Firstly, not everyone is driven by the lure of a new goal or challenge. For some, it adds an unnecessary pressure to a hobby they already find enjoyable and challenging enough in its own right. The added time commitment of following a training plan or the pressure of needing to run faster/further can sap enthusiasm, and if this is you then then it is vital not to fall into the trap of setting a goal just because you feel like you should. Running circles are full of "what's your next race/goal/challenge?" chat and it is absolutely fine to say "I haven't got one". Really, it is. To put the work in to chase a goal you need to really want it, and you need to really want to embrace the process. Running for fun, general well-being, mental health and all the other benefits is brilliant and It. Is. Enough.
However...
For many people, having a goal to work towards gives them a sense of purpose that can be extremely beneficial to their training. It can give them the motivation to get out of the door every day, and the determination to push themselves out of their comfort zone to hit distance or pace targets. Committing to a goal comes with an inherent feeling of self-accountability which can make the difference between getting out for that run in the rain and not!
The biggest mistake people make is not being realistic about their goals.
But setting the right goal is not always as straightforward as it sounds. It's not as simple as saying "I want to run a marathon" or "I want a Parkrun PB next month". The biggest mistake people make is not being realistic about their goals. I could sit here and declare that I'd love to run a sub-3 hour marathon but I'd be setting myself up for failure and disappointment (and where's the joy in that?) However, revising this to "I'd like to take a few minutes off my marathon time" is infinitely more realistic, and is therefore an idea I can fully get behind. Likewise, sensible time-frames are everything. Am I going to be able to take those few minutes off my marathon time in the next 8 weeks? Unlikely. Is it something that might be possible with a well-structured and consistent block of marathon training? Yes, definitely.
Realistic goals are hard, though. They require us to be brutally honest about our own strengths and limitations. They also require us to be patient, especially as they become more ambitious. The old adage "don't run until you can walk" rings true when you're looking at increasing your distance by a significant margin. You need to build up slowly, steadily and safely, and that takes time. This is where short-term and long-term goals can both claim a place at the table. Your long-term goal might realistically be a year or two ahead, so build in some relevant shorter-term goals to keep you motivated. If they're planned properly they will all take you a step closer to that bigger goal. You also need to be realistic about the amount of time you have available to train. It's no good aiming to train like a professional athlete when you have a full-time job and 3 young children!
If running has taught me anything it is that we are ALL capable of so much more than we realise.
So, does that mean we should all play it safe when it comes to goal-setting? No, I don't think so. Be brave! If running has taught me anything it is that we are ALL capable of so much more than we realise, and sometimes the scary goals can be the ones that really make you come alive. If you've been honest with yourself, sensible about the time-frame and realistic about the time you are able and willing to commit, you can absolutely own those goals. Whatever you choose has to excite you. You need to know why you're going for it because remembering your 'why' is what will get you through the tough bits and what will keep you going when things don't go to plan (and let's be honest, things rarely go exactly to plan!)
Finally, make your goal tangible but remember that it is about more than the final outcome. While the thought of crossing your chosen finish line might be what drives you, what you'll gain from the process of training for it is much, much greater.
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