I love having things to look forward to. As a stay-at-home-mom, it’s these things that help get me through the day. It can be simple things like knowing we have a play date in the afternoon or even General Hospital signaling that the day is at its mid point. (I know, I know, I do like my GH).

It’s the same thing with running. I love having things to look forward to. Here are a few as I know the list will grow as we go through the year:

I’ve been planning my first half of 2014 race wise and I’m 6 races in through April. There are some races I’ve done before and new races I’m sooo excited to finally be able to do one being the Lost Dutchman in February. I was hoping to do the ½ marathon but this race is two weeks before my first full marathon. Even though my training plan calls for a long run around that distance, I didn’t want to do it at race pace. So, I signed up for the 10K. I’m still super excited about this race. It’s got a great reputation for its organization, scenic views, and overall atmosphere.

I’d like to complete 14 races in 2014. I chose this as something to look forward to because I think it’s something I would’ve gotten close to any way and there’s quite a few races I’ve wanted do but haven’t been able to for some reason or other. (I don’t know how much my husband’s wallet likes this lol!)

Completing 2014 kilometers in 2014 is a lofty something I hope to work towards. I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself to accomplish this as I don’t want to force any runs. I think the main thing I look forward to with this is just tracking miles. I love tracking my miles and seeing how I’ve done each month. If I reach 2014, awesome. If I don’t, I’m still awesome : )

Time related things I’m excited about: I’m looking forward to breaking 25 minutes in a 5K. I’m going to do it! I don’t do many 5K races so this will be something I’ll have to work on. I’m not a speedy person and 5Ks for me=speed.

I’m excited about the challenge of completing a 1/2 marathon under 2 hours and most of all, I’m so, so, so excited about finishing my first full marathon in whatever time!

Finally, what I’m looking forward to the most is seeing my husband grow as a runner. He’s been doing some mini training for the ½ marathon we’re both doing mid-January. I’m so proud of how well he’s doing. He was a track guy in high school and never thought he’d ever do long distance. I love that he’s challenged himself and is working towards something outside his comfort zone—and doing awesome at it! I’m excited to see what his running future looks like this new year and in the future.

I want to wish all of you a happy 2014 and I’m so excited to see what it brings you!!

—What are you looking forward to in 2014?