Marathon and Half-Marathon by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: SPO035000, book
Publisher: Greystone Books
Published: 2010-11-12T06:00:00+00:00

Running, like all sports, is an opportunity to enjoy pleasure and excitement that are sometimes hard to find. Once we discover a sport that suits us, often passion and meaning come with the ongoing process of overcoming challenges. Whether you’re a downhill skier hoping to master a black diamond run or a runner wanting to complete a marathon, the pleasure of anticipation is the same. Regardless of the challenge, in order for an athlete to be motivated to train and compete he or she must find meaning in the endeavor. Without a commitment, there is little motivation to pursue a goal. Training week in and week out over the course of several months is not a task for the weak at heart. The half or full marathon cannot be something you “should” or “have” to complete. Ultimately, to be successful, it needs to be a dream you “want” to fulfill.

Different types of goals

There are various types of goals that are useful in maintaining focus and motivation, including these:

• Time-oriented goals: “I’ll run 10 kilometers on Saturday in under 48 minutes”

• Lifestyle goals: “I will get a minimum of 8 hours of sleep nightly”

• Social goals: “I’ll train with my friend John on Wednesday after work”

• Process goals—these focus on your ongoing performance and can be physical, psychological, or technical in nature, such as concentrating on your running form during a workout: “Tonight is Fartlek training as part of my speedwork”

• Outcome goals—these are geared toward your anticipated end result: “I plan to finish this race in a new personal best time”

Goal Setting

The process of setting goals and planning the best pathway to meet objectives allows men and women to choose where they want to go in life. We all know people who seemingly have it all with very little effort and few clear plans. However, for the most part, people don’t achieve on sheer luck; undoubtedly, some behind-the-scenes work has gone on. Though luck might come into it, people’s careers, education, and athletic achievements generally involve goal setting.

Goals can provide you with a long-term vision and act as a short-term motivator. For example, if your long-term goal is to complete a marathon in 6 months, it will act as a daily motivator to complete your scheduled run.

Common goal-setting problems

Goals can be great motivators, but people fall into numerous traps when they don’t carefully consider all of the factors associated with their challenge. These traps can often limit effective goal setting and decrease motivation. Common problems include goals that are too vague, overly challenging, or not meaningful to the individual.

The acronym SMARTER can assist you to achieve your goals:

S for specific. Is your goal clear and concise?

M for measurable. Can you determine whether you reached your goal?

A for adjustable. Can the goal be modified if needed?

R for realistic. Is the goal appropriate for you, your level of fitness, resources, et cetera?

T for time-based. Is there a time frame around the goal?

E for exciting. Are you looking forward to achieving the goal?

R for recorded.

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