Well, did you do it? You know, that 5K or 10K you’ve been training for. The first one you’ve ever done. How was it? Did you get the bug? Are you addicted? Maybe you’re even thinking about signing up for another one. MAYBE you’re thinking about doing something else. How about, dare I say it, something bigger?
The great thing about goals is that they show us just a glimpse of what we’re capable of achieving. They are the gateway to the next level. Goals are meant to be building blocks. They show us what we’re made of.
So if you are thinking about what to do next, let me tell you my story. Maybe it will help you determine where to go from here.
I ran my first 5K in 2003. It was a little one that raised money for a local neighborhood here but it was still enough to get me hooked. Once I crossed that finish line I knew I had to do more. I still go back and run this 5K every year. It brings back so many good memories.
I spent the rest of that year getting comfortable with 5Ks. I think in total I probably ran five by the end of the year. I was still in love with running. I loved that feeling of accomplishment you get when you do something challenging.
The next year I challenged myself again, this time in the form of a 10K. I was extremely nervous. I think probably more so than my first 5K. Again though, I ran it and couldn’t believe the runners high I got.
Then after about 2 years of running, I signed up for my first half marathon. The Indy 500 Mini Marathon, an amazing race if you ever get the chance. I literally cried when I crossed the finish line.
From there, I’ve moved on into marathons and triathlons. At this point it is truly a lifestyle and the races are just little milestones that keep me on track.
The moral of the story is in order for you decide what your next goal should be, you should probably determine what kind of training and time commitment your comfortable with. I chose a very steady climb into the longer distances. For me is was a better transition. It allowed me to learn how to adjust my life to account for training gradually. Training for halfs and fulls and especially tri’s are time consuming. They require you to think ahead and plan out your training. If you want to see an example of a plan, I posted mine a few months ago. Half Marathon #10…It’s On.
Once you set that goal, stick with it. Yes, it will be hard. There might be days when you want to give up but don’t. You can do it! You will do it! If you need support, give me a shout. I promise I’ll be there. I’ll answer any questions you have, and provide you with any guidance I can.
Part of what I really enjoy about this blog is being able to support and help others reach their goals.
So, what do you think? What’s your next goal or race going to be? Need help building a plan? What have you found that works for you? Let’s talk!
hmmmm. Im GOALLESS by nature. I train hard merely for my life.
That said, Ive had an itch lately to get me a GOAL GOAL.
some kind of competition *something*
Im just not yet sure precisely what.
MizFit
I think it’s great that you can do that. I can’t to see what goal (competition) will be. I’m pretty sure whatever it ends up being you’ll rock it!!
I just want to say how happy it makes me to see someone progress in a smart manner! There’s a lot of jumping in with two feet to the marathon these days, and I think that’s a mistake. Taking your time to develop as a runner, as you did, is such a great way to go! Congrats! (and my post perfectly complements this one today–we should be a twofer!)
Thank you!!!
I’m a huge proponent in giving your body time to adjust. Long distance running isn’t easy and a gradual progression was the only way I felt comfortable with. I think it’s probably the safest approach.