Welcome to our new feature, The Goal Post. Life in the South isn't always slow-paced, and with family, work and community as priorities, it can be hard to keep up with it all. Every two weeks, I'll look at a different way to set goals and stay motivated, especially in terms of fitness. I'm always looking for ideas, so please leave any advice in the comments!
It's official: last week I registered for my very first 5K! I should probably emphasize that this is huge for me. I always liked the concept of running, but I never could pull it off. In grade school, I was always one of the last people to finish running the mile in gym class every year. And now here I am: all registered for the UAB's Dollars for Scholars 5K/10K on April 24.
I'm not super-competitive, but I'd heard that committing to something like this is great for motivation, and so far it's been true! .
Here's what I've figured out:
- Commit to something. It's best if it's on a certain date, like my 5K. I only have so much time to prepare, so I can't keep rescheduling runs. I'll be embarrassed (and out $20) if I'm not ready by April 24th, and no one will move the race date for me.
- Tell people about it. I'm pretty sure posting it on a blog of a well-known magazine counts, but I've also told family, friends and co-workers.
- But do it for yourself. I remember one particularly terrible clarinet recital. It was a commitment on a set day, but I hated practicing and apparently didn't care a ton about the outcome. Not good!
- Push yourself. Registering for the 5K has helped me A LOT with this. There have definitely been times I've run farther or been more diligent about scheduling a run because my goal is so tangible.
- But not too hard. My goal is just to finish the race. If that means running and walking, I'm 100 percent OK with it. Just months ago, I couldn't even imagine doing that. And I've already got my eye on a May race, so this isn't my only shot to run the whole thing.
I could see this applying to other things, such as a book club. You'd have scheduled meetings, and it's hard to contribute if you don't read the book!
(Just a friendly reminder: I am not a physician, nor a fitness expert of any kind. I'm just sharing my goals, and what's helped me. Always check with your doctor before beginning any sort of exercise routine.)
Related links:
Maintain the chain: easy tips for exercise motivation
Fall fitness: running for the rest of us
Race Time: Run Your First or Fastest 5K or 10K from Health.com
Let us know: Have you ever committed to something to achieve a goal? What are some other ways you stay motivated? Are there any great 5Ks and 10Ks in your part of the South?
