It hit me the other day while I was out running…something I said to a former co-worker after running the 2017 Mountain Goat Race. I finished in a very respectable 1:36:05 (9:37 pace). I was beating myself up over not running the race I would have liked to, and wanted better, faster. I made a comment along the lines of not really being able to train for that race and meeting my goal time unless I worked a different job. A job where I would have more of a set schedule, instead of the crazy insane hours and unpredictability from one day or week to the next. Her response was a bit of a scoff, but not in a negative or bad way, but perhaps in a way of – good luck with that. (in terms of a different schedule)
Fast forward nearly 10 months since that day and the reminder of what I said, and I realized that I now have that job. That set schedule. That predictable schedule that allows me to set a routine and train for the Mountain Goat. REALLY TRAIN!
In looking at that race time of 2017 and comparing it to the previous times that I ran that race I realize now that it was my third best finish in the eight times that I had ran the Mountain Goat. My best finish time for the Mountain Goat has been 1:32:41 in 2014. The very first time I ever ran it in 2010 my time was 1:46:47 – a 10:40 pace. I’d certainly come a long way since that first race, but I won’t lie, my goal has been to finish in under 1:30:00. This would put me at an 8:59 pace or better. So again….fast forward (or rewind) to this conversation and this week. That mental reminder was enough to kick my butt into gear and set my training schedule for leading up to the race. I have found that it is far easier for me to get my workout in when I know exactly what it is that I need to go do. Run 3 miles? Got it! Cross Train? Let’s go! Nothing set in the schedule…not so great for me and far easier for me to skip it. (can you relate?) I mapped it out on a calendar too, and when I am done with the workout I scribble it out with a highlighter to show that I completed it. There is just something about highlighting the workout that is almost more satisfying than the workout itself!
Setting the schedule was just the first step. I also outlined my goals in regards to me weight. I won’t lie, I’ve gained and lost weight for a number of years. From dropping nearly 40lbs back in 2005 and being in some of the best shape of my life, to adding a bit of weight after getting married, and now trying to get back down again. So I’ve set my weight loss goals for where I want to be each month for the next few months. The new job has helped with that as well. I’m not able to absentmindedly snack like I could before. I’m constantly on my feet moving. When I do get to eat it’s very conscious which is very beneficial to the waistline. I’ve still got a ways to go, but I feel confident I can get where I want to be.
The moral of all of this???
Be careful what you wish for…you may just get it.
Set your Goals. Be honest with yourself. Put them in plain sight.
Visualize them….they WILL come true!