Today I am going to offer some tips to help achieve that goal:
1. Create a Schedule
Don’t leave running to chance, Post your schedule where it is easily accessible (paper calendar, online calendar, etc.) And stick to it.
2. Eliminate Barriers
Lay your clothes out the night before you’re due for a morning run. Bring your clothes to the office if you are running after work.
3. Enlist an Accountability Partner
Find a running partner or a coach or someone to check in with regarding your runs and progress toward your goal.
4. Eliminate Distractions
If checking social media before a run decreases the likelihood that you go on said run, save that for a post-run. Same with walking a dog. Do it at another time or have someone else in your household do it so you can run.
5. Plan a Reward
What ever it takes to give you that added motivation. Food, New clothes, a Trip, etc.
Happy Running! Are you a “BIG” goal setter? Any other tips to add? Please share.
She now plans to run all six majors this fall—in person in Berlin, London, Chicago, Boston, and New York, plus a virtual race in place of the postponed Tokyo Marathon AND finish each under 3 hours!!
WOW!! That is a big hairy goal!!!
In 2019, my big hairy goal was to run my FIRST MARATHON.
check!
In 2020, before the pandemic, I planned to run ONE half marathon EACH MONTH. I ran 3 live races (but had to run 6 half marathons virtually.) So I did not run 12 halfs but was proud of my 9 half achievement.
In 2021 – Unfortunately the Pandemic continued. Even though racing opportunities started opening up, I never felt that I would be able to achieve a BIG goal.
For 2022 – I doubt things will be normal (if ever) but it may be time to come up with another BIG goal….
Not sure what that will be yet. Any ideas for me?
But I know what it will NOT be:
run streak
triathlon
ultra
BQ
Ragnar race
obstacle race
50 state challenge
online certification courses
Anyway, here are some reasons to set a Big Hairy Goal:
1. Big goals stretch what we believe is possible.
I have heard many runners say “I can’t….” (Guilty as charged lol)
When we say that, it becomes true.
Of course, we CAN run a marathon!!
Believing is the first step to accomplishing something big.
2. They cause us to make improvements.
It’s easy to get into a rut. For example, we race the same distance or type of race, we may get comfortable and be successful with little effort.
In order to achieve a big goal, you will most likely need to make adjustments – train harder, train differently …
3. If We Allow Ourselves To Dream, We Get Really Excited.
When we stop and think about what it would feel like if we actually achieved that big goal, we get excited. We may buy that 26.2 magnet for our car or a shirt that says “I am a Marathoner.”
The excitement of the possibility pushes us to train and to push forward toward that goal.
4. We will see how far we have come
While the destination is important, it’s the journey that matters most. Without goals, it’s hard to see how far we have come.
I ran 5ks for years. I got faster and was content.
It wasn’t until I ran my first half marathon did I realize how much my running had improved. And an unexpected result of running longer races was that I felt stronger at the shorter ones.
5.It’s OK to swing and miss.
I’ve heard it said that If there’s not a decent chance we’ll fall short, we’re not setting high enough goals.
What if we train for an Ironman and we don’t meet the cutoff after one the legs. We would, of course, be disappointed.
What an accomplishment to have made it to the start line! What did we learn along the way? Was there anything we could have done better? Should we try again?
Happy Running! Are you a “BIG” goal setter? Any other tips to add? Please share.
So as we approach the end of the year, today’s topic is: Evaluate Your 2018 goals
I did not set any goals for the year. But instead, last January, I made some predictions.
Let’s see if any of them came true.
I will run more miles on the treadmill this year than any other year.
Um. I don’t think so. I think I ran twice on a hotel treadmill and not more than 3 miles each time.
I will run at least 25 races and one will be another Rock n Roll race.
YES! I think I ran about 30 races and I ran the RnR 5k and Half Marathon in Montreal.
RnR Montreal Half
I will not get my hubby to run a race with me.
This is true. He did not run with me but I did get him to do ONE hike.
I will speak French at one of my races.
Oui. Oui. I ran the 20Km de Paris (and RNR Montreal).
I will win at least five age group awards.
I think so. LOL. At my age, it happens. I think I won over 20 AG awards.
I even won an AG award at 3 of my half marathons which is always a surprise.
