“If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes.” Andrew Carnegie
Today is the start of my marathon training. I am doing the St. George Marathon on Oct. 4th, 2008. As previously discussed, it is a long time goal of mine to go sub-four hours. Specifically, I have a goal of 3:30. There, it’s out there NOW. Can’t hide behind vague numbers anymore. I have a plan and a few training partners as well as a few virtual training partners in KCH and Fitarella, both participating in the NYC Marathon. This is a BIG goal for me. 40 minutes faster than my PR.
How am I going to achieve that goal? The first thing I did was organize my marathon plan in a spiffy notebook, then, I took a prior marathon finish photo of myself, decorated it and planted it in the front of the notebook. Except, it doesn’t say 4:10, it says 3:30. I have also strategically placed notes for myself all over the house about my goal time with the date. I know how 8 minute miles feel like. I can picture putting 26 miles together at 8 minutes a mile. I even have a reward picked out for myself if I achieve it (to be discussed later).
This is a pretty gritty photo of me from the Rock N Roll Marathon in ‘04. I was really pissed that some bee-yatch was attempting to sprint past me on the finish line. Don’t worry, I beat her. But, I was digging DEEP to get there first.
Jack Canfield has written a wonderful book called the Success Principles How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. I took his ideas and transferred them into my marathon goal. 1. Create a Goals Book (check). 2. Carry your most important goal in your wallet (check). 3. Write multiple goals in all areas of your life (not done yet) 4. Write goals down and read them in the morning and night. 5. Tell your friends and family your goal so that you can be accountable.
“You want to set a goal that is big enough that in the process of achieving it you become someone worth becoming.” Jim Rohn
What’s your pie in the sky goal?
10 responses so far ↓
1 Strong One // Jun 16, 2008 at 8:39 am
Hhmm I’ll have to think about it. I have many small goals, but nothing with as much physical prowess as yours.
I wish you the best of luck.
2 Fitarella // Jun 16, 2008 at 10:21 am
woo-hoo! You go Rach!! I made a notebook this weekend too
My goal is 3:39. I’ll be checking in later to see how that first day went!
3 MizFit // Jun 16, 2008 at 10:57 am
go go GO YOU!
Im working on a big goal which isnt fitness related which ALL BEGS THE QUESTION:
cant I do 2 goals at once?
needing to find a fitness focus,
M.
4 Playful Professional // Jun 16, 2008 at 3:46 pm
Sounds like a great goal and book to me. Might have to take some of your tips and make my running blog my goal book. Thanks for the idea.
5 workout mommy // Jun 16, 2008 at 6:03 pm
a marathon and St. George? so, so jealous!
I really like your inspiration plan.
For me? must get muscles!
6 Bobbi // Jun 17, 2008 at 12:10 am
Man I need to make a cute journal, and make a reward of for myself too!!! hmmmm
7 spindiva // Jun 17, 2008 at 2:36 am
So cool!! Good Luck! I envy the women who have the discipline to run for so long…so so long. I’ll be happy running a 5K in the fall…
8 Mocha // Jun 17, 2008 at 2:55 am
Yeah, I’m pretty sure I need to get the notebook first.
But, honestly? I have started riding my bike again and today went completely green! It wasn’t necessarily a goal, but something I’d thought about for some time.
Next up, get a notebook.
9 kch // Jun 17, 2008 at 3:57 am
Wow! That is an aggressive goal - but I have faith in you. And I feel privileged that you consider me a virtual training partner. Right now, I’m planning on shooting for 4 hours, but if my training goes especially well I’m going to shoot for 3:50.
Let’s get out there and train HARD! (but smart!)
10 Zandria // Jun 17, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I think that sounds like a most excellent way to motivate yourself! Having reminders like that around are so important.
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