Your 2026 Running Mood board: Plan your season without burning out

January always comes with the same classic combo: fresh resolutions, brand-new planners and Pinterest boards full of promise. This year, we’re suggesting a simple twist: create your mood board… running edition.

You don’t need to be an elite athlete to plan your season. Whether you’re aiming for your first 5K or your third marathon, having a clear vision can completely change how your running year unfolds.

The goal isn’t to control every detail. It’s about giving your season direction, balancing challenges and, most importantly, keeping the joy of running alive from start to finish.

Why plan your season (yes, it’s really worth it)

Running purely by feel is fun… until you realize you’ve signed up for too many races, too close together, without really knowing why.

Planning your season helps you:

• avoid overtraining (that familiar fatigue that shows up way too early),
• choose goals that actually matter to you,
• stay motivated, even during the less glamorous winter months.

Bottom line: you decide where your energy goes. Some races become key goals. Others stay fun, no-pressure runs. The result? You show up prepared, motivated and excited every single time.

Choosing your distances (without overthinking it)

Good news: there’s no wrong distance.

• 5K: Perfect for working on speed, rebuilding confidence or running purely for fun.
• 10K: The sweet spot. Challenging enough to make progress, short enough that it doesn’t take over your entire season. If it’s on your radar, the 10K at the 21K de Montréal in April could be an ideal early-season goal.
  
• 21.1K: A real milestone. Often the distance runners target when they’re ready to level up. 
• Marathon: The big one. It requires commitment, time and a solid training plan. But if it’s on your bucket list, the Marathon Beneva de Montréal in October is an excellent way to wrap up your season on a high note.

What matters isn’t stacking distances, but finding the right balance between challenge and enjoyment. Not every race needs to be a personal best.

The 5 questions to build your running mood board

No perfect answers required. These questions are simply here to guide you.

1. Do you want to improve or just have fun?

Both are completely valid. Chasing a personal record takes structure. Running for the experience is about choosing events that genuinely excite you. Be honest with yourself about what you want this year.

For example: aiming for a 10K PR? Pick a summer race, train consistently and add one or two 5Ks beforehand to test your speed. Just want to soak up the experience? Choose a race known for its great atmosphere.

2. City or nature?

Crowds, urban vibes and collective energy… or trails, quiet and scenery? Your preferred terrain has a huge impact on both enjoyment and motivation.

3. Personal best or bucket-list distance?

Going faster is motivating. Going farther is too. Your first half marathon or first marathon is just as meaningful as a tightly earned PR.

If your 2026 mood board includes “run my first half,” the 21K de Montréal in April is a great milestone. If it’s “finally run a marathon,” keep the Marathon Beneva de Montréal in October as your season finale.

4. Which season makes you feel your best?

Summer heat or fall coolness? Think about when you perform best and, just as importantly, when you enjoy running the most.

5. What’s your running statement for the year?

One simple sentence that sums up your intention. Examples:

• Stay consistent all year
• Explore new distances
• Prove to myself that I can do this

This becomes your filter when you’re torn between races.

Creating your mood board (the fun part)

No graphic design skills required. Paper, Pinterest, notes on your phone or a phone wallpaper — go with what works for you.

You can include:

• Your key races of the year: Two or three max.
• Your main goal: One. Not three. One. For example: “Run my first 21K” or “Improve my marathon time.” Write it big and put it front and centre.
• Your running style: Colours, vibe and energy you want to feel this year.
• Check in with yourself: How do you want to feel? “In exploration mode,” “full-on race mindset,” “chill and present.” Choose words that truly resonate.
• Your motivation: Why do you run? To challenge yourself, for the community, for the medal, to prove something? Write it down. When motivation inevitably dips, you’ll know why you keep going.
• Images, colours or quotes that make you want to lace up your shoes, even when it’s freezing.

Let’s go!

Taking time to think about your season doesn’t kill spontaneity. It gives you more of it, at the right moments.

Set aside an hour this week. Create your mood board. Keep it visible. And when the year speeds up (because it will), you’ll know exactly why you’re running.

See you at the starting line.