

      Thanks for weighing in - I know a lot of Subbers do Run the Year and they see a purpose for it. I can definitely see how it helps to create motivation to stay active after New Year's Resolutions wear off haha.

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  6. Fairytales and FitnessJanuary 1, 2017 at 10:44 AM

    This is very nicely said Ali!

    I don't do mileage goals either and my end of the year mileage is always so much less than everyone else's but I don't care. I do what I can.

    Have a happy New Year.

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  7. UnknownJanuary 1, 2017 at 3:33 PM

    I hope 2017 is a good one for you too! I don't set mileage goals but can understand it because running mileage is something I can do and like doing and have control over...unlike running fast or getting a PR. But that's just me.

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    1. Ali K.January 1, 2017 at 8:14 PM

      This makes a LOT of sense. Running mileage goals are definitely controllable and can be motivating.

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