Goals Change. So Do We.

Wow, halfway through 2026 already. It's grey and rainy outside as I write this, and I thought, what a good time for a little reflection.

It's no surprise that I'm big into setting goals each year. I also find it fascinating how much time changes you. My approach to setting goals—and more importantly, sticking to them—is completely different in my 30s than it was in my 20s. I think 25-year-old Brittney would be shocked to meet 35-year-old Brittney. But I'm okay with that. Thirty-five-year-old Brittney is pretty dang happy. And since I know happiness is a feeling, not a permanent state, I'm going to enjoy it while it's here.

I have a hodgepodge of goals for 2026, so how are they going?

Publish my book

I wanted to publish my book, and I did that! A new goal became publishing the audiobook. The hard work is done—now I'm just waiting for ACX approval before it goes live. I'll probably be marketing this book forever, so while the writing is finished, the work definitely isn't.

My No Buy Year

I had a "No Buy" goal for 2026. If you missed my last blog post, check it out here.

I made it six months (25-year-old Brittney would be appalled), but I got so much out of the experiment. One of the biggest benefits was the money we saved for our big trip in August. I've continued saving well even after ending the challenge, so I'd still call it a worthwhile experiment.

Part of this goal also included skipping manicures and pedicures as another way to save.

But the biggest thing I learned had nothing to do with money.

For most of my life, I've operated as an abstainer. If I wanted to change a habit, eliminating it completely was the only strategy that worked. I always admired people who could moderate, but I never believed I was one of them.

Lately, though, something has shifted. As I've gotten older, I'm finding that moderation actually works better for me than strict elimination.

I can have a simple glass of wine with dinner and leave it at that. Years ago, I didn't think that was possible. I used to believe the only successful approach was saying "never."

The same realization applies to shopping. Do I really need to tell myself I'm never allowed to buy clothing? Or can I trust myself to buy intentionally, only when I actually need something?

It's a different mindset, and honestly, I'm still wrapping my brain around it. But it feels like a healthier relationship with both spending and self-discipline.

Grow my hair all year

Still going strong! Although I was scolded by my hairdresser, so I have a trim scheduled this week. She promised she won't let me change my mind and cut it all off.

Ironically, I think I've officially reached the length where I want to cut it. So now I've arrived at the hard part. It's been seven months since my last trim. Silly goal? Maybe. But I think many women can relate to the never-ending cycle of "I'm growing my hair out!" and "I can't stand my hair, cut it off!" I decided to commit to the first. 

Read 50 books

My reading list is coming along, although I'll admit it's slowed down over the last month. I'm 23 books in, and I set my Goodreads goal at 50, so it's probably time to refocus.

(My audiobook time has been sucked up by podcasts, and my reading time has somehow been stolen by YouTube.)

Pace one race and volunteer at another

I wanted to pace at one race and volunteer at another.

I paced Anne for 64 miles at the Arizona Monster, so that goal is complete!

The race where I planned to volunteer moved from July to August, and unfortunately, we'll be gone in August, so this goal is still a work in progress.

Running goals

I had four races planned this year.

HURT 100 — I collected my first DNF. While that wasn't the outcome I wanted, I can confidently say I've learned a tremendous amount from that race, and I've already been applying those lessons to future races.

Sedona 125 — I finished 5th female and 20th overall! It was a great race. I learned a lot, and so did Sam in his role as crew chief and pacer.

Wallowa Skyrace — This was my shortest race and the one closest to home. I wanted to win this race, and I did. You only have so much control over who else shows up, so maybe that was a bold goal. Really, what I wanted was to go out there and give it everything I had.

I don't get many opportunities to truly redline in a race. Hundreds are all about patience, energy management, and making smart decisions. This race was the complete opposite, and it was a fun change of pace.

Next up: UTMB!

Mileage

Every year I like to see my total mileage increase, but I'm not sure that'll happen this year.

My long runs simply aren't as long right now. The mileage is lower, but the vertical gain is significantly higher.

It's all about race specificity. I'll take quality over quantity every time.

Races > mileage goals.

How's your 2026 going so far?