Here are just a few:
2018
I will have run 1000 miles by the end of the year (unless I get injured.)
Nope! I was not injured. I just had too much fun, I guess. I shortened my weekend long runs and skipped some weekday runs. I ran over 900 so I’m still content.
I will not PR at any distance this year.
Wrong!5k, 5 Mile and 15K PRs at age 65!!
Bacon Hill – 5k PR
Delmar Dash – 5 Mile PR
Stockade-athon – 15K PR
So I accurately predicted 3 out of 6. 50-50. Not too bad.
Here’s what I came up with. (It’s purely personal. It’s not meant to be critical of those runners who need to have goals!!!)
DESIRE
I run because I want to. I don’t need a goal to get me out the door.
SOCIAL ASPECT
I enjoy being around people. Through running I have made some great friends and I run to be around them (even if it’s only afterwards or before.) I don’t need a goal for that.
COMPETITIVENESS
I am naturally a competitive person. I like to win at board games, tennis matches,etc. So I want to run well and I want to run fast. I don’t need to set a goal. Every run and race will have different challenges. Sometimes I will do well and sometimes I will not. But I will always try to do my best. I don’t need a goal to PR. I want to PR.
FEELING GOOD
Probably the most important reason I run is that I feel better when I am done. Even after the worst runs or races. That feeling gets me out in cold or warm temps. I don’t need a goal to run X times each week. I run because I want to feel good as often as possible.
HEALTH
Don’t we all want to be healthy? Who wants to be injured? Who wants to feel aches and pains? Since I started running, I have more energy and am rarely sick or feel rundown. Nothing hurts so I don’t stretch or foam roll. When I was injured, I did the necessary exercises to heal. I don’t need goal to tell me to listen to my body.
tennis as X training?
TRAVEL OPS
I’ve always loved to see new places. Going to conferences all over the country was the highlight of my previous jobs. Unfortunately, I didn’t run then. So now, when I travel, it always involves a race. I don’t need a goal to run in every state. I choose the places that I want to visit and then I find a race.
Sarasota, FL
As you can read from the title of this post, I do have some goals but they do not involve running.
Find good in everything and everyone.
This may be obvious. But I and many of us focus on what’s not working and what and whom we don’t like. It’s natural. It’s also a downer. Watching the news and reading FB posts will make this one a challenge, for sure.
Don’t just schedule my running but schedule relationships.
Yes, I always make sure that I get my 3-4 runs in each week. That makes it seem like running is a priority in my life. I see my hubby because we live together but I have friends that I rarely see because it doesn’t get scheduled. I work and then I run and then go home. So I plan to schedule time at least once a week with a friend or former co-worker.
We worked together for 20 years and rarely see each other but went to NYC last Sunday!!
Volunteer.
I have mentored an unwed mother for almost 10 years and she may be moving away. I feel strongly about giving back. Even with my busy schedule, I feel that it is important so I will try to volunteer somewhere. There are so many opportunities out there.
I will miss them!!
I’m also linking this post with Susie and Rachel and Debbie and Lora for the Running Coaches’ Corner.
Happy Running! Do you set running goals? Do you have any goals that do not involve running?
Since today is the first Saturday in February, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
Over coffee or tea…
I’d tell you that I am excited for my third year as Skirt Sports Ambassador Captain. In addition to loving their products, I have never met such an enthusiastic and supportive bunch of women. If you’re not an ambassador yet, you should apply next year!!
Over coffee and tea…
I’d tell you that at the moment I am running a hilly 4 mile race about an hour from my home. I probably should have skipped it and done my long run with Judy instead tomorrow.
Over coffee and tea…
I’d tell you that to take my mind off the cold, I am planning my outfit for my March 5 half marathon in Florida. Cold or not, I am wearing a new skirt and new hat!!
from Skirt Sports, of course
Brooks
Over coffee and tea…
I’d tell you that I am trying to motivate myself to work out. So far, it is not working. So I am putting it on my calendar for one of my rest days. There are three each week. I am going to the gym TOMORROW!
Over coffee and tea…
I’d tell you that I will be sad when our FREE races are over. Now I need to look for long run partners, places to run and food to eat post-race.
only ONE more left
Over coffee and tea…
I’d tell you that it is Declare It Day and I declared…
Since today is the first Saturday in January, I am joining up with Coco & Deborah for their ultimate coffee date.
