The Power of Goals

Have you every said you were going to do something at some point in the distant future? Heck, it seemed so far away it was a pretty safe claim. Well I did and this year that distant point in the future caught up with me.

For years I said I was going to complete a marathon when I was forty years old. After all, for most of my life forty was a long way off. And it made a really good excuse for delaying getting in shape. This year I turned forty and it was time to “fish or cut bait.”

Well, I “fished” and it was incredible. Here’s how I took “baby steps” to complete my goal:

1) Set a stretch goal that is attainable – Although I said I would complete a marathon when I was forty, by June I had to face facts that my overweight, under-trained body was not ready for a full marathon. Instead of tossing out the goal altogether, I decided to complete a half-marathon. I assure you that it was still a stretch goal, but one that I could attain without serious injury by digging deep within myself.

2) Find evidence to convince yourself it is possible – Several years ago I had the blessing of working with a woman who completed a walking marathon. She was not a life-long, trained athlete. She put a lot of time and effort into training and drew upon every ounce of perseverance she had to complete the marathon. In learning there was a legitimate option to walk a marathon and that it could be done with enough preparation and determination, I knew I could do it, too. (Thank you, Cindy).

3) Make a plan - Last fall it was time to start putting concrete plans in place. If I didn’t, I knew my fortieth year would come and go without a marathon in sight. I researched marathons across North America looking for one that had a strong walking component and took place during July or August (the months I could travel). I was thrilled to find the Leading Ladies Marathon in Spearfish, South Dakota. The fact that it was an all-women’s marathon was a bonus.

4) Enlist support - I am blessed to have a very dear friend who takes part in these wild ideas I get. She was a great training partner and stuck with me through most of the marathon (she used the last two miles to prove what she is made of - but it was nice to see her at the finish line when I got there). Leading up to the marathon we had fun planning the details - what socks to wear, whether to wear belt pouch or not, which are the best power bars, etc. Also, at the marathon expo the day before the race, we talked with the experts and experienced marathoners to gather valuable last minute tips. There is so much support out there for the asking.

5) Find your inspiration- The evening before the marathon there was a pasta dinner where the Olympic Women’s Marathon was broadcast on a large screen with Kathrine Switzer providing the commentary. Kathrine, who was in the room with us, is famous for challenging the all-male Boston marathon in 1967 becoming the first woman to officially enter and run the event (after a stand off with event officials at the start line). Needless to say, between Kathrine, Constantina Tomescu (the 38-year old winner of the 2008 Olympic Women’s Marathon), and the other racers we spoke with, inspiration was everywhere.

6) Commit to a level of performance - In bed the night before the race I realized that even though I had made a lot of preparations for the marathon, I had not thought about nor committed to a specific level of performance - other than just finishing it. I knew that aiming to merely finish would not provide the drive I needed through the 13.1 miles ahead of me. Despite a lack of evidence from my training walks, and a little high on inspiration from Tomescu and the carb-loading, I decided to aim to complete the marathon in four hours. I didn’t think it was likely but it gave me something concrete and lofty to reach for.

7) Now get it done- Then came the time for the rubber to hit the road, literally. At 6:00 a.m. on August 17, 2008 I started my very first marathon. At 9:31:57 I crossed the finish line (pictured below) mighty sore and overcome with emotion. I did it! Not only did I meet my performance goal of 4 hours but I exceeded it by nearly half an hour! And I have the medal to prove it. Reaching a challenging goal is incredibly exhilarating.

What goal are you really proud of accomplishing? I’d love to hear from you.