In general, I have pretty clear goals when it comes to how much weight I want to lose and what size I’d like to eventually wear. However, I’ve found that it is also helpful for me to have fitness and health related goals that aren’t tied to a number on the scale. For one thing, fitness goals usually help me achieve my weight loss goals. And when the numbers on the scale aren’t moving (or not moving fast enough), having other goals around my fitness helps me stay positive. I may not be getting smaller but my stamina is improving or I’m doing things I never thought I’d be able to do. Last year, my fitness goals were running 3 miles nonstop (and outside), learning how to swim, and learning how to ride a bike. Here are my goals for 2009:

  • Lose another 30 pounds by the end of the year (ideally, I’d love to lose 50 - 70 pounds but I don’t think that’s realistic given my performance over the past two years)
  • Go up to running 6 miles per run (ideally, I’d like to run 6 miles in an hour but I’ll be happy if I can run 6 miles nonstop, regardless of how long it takes me. Right now, I can run about 4 miles in an hour)
  • Improve my bike riding skills and start riding my bike (which I’ve yet to acquire) to work on a regular basis. Also, get over my fear of riding near cars.
  • Improve my swimming skills (I’d love to be able to swim the freestyle from one end of the pool to the other and back) and get over my fear of the deep end.
  • Hike 10 miles - I think the most I’ve hiked is 7 or 8 miles.
  • Get more serious about stretching (I’m soooo bad about not stretching enough or at all! I really need to make this a more regular part of my daily routine)