Realistic goals are exactly what it implies. These are attainable, achievable targets that we want to accomplish, whether short-term or long-term.
Goals are part of a bigger picture that motivates us to work harder and better our best. It may be doing overtime for that next promotion or extending training hours to slash precious seconds off your personal best. Our goals are our daily drivers: a specific, time-bound roadmap towards success.
Athletes often set goals to dictate their training over time. As an example, runners start from the ground up, making their way to 5KM, 10KM, half marathon, and then marathon. Longer distances will take more time to achieve considering the amount of effort that they will put into their daily routine. But then again, goals will play a pivotal part in their continued effort to improve and cross the finish line.
RUNNING A COMMON PATH: THE IMPORTANCE OF REALISTIC GOALS TO BEGINNER RUNNERS
No athlete has ever jumped from their couch to finish a marathon in just a couple of months. There are no shortcuts to success, as they say. Setting realistic goals will help runners have a broader perspective of what they want to achieve while doing the sport: losing weight, setting a new personal record, and for those who have already completed a 42KM, an ultramarathon.
The idea of running the humble 5KM to envisioning yourself with your first 42KM medal may be daunting at first, but it is achievable provided that you are determined to do so.
BREAK DOWN your goals into manageable steps is one way to make them realistic. Starting from scratch, a beginner can target a good 5KM run without stopping. From there, they can progress to running a 10KM, reduce their time, improve their pace, join more races, or challenge their peers and, of course, themselves.
Setting these goals will also help runners avoid burnout and injuries. Incremental training entails all the bells and whistles, including proper diet, rest and recovery, and cross-training.
SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. In a nutshell, these are parameters to help people ensure their objectives (goals) are attainable within a pre-determined timeframe.
Case in point: if a runner is currently doing a 35-minute 5KM, they might set a goal and concentrate on slashing 6 minutes off their current time to break the sub-30 mark in the next three months to kick-start their 10KM. This alone is SMART and helps them create a training plan and track their progress.
Runners should also try to be FLEXIBLE when it comes to their training and life in general. There will be times when we will be busy at work, dealing with an injury, or just plain lazy. Encountering these temporary setbacks must not deter their determination and willingness to improve. Instead, they should continue what they have started at a gradual pace and stay motivated until they find their usual rhythm again.
Finally, SEEK SUPPORT from experienced runners. For what itβs worth, their words of wisdom are valuable insights on what you must and must not do to achieve your goals. Also, find time to encourage others, especially those who are just starting or those who are struggling to keep up with their training.
Realistic goals are our commitment not just in running, but in life. It is a challenge that will soon reap the fruits of your hard-earned labor and your ultimate goal to reach that coveted 42KM pedestal.
