Now is the time of year that people are busy making New Year Resolutions. As you are thinking about certain resolutions for 2013 it is good to first start with the end goal in sight. What you would like to accomplish or change in 2013?
By clearly defining the end goal, it is easier to go backwards to determine how to get there.
Let’s say you would like to complete your first 5K, Crim, or marathon this year, or improve your time or mileage over last year.
If it is the Crim, we know it is on August 24. If it is the Pot O’ Gold race, then we need to be ready to run four miles competitively by St. Patrick’s Day; if it is the Detroit Marathon we have until October 20.
If you would rather improve your time determine by how much. Be as specific as you can.
Now that you have the specific end goal in mind, sign up for the event today – or as soon as registration opens! If you sign up and pay for the event, there’s no turning back unless you want to lose your entry fee. Depending on your goal and your current fitness level you could even take it a step further and purchase a new pair of running shoes, some comfortable running apparel, a treadmill, or a GPS running watch to help you reach your goals. The more you invest in your goals, the harder it will be for you to quit a month down the road when you aren’t “feeling” like training any more. And if you do quit after your investment, you probably won’t be able to sleep at night knowing you walked away from a significant investment.
Now that you are committed to your goal, what do you need to do from today until your race date to make it happen?
Most often you need to determine a training schedule and stick to it. Tell your friends and family about your commitment and have them hold you to it. Find a friend to run with to keep you motivated. If your goal is associated with the Crim consider signing up for the CrimFit Adult Training Program.
Invest in your goal and let’s all accomplish great things in 2013!
