This episode is sponsored by the Get Stronger, Run a Faster 5k course, it's great for canicrossers and runners to help with consistency and accountability, while improving their 5k time as they get stronger. Find out more and register for the January course here. In today's episode, Louise and Michelle chat about the importance of goals, sharing their own goals for the year, and challenging you to set yourself some goals, whether they be long term or short term one, pace related, or something completely different. Goals are crucial for runners as they provide direction, motivation, and a sense of purpose. Here are some key reasons why you should think about setting yourself some goals: Motivation: Goals serve as powerful motivators, giving you a clear target to strive for during your training. Knowing there's a specific objective, such as a race or distance goal, can help you to maintain enthusiasm and commitment. Progress Tracking: Goals allow you to measure your progress over time, providing tangible evidence of improvement. Plus tracking achievements contributes to a sense of accomplishment and boosts confidence. Structure and Discipline: Having a goal provides a structured framework for your training, guiding you on when and how to increase intensity, duration, or distance. They also instill discipline by creating a routine and commitment to regular training sessions. Sense of Purpose: A goal can give you a clear sense of purpose, whether it's completing a specific race, achieving a personal best, or conquering a challenging route. A defined purpose helps maintain focus and commitment, especially during challenging moments. Overcoming Plateaus: When faced with training plateaus or periods of stagnation, goals offer a reason to reevaluate and adjust strategies. Working towards a new goal can help you break through mental and physical barriers, preventing monotony. Increased Accountability: Publicly declaring goals, whether to a coach, running group, or on social media, enhances accountability. The added sense of responsibility can drive runners to stay committed to their training regimen. However, keeping goals to yourself can also be a powerful motivator too .... Focus and Concentration: Having a clear goal can help you to maintain focus during training sessions by providing a specific target, which can translate into improved performance and efficiency during workouts. Enjoyment and Satisfaction: Accomplishing goals, whether big or small, brings a sense of satisfaction and joy. Celebrating achievements reinforces the enjoyment of running and fosters a positive relationship with the sport. We hope you enjoy this episode.  This episode is sponsored by the Get Stronger, Run a Faster 5k course, it's great for canicrossers and runners to help with consistency and accountability, while improving their 5k time as they get stronger. Find out more and register for the January course here. www.runafaster5k.com