Goal Setting for the New Year.

Most bloggers by this point have posted their goals for the year 2014. I think its time I jumped on the bandwagon. Please hold me accountable.

1. Revive this blog from the dead. 
We could even give her a cute name like, "Zombie Blog".  How cute is that? No, but seriously, I would like to put in the time and effort to really make this blog into something that people find interesting and worthwhile.  Like many of you that run your own blogs, the best part about hosting one is that you feel so connected to the cause. One of my biggest passions has been involving myself in the fitness community since I really started to take running seriously in 2010. I never claimed to be the best, brightest, fittest, or fastest, but sharing my story with you only helps to keep me connected to what's new and innovative in the fitness world.

2. Increase blog readership.
Surprisingly (or maybe not so much), it takes a lot of effort to increase your readership from what I've read from those famous bloggers out there.  You have to keep up with the fitness trends, read through the hundreds of blogs that litter the internet, and comment on other people's posts (both the big fish and the little fish) in order get your name out there! As I've mentioned before, I've been reading the book "Daring Greatly" by Brene Brown, and you must be vulnerable in order to experience true happiness. The first step for the new year was by investing in business cards for Go Lauren Go via Vistaprint. Right now they have a special running where you can get 250 very basic business cards for $10.00! Now that I'm thinking about it, I guess the investment wasn't that large. The biggest test in vulnerability will be when I actually hand them out!  For other tips on increasing blog readership, you can go to Carrots N' Cake and click on the "Blogging" tab.

I also need you, the readers, to help me focus on what's relevant and interesting to you!  Please feel free to give healthy advice/criticism so that I can improve features and stories on the blog. Do you like the content I've been putting up?  Do you find that you are clicking on and downloading the music I research? Let me know!

3. Train for another long-distance endurance event.
Notice I didn't say "marathon" even though that's what it will most likely be.  However, I received a Facebook message from an old college roommate trying to encourage me to dabble in the world of triathalons, with the goal of completing a Half Ironman. I can't even describe how tempting the offer is. I did just happen to sign up at the Boston Sports Club in Wellington Circle, that has access to a pool (I know, I'm fancy) but I don't know if I'm quite ready for the challenge.  I don't even have a bike at the moment.

Regardless, I think my summer plans will include training for another long-distance event, so you can look forward to those posts beginning in May. Plus, if I write it in the blog, it has to come true. Otherwise I would be a liar. And nobody likes a liar.

4. At the very least, recommit to fitness and be in the best shape of my life.
After taking a cardio sculpt class today at the BSC, I was amazed at how little my running ability was able to support me throughout the duration of that workout. I know that my hips and abs are the weakest part of my body, but I couldn't believe how weak I was in comparison to all the other woman (and 1 man!!) who completed the class with me.  I was able to keep up with the cardio component but when it came to core work, I had to rest every few reps! I know enough to not truly compare myself to anyone in the room, but hot dang, that was tough! I want to make a goal to be in the best shape of my life by the time midnight strikes and we begin 2015.  Again, don't make a liar out of me, my little blog.

(Don't look so sad there, Lauren. You're on your way to being in the best shape of your life!)

5. Travel abroad at least once this year.
I haven't been abroad since my vacation to Italy in 2011!  I guess you could say that I'm already half way towards this goal as there are a few plane tickets already booked for Israel this summer! You might be thinking to yourself that Israel is a very random location, but I am tagging along with my BFF Sara (aka Baby Snake, as she shall now be called from here on out in the blog world), her husband, and their families, as they go to visit family in Tel Aviv.  Since they had also extended the invitation to me and BF, which includes a two week adventure throughout the country, I couldn't pass it up.

I think I would also like to make a goal of visiting at least one other state in the US that I haven't been to thus far. Sadly, that goal won't be too hard to meet.

6. Get engaged. Whoops! How did that one get in there?
Muahahah.

(Source)

What about you?  Do you have any goals for 2014? Were you successful in achieving any of the goals you set for 2013? What are your New Years Eve plans!!?!