Just started running and find it a little daunting or have
you been running for a while and find yourself in a rut? In either case,
setting a running goal might be just the thing. Sometimes that little push of a
commitment is all you need to get you going. Personally, I've found that
setting a yearly running goals, gives me the
motivation I need to keep running year-round. Plus, it gives me something to
look forward to and strive for.
When you set a goal for yourself, be it a 5K, 10K, half
marathon, full marathon, ultra, or whatever the distance, it gives you
something tangible to aim for. Setting a goal, making-a-plan to achieve that
goal, and monitoring your progress can help raise your self-confidence as you
realize that you have the ability to achieve the goal.
Make sure you set a strong goal. Don't be wishy-washy. Goals
like, "I'm going to run more this year" or "I'm going to train
harder" really aren't very motivating and you'll quickly lose interest.
However, committing to running your first 10K, half or full marathon and announcing
it to the world...now that's a goal. Sometimes making your goal something
that's a part of something even bigger like a charity fund-raiser can help
strengthen your commitment even more.
Make your goal realistic but at the same time make it a
little challenging by selecting something that's attainable, but a little
beyond your comfort zone. A challenge like this will give you something to work
toward as well as build and increase your strength and endurance. Be careful
though not to make your goal so challenging that you'll become discouraged and
quit.
Making a long-range plan will often help you avoid picking a
goal that may be out of reach at-the-moment. For example, if you are a brand-new
runner and you'd really like to run a marathon, make the marathon your
long-range goal and make running a 5K, 10K, and/or half-marathon your
short-term goal(s). This may take a little longer, but it will help ensure that
you reach the long-term goal you desire so much. If you're a new runner,
achieving these smaller milestones will help build your confidence as you see
the progress being made working your way up the ladder.
Post your goal for all to see. Let your family, friends, and
coworkers know about your goal. Knowing that others are award of your goal will
make you more accountable. This positive pressure will help you get out there
for a run on those days that you're not so motivated to do so. Try to recruit a
buddy to join you in your challenge. Running with a buddy can be very enjoyable
and you can help keep each other motivated.
Reward your efforts! Attach some kind of treat to your
successful completion of your goal. You will have worked hard, so celebrate the
fruits of your labor and then get to work setting your next goal.
