Runner Ramblings: Goal Setting

Last week was a good fitness week.  I felt like I got into a good rhythm.  I even managed to sign up for some events (see them here).  So at this point, I’ve gotten a little more serious about a goal I’ve been secretly thinking about for a couple years now.  I don’t think I would even have the courage to consider pursuing it if it weren’t for crossing the finish line of the NYC marathon.  I hinted at it on instagram.

I thought about it and decided that if there’s any chance at being successful, I was going to need to repeat the NYC marathon plan.  I was going to need help and lots of it.  I found a local running coach and signed up.  I got to meet with her on Saturday at the local St. Louis Bread Co.  We talked about my goal (saying it out loud almost made me want to vomit)  and I asked her if it’s realistic.  After a little bit of back and fourth she smiled and said oh yes, it’s possible.  She said…

“you know what? For you, it’s mental”

I smiled.  Deep down knowing that she’s right.  We talked about a plan, my challenges (as MiniE sat next to me fiddling with my phone and chowing down on a fruit cup) and her approach.  She was soft spoken and encouraging making me more confident by the second.  She was on such a roll I was afraid to bring up the “other” goals that I have (getting back into triathlon),etc.

I disclosed those and to my surprise, she was happy.  We all know it, we talk about it  but when you’re coach tells you it’s good, it makes you feel good.  The last thing she said to me as we left was….

“it’s time to practice what you preach”

Touche coach.  Touche.  So I have a plan (as I told you to do here), I have a support system (like I told you here), I have the desire, it’s time to find out if that’s enough.  If it is, I hope to tell you about my sub-2:00 half in April.

There.  I said it.  I have no idea why but it feels right.  It feels like it’s now or never.  I’m optimistic and ready to accept the challenge.  Help me please!  Keep me honest!  Encourage me!  I’m not asking, I’m begging.  I’m going to need all the support I can get!

What goals are you chasing?  Have you set a goal that utterly scares you?