Reason for Running #4 --- Goals

Today was national running day (well yesterday technically at this point) and during my run today I was thinking about more to add to my reasons why I run... Goals stood out in my mind more than anything. Not just time goals, race goals, or even just running goals, but goals in general. In order to move forward we must have a desitination. I heard on a movie (Peaceful Warrior) that the journey is what makes us happy, not the destination. When it comes to running, each of us set a goal, whether it be as simple as I am going to run today, or I am going to do this workout today. We always have a destination or goal in mind and we strive to achieve it. I have found that I tend to try to make those goals and destinations for others as much as I do myself and it can sometimes take the joys out of running for other people. I wanted my dad to run at least 5 minutes today, but was not taking into consideration that his back is still hurting him. What is the difference between 3 miles and 5 miles? To some... not much, but to others it could be a foot injury, or shin splint that can take them out of running for a given length of time. Each person should set their goals within their own realistic grasp... Unfortunately we all make mistakes when it comes to goal setting. In December 2008 I said that I would run a marathon on January 17th... I failed (only did the half) and I got hurt.

Goals are a good thing, but if you do not reach your goal today, do not stop tomorrow, always continue on that journey; that is what brings us the happiness. Never give up on the destination though. Every year thousands of people, if not millions, set New Year's resolutions (goals in disguise) and by March most have given up on their goals. Do you know why? Because they set a long term goal, but can only stay on track for a short time. Instead of saying in 2009 I will lose 50 pounds, set small goals like I will lose 5 pounds in 6 weeks. Just think, if one achieves this goal every 6 weeks, by the end of the year they will have lost 40 pounds... pretty close to that long term goal of 50 pounds. With running it is no different. If you want to run a marathon in December, but your longest race to date had been a 5k, start with small goals, like I will run a 10k in 2 months... Start small and you will reach the big goal.

Big goals for me include a marathon on every continent, an ultra run of 50 miles and 100 miles plus. Guess what...those will not happen anytime soon. Right now I am working with goals of increasing my miles each week. That means more and more time running and better time management. With each goal, sacrifices much be made, as well as accomodations for other activities.

Run On! Set goals and get out there...