The importance of running goals

Just for a moment, I want you to imagine that a film crew has decided to make a documentary of your running journey. They are with you at your first event. They record your greatest triumphs and they are with you through the setbacks. At the end of the journey they take you into a cinema and roll the film. Ask yourself this question: what kind of film would you like to see? Do you believe that you are the scriptwriter of your own film? Are there planned highlights in your film, or did the best performances just occur by chance?

Setting goals is an integral part of our sport. 
Goals motivate us to practice in foul weather. They allow us to dream of the runner we might be. Our sporting goals drive us to reach deeper into ourselves and ask: can I become a better runner? What are the limits of my abilities?

A runner seeking to achieve a goal, must be courageous. There may be setbacks on their journey. Adversity can come in many forms: an injury, a defeat, uncooperative weather, the list could be endless. Dealing with that adversity requires faith and confidence, an inner belief that no matter what, the goal can still be achieved; if not today, then perhaps tomorrow.

The film crew has gathered and are now preparing to film your documentary. The director (your leader or coach) tells you that there must be lots of action. "Action and goals" you reply!

Ready with the lights! Roll the cameras! ACTION!

Are your running goals measurable?
Sports psychology theory suggests that it is better to state that your goal is to run a distance in a certain time at an event rather than stating that "I just want to have a good run."

Compatible with your lifestyle or other  events that you want to do?
Is your target compatible with other things that you want to do? Have a look at other things that are going on in your life. Are there any important family or work commitments that you need to prioritise? Are there any other events that you would like to schedule in to the plan? Be careful though: Too often we can lapse into the habit of racing too much and this defeats the conventional wisdom about performance peaking.

Time specific running goals
When do you wish to reach your goal(s)? Short-term goals may focus on the next few races or weeks of your programme. Longer term goals will likely deal with the next few seasons, where would you like to be three to five years from now?

Commit to a running goal in writing
Committing a goal to words adds a contractual component to your planning. It can serve as a gentle or brutal reminder of the direction you have decided to go. I knew of a runner who painted his goals on his bedroom ceiling. If he didn’t feel like running early in the morning he would just stare at his ceiling for a less than subtle reminder of his obligation to himself.

Ownership of running goals is important
These are your goals, nobody else’s. They are what you believe will help you become a better runner. Sharing these goals is also important for it allows you to form a mental contract with yourself; "now that other people know my goals, I am going to have to do my best to reach them."

Never give up on your running goals
How did you decide upon your goal? Running to success can be a solitary path sometimes. For a few runners that path seems paved with gold and there is nothing that can stop them. For us other mere mortals the path can be strewn with obstacles: injuries, losses of form, staleness, and other personal demons that limit our performance. Chart a path around these obstacles and never give up!

Is it time to reconsider your running goals?
If so, which "film" do you plan to make. Hopefully not a horror story or a farce! Why not make it an ACTION-packed film. Enjoy your creation - it’s what you’ve made it!