“If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough.” -Anonymous

And we’re off!

A chance to put forth plans to create a new and better you (version 2.0)… finally getting in shape, spending more time out of the office, finishing that damn novel that’s been stuck on page 7 since 2011. Wonderful plans that usually fall by the wayside come February 1st (or even sooner).

Well, we’re runners and we’ve got a slightly different mindset when it comes to resolutions. It usually has to do with the number of races we plan to run, adding a new distance, traveling to destination races or upping your training to achieve the elusive PR.

For me, 2013 was a total year of transition, with some real highs and lows (as I’m sure it was with most of you). A rededication to living healthy this past summer has found me in the best shape of my adult life. I ended up running 1 full marathon and 6 half marathons this year (the highest number I’ve ever done in a calendar year) with a few 10Ks tossed in for good measure. And I PR’d on my last two consecutive races of the year.

It’s made me decide to push myself like never before and set a bold personal goal of 14 races in 2014, including multiple full marathons and setting new PR’s in the 10K, half marathon and full marathon distances. I know for some runners this is child’s play, but for me this definitely lives way outside my comfort zone. And that’s a good thing.

It’ll mean a lot of hard work, even more dedication and running smart to avoid injuries. But nothing worthwhile ever comes easy, right? And I’m hoping this time next year I’ll be looking back on a huge pile of tech T-shirts, race medals and a huge grin on my face as I wonder how to push myself even more.

As you get ready to raise a glass and welcome 2014, take a moment and think about how you’ll push yourself outside your comfort zone in the year to come. Trust me, it’ll be worth it. Here’s to the start of a great year.

So, what are your running resolutions for 2014?

Run on!