Over coffee or tea…
I’d tell you that I’m over my Starbucks addiction. Well, not quite but it’s cold and I haven’t been walking much at lunch. Instead, I just use the Keurig at work to get my fix. No stars, though 😦
my shelf at work
Over coffee and tea…
I’d tell you that I am enjoying not stressing out about long runs. With my half marathon being March 5, I don’t have to run double digits until February. Yay!
6 is the max that I run on these cold weekends
Over coffee and tea…
I’d tell you that I feel lucky that we do have local races and that they are free. You know how I much I love to race. There’s a 10k next weekend.
Over coffee and tea…
I’d tell you that the ice and snow limits my places to run. I am getting bored. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone shoveled all the bike paths so I don’t have to run in circles around UAlbany.
this loop is getting old
Over coffee and tea…
I’d tell you that I already registered for 3 destination Half Marathons for 2017 – Florida, NYC & Corning. The last two will be with other runners. I ran 7 halfs in 2016. So I am still looking for at least 2 more. Any suggestions?
wine + 13.1 = fun girls weekend
Over coffee and tea…
I’d tell you that I feel a little guilty that I’ve haven’t set any goals or resolutions for 2017. It’s not that it is depressing when I don’t meet or keep them. It’s just that I never look at them until the end of the year. So why bother?
But if I had to, it would be to:
lose weight, eat healthier, drink more water, work out, do planks, go to a yoga class, stretch after running, clean out my closets, read more books, spend less time on phone/computer.
There you go. Those are things that I will probably ignore until the end of the year. LOL
In 2016, I did not have any GOALS. No yearly goals. No monthly or weekly goals. Not even any race goals.
But I still had hopes and dreams and those morphed into thinking about speed. I often whined about my finish times and lamented that I could have done better in many of the races where I didn’t PR.
But in truth, I am not one of those runners who thinks that “they have a faster race in them.” I really have NO IDEA. I may. I may not. That doesn’t mean that I won’t try. And I will give each race my best efforts.
It means that I don’t want to obsess about it. I don’t want to be disappointed with my speed. It is what it is. I am neither fast nor slow. I am a MIDDLE OF THE PACKER (MOTP).
In 2017, I want to enjoy each race and focus on what is good about each one. I mean running is a gift, right?
We take it for granted until we can’t.
I want to run as long as possible and even when I am a “back of the packer.”
just switch the gender… and this would be me and my hbby
So again I am going to pick ONE word.
The My One Wordapproach is popular every year. If you’ve never heard about it, here is a summary:
Lose the long the list of changes you want to make this year and instead pick one word. This process forces clarity by taking all of your big plans for life change and narrowing them down into a single thing. Your one word focuses on your character and creates a vision for your future.
2014was the first time that I tried it. My word was:
I wanted to choose stress-free but it is actually TWO words.
Why did I choose “Relax?
2016 was a stressful year. I was unemployed for 12 weeks and wondered during that time how we would be able to pay our bills.
Then I did get a job, but it is the most stressful job I’ve ever had. Lots to learn and eventually, a lot of travel. Not what I enjoy but it is a job. Could be worse (I think).
truth??
Running can and should be relaxing.
But not when you put pressure on yourself to be fast.
As runners, I think (myself included) we focus too much on mileage totals, PRs, bling, etc. And we expect to improve or run at a certain pace and when we don’t, we get depressed or even stressed.
Especially as we age, we need to concentrate on RELAXING and enjoy our runs.
How will I focus on my word?
Be more positive.
Post more about the good things that happened during a race or a run.
Run & race happy.
Run more with others (and not only chat about our finish times & PRs!!)
Leave that watch home!
I should add that this doesn’t mean that I don’t want to get faster. I do. I will try to. I hope I will. Who knows I may even do some drills… Go to the gym? Get a coach????
But what I am saying is that if I don’t finish a race with the time that I’d like, I won’t get down on myself. If I have a bad race, I will just sign up for another.
I am also I’m linking up with these wonderful ladies:
Happy Running! If you were to choose ONE word for your focus throughout this year, what word would you choose? Do you have any goals for 2017? Do you put pressure on yourself to get faster?
Well, for the first time in my running career, I didn’t set any goals.
