It’s a time-old tradition that, at the beginning of each new year, athletes take a look at their hopes/dreams/aspirations and set goals for the year. In 2017 this meant a couple of goals in the gym, and one running goal - to have FUN. I was so very successful with my running goal that I didn’t know how I could possibly top it in 2018...and I totally missed on all of my gym goals because I was so focused on the one running goal (oops). So this year I took a look at what worked (FUN) and what didn’t (lack of time in the gym), and decided to take a new approach to my goal-setting in 2018. I set more goals for the gym than last year...and my running goal, while still general, has more focus so that I’m able to get into the gym on a more regular basis than I did last year. Gym Goals: Running Goal: Help others achieve their goals. I know, the running goal still seems pretty unspecific and wishy-washy, but when you really delve into what this looks like, I’ve been pretty happy with how it’s been working so far, for a number of reasons: --> #1 Because my running goal doesn’t require me to do anything specifically for ME in a running forum, it frees me from the “guilt” of feeling like I need to fit in runs during the week. This opens my schedule up so that I’m free and clear to get into the gym at least 3 or 4 times each week - this is HUGE as last year I was lucky to average 1 or 2 times a week!!! --> #2 Since I’ve been in the gym more regularly, I’ve already seen some gains that are moving me toward hitting those goals (they’re pretty steep goals that are meant to take me the majority of the year to achieve) - and seeing that type of progress makes me even more motivated to keep getting into the gym and working hard! --> #3 When I am running, I’m able to focus on other people, not myself. This means that I’m not really paying attention to silly aches/pains during a run (note: if these were “real pains” that were portraying actual injury, I’d totally pay attention to those - what I’m referring to here is the standard, “gasping for air, my legs are tired” sort of things that you tend to focus on when stuck in your own head). So I’m running further than planned (always nice to know you can do that) and enjoying it more since I’m spending the time chatting with friends and not thinking about specific requirements for distance/time. --> #4 I’ve already been able to chat with a number of friends, help them figure out and set SMART goals...and a few have had me help them create training plans to aid them in achieving those goals! It’s been inspiring watching these people grow through their training, and there’s nothing so amazing as seeing them learn how much more they’re capable of than they once believed. Wow. Just. Wow. I’m absolutely loving where this year is headed, and am so excited to see what more will come of these goals, both gym and running - I can’t wait to watch my friends attack their training plans, toppling their goals...and I’m so stoked to keep hitting the gym as I chase down my own!
Here’s to what I’m sure will be an AMAZING 2018!!!
3 Comments
2/27/2018 05:29:11 pm
I LOVE how you deconstruct a seeminlgy wishy-washy goal and show how that has impacted you runs, gym workouts, and friends. It's incredible how when we take the focus off ourself, we come out the better!
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2/27/2018 06:05:41 pm
Combining strength training and running has made all the difference for me!
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Melissa is many things...among them, she is a friend, sister, daughter, dog owner, RunJunkEes Ambassador, Colfax Marathon Ambassador, Skirt Sports Ambassador, Lowry CrossFit member, and a mountain girl at heart! Archives
February 2018
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