Thoughts about 2008...
I'm not big on resolutions. Usually because I can't keep 'em to save my life. I'm more of a goal-oriented person. Sure, you're thinking isn't that the same thing, Barb? Well. Yes and no. You can have a resolution to lose 100 pounds this year. That isn't your resolution, that's your goal. Your resolution would be to workout 5 times a week and join weight watchers...or maybe score a lucky spot on The Biggest Loser TV show.
I could sit here and say that I want to run specific 5k time or break some 26.2 time barrier that I have chalked up in my head as being all mighty and important (if I were on the cusp of a BQ, that'd be a different story)...but that's just silly. The new PR isn't the resolution. The PR is the reward...the stretch goal achieved from the hard work of all sorts of smaller, realistic goals in the process.
I learned that this year in Chicago, that it doesn't matter how well-prepared you are for a race, things may not go your way and there isn't a damn thing you can do about it. Except for accepting the circumstances. I trained to run a 5:15 marathon. Likely would've come in around 5:30 in ideal conditions. But ultimately I was one of the many whose fate was with the weather gods and was pulled from the course.
So. I've put a lot of thought into what I want to achieve this year...so here you have it, campers...
Running/Triathlon Goals:
1. Train smarter in order to run an intelligent race.
2. Give 110% on race day taking into consideration my physical well-being and environmental factors.
3. Be flexible and know when--and how--to adjust my race plan.
If I can accomplish these three things, then I have no doubt in my mind that my times will improve dramatically. So much of this reward relies on #1. So much of #2 is dumb luck, especially when it comes to the weather. And #3 is a mix of common sense and race smarts.
So there you have it. Let's just hope it all clicks before race day...
I could sit here and say that I want to run specific 5k time or break some 26.2 time barrier that I have chalked up in my head as being all mighty and important (if I were on the cusp of a BQ, that'd be a different story)...but that's just silly. The new PR isn't the resolution. The PR is the reward...the stretch goal achieved from the hard work of all sorts of smaller, realistic goals in the process.
I learned that this year in Chicago, that it doesn't matter how well-prepared you are for a race, things may not go your way and there isn't a damn thing you can do about it. Except for accepting the circumstances. I trained to run a 5:15 marathon. Likely would've come in around 5:30 in ideal conditions. But ultimately I was one of the many whose fate was with the weather gods and was pulled from the course.
So. I've put a lot of thought into what I want to achieve this year...so here you have it, campers...
Running/Triathlon Goals:
1. Train smarter in order to run an intelligent race.
2. Give 110% on race day taking into consideration my physical well-being and environmental factors.
3. Be flexible and know when--and how--to adjust my race plan.
If I can accomplish these three things, then I have no doubt in my mind that my times will improve dramatically. So much of this reward relies on #1. So much of #2 is dumb luck, especially when it comes to the weather. And #3 is a mix of common sense and race smarts.
So there you have it. Let's just hope it all clicks before race day...
Labels: Goals and stuff
posted by Iron Jayhawk at 10:24 AM
7 Camper Comments:
Great goals, Barb. Very simple and to the point.
Good clear thinking. No doubt your hard work will pay off this year.
Great plan. enjoy all your runs/races/tris.
Good to have the reminder of the lessons of Chicago.
(Actually, I appreciated/loved doing as much of the marathon as they let me do.)
Best wishes for you 2008 plans.
I like #3 best. I too need to keep that in mind.
Looks like great goals!
Good luck in 2008 with your goals!
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