So I cheated and used ChatGPT for some help again, with the last prompts as starting points and then combining it with my 2023 and 2024 goals. I had to tweak some and I mostly left the bullets under the goals because they actually were helpful 🙂
Workouts & Fitness
- Complete a Fall Marathon (with a couple of half marathons in between)
- Channel the intention from 2024 to run more. Train consistently with a focus on injury prevention and cross-training.
- I already have Grandma’s half marathon planned, that’s a good halfway as a starting point; I am looking at either doing a half marathon in Eugene with a friend or another half marathon sometime in April.
- Reach a “Feel-Better” Weight & Mobility Level
- Rather than an exact number, aim to lose enough weight (e.g., 20+ pounds) to feel more comfortable running and reduce pain. (.5 pounds a week is 25ish pounds for the year!) It’s also okay for me to mix up how I do this, track calories for a while, etc. to find something that works
- Accumulate 50+ Cross Training Sessions
- Keep it fun and flexible—mix cycling, strength, stretching, or yoga workouts that help prevent injuries.
- Average 50 Running Miles a Month
- A more moderate approach than the 75 miles per month of 2023 but still a solid base to prepare for your marathon.
- Add a Weekly Mobility or Strength Session
- Focus on core work, stretching, and functional exercises to stay pain-free and strong.
Reading, Writing & Photography
- Read 75+ Books
- You’ve done this before! Keep the momentum going by exploring new genres or diving deeper into your favorites. — I dropped this down to 75 this year, with the slump I’m in right now, this seems much more doable. I can always update later!
- Maintain at Least Two Blog Posts per Month
- Blend life updates, race/training recaps, and book reviews to stay consistent with your “Marathon Mama Reads” theme.
- Family Photos 2x a Year — and send out holiday cards this year!
- Either hire a photographer or practice taking and editing your own. Capture the kids’ growth and family moments…. We got some decent family pictures but I would love to get some pictures taken professionally this year
- Monthly Photo Practice
- Whether it’s a mini photo shoot or nature walk, practice shooting and editing once a month to keep skills sharp. — I should reach out to some of the friends I’ve taken photos for before to see if I can snap some shots
- Complete Photo Albums for 2023 & 2024
- Finish any unfinished family yearbooks (Miles’s baby album, etc.) and keep up with your annual tradition so you don’t fall behind.
Family & Home
- Visit Florida (Parents) & Sioux Falls (Family) At Least Once Each
- Keep the family connections strong—build memories on these trips and let the kids enjoy time with grandparents/relatives.
- Plan Regular Kid-Free Date Nights with Joel
- Aim for once a month, even if it’s just a quick lunch date or a coffee break. Reconnect and recharge as a couple. — this will be helpful having the Parents Night Out at the gym!
- Host Two Gatherings at Home
- Could be a brunch, a holiday event, or a casual game night. Invite friends and family to enjoy your space.
- Finish House Projects (Deck, Patio, Etc.)
- Tackle lingering projects from 2023 and 2024—make sure you tie up those loose ends so your home feels complete and functional.
- The specific ones: the built ins that I started need to be finished and fixed, so this needs to get done. The deck is already peeling! What the heck! I might hire this one out this summer, so that means I should budget and save up for that.
- Eat Dinner at Home 4+ Nights a Week
- Plan meals or batch cook on weekends. This helps you save money, eat healthier, and enjoy family time around the table.
- Encourage Kids’ Activities & Lessons
- Keep them in swimming lessons but try out new sports, or experiment with a music or art program to help them explore their interests.
- Mommy/Kid Date Once a Quarter
- One day (or half-day) alone with Hailey, another with Miles—continuing the tradition from 2023 for special bonding time.
Finances & Budget
- Maintain a Monthly Budget & Quarterly Recap
- Revisit the YNAB approach, reviewing expenses quarterly to ensure you’re meeting savings goals and adjusting as needed.
- Plan & Save for an Electric Vehicle
- If this is still on your radar, research models, establish a timeline, and set a specific savings target to make it happen.
- Reduce Impulse Eating Out
- Limit yourself to a certain number of takeout meals per week and put any unspent dining-out budget into savings. — this means stop going to the vending machine for pop or snacks, bring stuff to have at your desk! Bring lunches to work. Plan out the meals for the week ahead of time!
Me Time & Personal Growth
- Regular Social Time with Friends
- Coffee dates, happy hours, running meetups—aim for at least one meaningful friend connection each month.
- Finish at Least One Professional Development Course
- Could be project management, business acumen, or any skill that advances your career and piques your interest.
- Practice a Hobby Monthly
- Photography, crafting, or a new creative outlet—schedule a few hours to yourself to do it without guilt.
- Attend Quarterly Running Club Social
- Mingle with running friends outside of workouts—this can double as social time and help rekindle friendships. — This is a good one for staying for breakfast or coffee after a long run
Intentional Living & Self-Care
- Cultivate a Flexible, Mindful Workout Routine
- Maintain the “intentional movement” mindset from 2024. Allow yourself to rest when needed, cross-train to prevent injuries, and stay attuned to how your body feels.
How to Stay on Track
By weaving together highlights from 2023 (like the mileage, Peloton workouts, and family visits) and the more balanced approach you defined for 2024, you’ll have a 2025 that builds on past successes and aligns with your evolving priorities. Good luck, and have fun making each goal a reality!