I just listed some hopes (and dreams) for 2016:
To improve my running
I believe that I am a stronger and more confident runner. I have run a lot of races both long and short. And I have even attempted new ones and some hilly ones. Plus, I achieved a half marathon PR (bear with me if I keep repeating this…)
the hilliest course I’ve ever run
What is left is to have more quality training runs. Fewer garbage miles – you know the ones where you just walk/run/take photos and get it done. And to continue running well in races – not necessarily PRs but just decent finish times.
10k PR??
To run with others
I have improved in this department too. I ran with the Freihofer Training group in the spring and signed up with the Turkey Trot group recently. With my schedule, it is easier to run solo. But running with others is more fun. Alyssa has become my new weekly partner. I am lucky that Barbara has continued to accept my invitations.
In the future, when there are no training groups, I should look for other opportunities to run with others such as Fleet Feet, ARE, etc.
To volunteer and give back
I volunteered with GOTR last spring and again, it failed to offer any satisfaction. But running with the STEM clients is one that is so rewarding that I plan to volunteer with them each season.
I get to do this again on Nov 19.
My special needs buddy is still awesome. I need to post more often on FB to connect with him more. And to make time to see my mentee Amanda & her kids more often. I’ve been delinquent there.
I haven’t seen them since May but I am planning a day together this Sat. It’s tough because she works on Sundays and some Saturdays.
To eat healthier
I am still addicted to carbs and sweets. I can justify the carbs for running but I need to substitute more fruits and veggies into my diet. I do eat a banana almost every day and an apple for an evening snack. But the problem is when I am out of the house NO SELF CONTROL!
And I rarely drink any water. I use the water bottle on my desk to water my plants My Bad!!
To get physically on track
I still do not weigh myself but I know for a fact that the excess pounds have moved to an ugly place (my waist & butt). My excuses have been that it is an age thing (Sorry, the meni pot is a fact.) But I think it is important for me to exercise (not just run and play tennis). Sit less, walk more? Gym time? Planks? Yoga? Whatever it takes to look better.
the last time I went to the gym was in July
I walked more during my last job because I had more time and a walking buddy. I also had started going to the gym but I need to resume that.
To spend quality time with family and friends
Rather than skipping a run, I have been squeezing them in but there will be skipping involved soon. And I realize that it’s ok. Running is important but not more important than those I care about.
a run before cocktails
Happy Running! Any more goals for 2016 that you are still working on?
I can’t believe April is over already… Time is flying by!!
So here’s how things went:
Weekday Runs:
The weather was fickle – there were warm days and then there were cold days. There were even rainy and windy days. I was still able to run 2-3 times each week – mostly after work.
Long Runs:
There were a few races with extra miles added on. Then I ran a half marathon. So I continued to run higher mileage on the weekend.
5 mile race + 6 = 11 miles
5K + 3 + 6 = 12 miles
11 miles
Total Mileage:
100 miles this month!
I was pleased that my mileage is back up because next month, there will be a lot fewer miles run.
Races:
I ran FOURraces this month – a 5 miler, a 5K, a half marathon and a 10K.
Bacon Hill Bonanza – 27:44 – 1st in my AG
Lake George Half- 2:16:56 – 2nd in my AG
Spring Run Off 10K
I was generally happy with how they all went. I did not have PR goals and of course, they could have been faster but the shorter races were the first part of a long run. And the half marathon had hills which I had not trained for. The 10K was the week after the half.
Cross Training:
I had taken a few weeks off from tennis to heal my sore elbow. I started back playing once a week and now it feels FINE!! Yay!!
happy to back on the court with my friends – played 3 times this month.
I DID NOT go to a single yoga class!! I planned to but something usually got in the way. Next month, I promise! (Wait, I said that last month and the month before!!)
I continued to walk at work (around the building and to Starbucks or the park). I have also started going to the mall to get more steps in on days when the weather is lousy.
My Starbucks addiction continues!!
I did not go to the gym at all. My elbow is healed so I have NO excuses…just lazy (or have other priorities).
Other News:
I ran 4 times with the Freihofer Challenge Training group. We started out the month with snow, then there was rain and we ended with sunshine. I enjoy running with my “advanced” group friends and coach Patrick. He has had us running 400m intervals. These are tough for me because they often come on the day after a long run.
