Whether you’re brand-new to running or you’ve been at it for years, setting goals is an effective, proven way to stay motivated to keep up a running habit.
Goal-setting can make your running more interesting and exciting, and keep inspiring you to push yourself and reach new milestones. It also gives you a clear purpose, adds meaning to your miles, and can keep you from feeling bored with a routine.
How to Choose the Right Running Goals
You should set SMART running goals, making sure that they’re Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. Don’t just say something vague like, “I’m going to start running” because you won’t have any measurements or deadlines to keep you motivated.
All runners need inspiration for new running goals. Even if you’re already deep in the middle of your latest running challenge, it’s good to have your next goal in mind. Once you reach your current goal, you’ll know exactly what’s next and you’ll bring that momentum, confidence, and motivation to your challenge.
Here are 39 suggestions for some fun and motivating running goals. Some are very simple and can be achieved with just one run, while others are more difficult, long-term goals.
Choosing some new goals is a fantastic way to kick off a new year or a new training season. You can pick one or a bunch that you want to take on. Are you ready? Here we go!
1. Run at least one new route a week.
2. Do one hill workout a week.
3. Join a running group.
4. Do a run at sunset.
5. If you’ve never run a race before, try a 5K, an excellent entry-level distance for beginners.
6. Already done a 5K? Try stepping up to a 10k race.
7. If you’ve already completed some shorter races, try a half marathon.
8. If you’ve been running for at least 6+ months and have completed a half marathon, think about completing a full marathon as a goal. (If you’re not sure if you’re ready to train a marathon, here are some questions to ask yourself.)
9. Do a charity race.
10. Listen to an audiobook while running.
11. Run a trail race.
12. Choose a destination race to run and plan a vacation around it.
13. Volunteer at a race.
14. Mentor a new runner.
15. Run 7 days in a row.
16. Run a personal record in a race. (Get tips on how to attain a personal record.)
17. Run while you’re on vacation.
18. Read a running book.
19. Do a tech-free run. (Or, try a week of tech-free runs!)
20. Start to keep a training journal.
21. Do a proper warm-up before every run.
22. Run on a beach. (Be prepared with these tips for running on the beach.)
23. Run one race a month for 12 months.
24. Try running in the snow. (Be prepared with these tips for running in cold weather.)
25. Try running in the rain. (Make sure you follow these tips!)
26. Do a run without listening to music (if you usually listen to music while running).
27. Run with music (if you typically don’t listen to music while running).
28. Use a foam roller to roll after every run (or every long run).
29. Run a theme race.
30. Do two sessions of strength-training each week.
31. Run every day for a month.
32. Run your fastest mile. (Get tips on how to improve your mile time.)
33. Run a marathon (accumulated mileage) in a month.
34. Run a virtual race.
35. Make a list of inspirational running or sport-related movies and check them off as you watch them.
36. Make a new playlist for your next run.
37. Get up early to do a run at sunrise.
38. Run with your dog. (Or borrow a friend’s dog.)
39. Smile while you run. (You may be surprised how much it improves your workout and mood.)
Write Down Your Goals
As with any goals, it’s helpful and incredibly motivating to write down your goals. It will make them feel more real, and you’ll also get the satisfaction of checking it off once you’ve completed it!
More Ideas for Motivating Running Goals
- Fun Running Challenges for Kids
- 7 Ideas for Running Resolutions
- 10 Fun Running Challenges to Boost Motivation
About the author: Christine Luff is a certified RRCA running coach, and certified as a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and kids’ fitness specialist by the American Council on Exercise. Her book, Run for Good: How to Create a Lifelong Running Habit, is available on Amazon.
