Happy New Year!

Like many dedicated runners, I like to start off the New Year with a run. I view it as my fresh start for the upcoming year. I tend not to make resolutions, preferring instead to make conscious decisions on a daily basis to eat right and live healthily. I guess that is a resolution in itself throughout the year. In any case, I have joined the annual LVRR New Year’s Day Run for the past several years since becoming a club member and this year was no different. Despite still not running (going on 5 months now) I wasn’t going to let that stop me in what has become part of MY annual tradition – making running a New Year’s Day activity.

Just over a month ago I wrote a piece about setting goals for the coming year. So, have you laid out your 2012 plans yet? I’d love to hear what you are all planning to accomplish in 2012! My main goal will be to start running again, but I plan to split that with weight lifting. Perhaps by the Fall I will be able to focus on running a race again. Coming back from injury is a long, slow process; one that requires a lot of patience and perseverance. If you rush back too quickly you will undoubtedly get hurt again. I know that there are a few of you who are also on the injury list right now. Remember: patience.

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, January will be marked by snow and rain followed by unseasonably mild conditions. Sounds like a good time for the flu to make it’s rounds. If you are starting your training cycle for that goal spring race, remember to eat right and take that multi-vitamin, especially if you feel a cold coming on. Nutrition is a big part of your training and often one of the most overlooked aspects of training for a race.

I look forward to another year with all of you runners here in the Lehigh Valley area. Last year I noticed a huge growth in group runs. It is so good to see all of you meeting up to run the roads and trails in our area. The upswing in group runs is a real testament to this great community of runners we have and to the friendships that have ensued. When I look around at the crowd at any of our local races I see so many people laughing and having fun. That’s what this is all about, this running habit of ours, having a fun time while we stay healthy.

Best of luck to you in the coming year!

Lehigh Valley Road Runners' Annual New Year Run - Emmaus