I’ve also started my volunteering with STEM. These year’s group is so enthusiastic. It makes it even more fun. I am paired up with a lady who is very speedy, as well. No goofing off here.
The place where I work participated in the Million Mile Month for the month of April. I changed my original goal of completing 100 miles to 300. And I did it!!!!
I’m reading a new book that I am enjoying.
I finally got together with my mentee and her 2 sons. I hadn’t seen them in months. We went to the Firefigher’s Museum and had a blast.
After missing a monthly gathering with my tennis friends, we did get together this month.
lots of laughs and we did solve the mystery.
Feeling healthy so Life Is Good.
Looking Ahead:
I am not training for my next half marathon in May. It’s another hilly but scenic course. I am looking forward to spending time with AJH and visiting the Burlington VT area again.
May 29, 2016
I have been busy signing up for spring races. This is my list so far for the next 2 months:
5-01-16 – Cherry Blossom 5k
5-03-16 – practice GOTR 5k
5-07-16 – Mastodon Challenge 15k
5-08-16 – Mother’s Day 5K (for GOTR)
5-12-16 – Albany Law Day Against Domestic Violence 5k
5-14-16 – Summer Smith 5k Addiction Awareness Run
5-29-16 – Vermont City Marathon Relay
6-04-16 – Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k
6-12-16 – Run for Help 5k (for STEM)
6-26-16 – Adirondack Distance Run 10m
And May is my favorite month!!!
Flowers are in bloom and it’s my birthday and I go on vacation!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!
you’ll see a lot of my runs here
May 9 = annual b-day out with a former co-worker
a week of tennis in the Fla. sunshine
No monthly goals.
my motto for 2016
Happy Running! How did your April turn out? Anything exciting planned for May?
For me, it’s to get stronger and be a more confident runner. To have more quality training runs. To maintain my current speed and if I am very lucky PR at some distance. To run lots of races (both long ones and short ones.)
It’s still early in the year and we are our own worst critic so it’s hard to say whether or not, my running has improved.
I’ve run 10 races – three of which were half marathons.
I’ve won three age group awards and 2 of my 5ks under 28 minutes. There were no PRs but no real disappointing races.
To run with others
With my schedule, it is easier to run solo. But running with others is more fun. I often shy away from running groups (like Fleet Feet, ARE, etc) because I feel that I am too slow. I hope to take advantage of more group running opportunities.
I have made good progress here. I have run several long runs with Judy. I have also run with Barbara and Denise.
I recently joined the Freihofer Training Challenge (advanced group) for the 2nd time.
To volunteer and give back
I had great experiences with this in 2015 and I hope to continue with STEM, GOTR and any others opportunities that present itself. My specials needs buddy is awesome. I hope to connect with him more. And to make time to see my mentee Amanda & her kids more often.
I am again volunteering with the STEM training group. I am also a GOTR buddy.
I haven’t spent as much time with Amanda as I would have liked (due to her work schedule.)
spent last Saturday with them 🙂
I dedicate all my runs to JA but only post once a week and have a few tee shirts to mail to him.
he just turned 12!!
To eat healthier
I am addicted to carbs and sweets. I can justify the carbs for running but I hope to substitute more fruits and veggies into my diet. This also includes drinking more water.
There’s a lot of room for improvement here.
too many of these!
To get physically on track
I may not weigh myself but I know for a fact that the excess pounds have moved to an ugly place (my waist & butt). My excuses have been that it is an age thing (Sorry, the meni pot is a fact.) But I think it is important for me to exercise (not just run and play tennis). Sit less, walk more? Gym time? Planks? Yoga? Whatever it takes to look better.
Hmmm…
Well, I have been going for a walk everyday. But that’s it – no gym, no yoga, no exercises…
To spend quality time with family and friends
Running is important but not more important than those I care about. Skipping a run to be with them…it should happen.
I do spend time with my friends. I walk in the mall with my BFF every other week. I also go out with my tennis friends and work friends once a month.
My hubby has started playing tennis several times a week but we try to fit in dinner out once week. Soon we will be spending a lot of time together on our boat.
There are a few things that I HOPE to work on the next few months.
Happy Running! Did you make goals? Is so, how are they coming along?
