I am currently reading Sheryl Sandberg’s best-selling book, “Lean In.” While I’m not interested in (this time) getting into a politically charged debate about the book and the thoughts behind it, one line in particular stuck out to me. While Sheryl was giving a graduation speech to Barnard College women, she encouraged them to ask themselves: “what would I do if I weren’t afraid?” It made me think. What would I do if I wasn’t afraid? I decided to make a list of the things I’d do related to health and fitness:
- Train hard to be able to run a 2:15 half marathon (this would be a 5 minute PR from my best time — I ran a 2:20 in my first ever 1/2 marathon, 6 years ago).
- Commit to cross training 3x a week.
- Set time goals for each race I’m running.
- Run a sub 30 min 5k. The inspiration for this goal came from Lynda over at Hit the Road Jane.
- Begin running in the morning 2x a week.
I’m not sure why I’m afraid to set concrete running goals — I set goals in all other areas of my life. I think that it may be hard to step out on a ledge with the possibility that I might fail. However, that is not how I want to live. So, here I am setting goals that make me nervous and make me feel like I may not be able to meet. I realize that most of these goals would be easy peezy for a “serious” runner, but hey, that’s why they are my goals. I don’t think I’ll do a different set of goals each week, but I can start by setting a goal for the 10k I’m running on Sunday. Last year, I ran this 10k in 1:11. On Sunday, I want to run it in 1:05 or less.
What would you do if you weren’t afraid?
Love the goals. Keep up the great work!!!
Thanks for the support, Carrie!
I haven’t read Lean In yet, but I think I should! I love these goals. I’m a new(er) runner, and I’ve struggled with similar fears of setting concrete goals. I know you’ll meet yours!
A new reader,
Cyndi
ps – are you running the Cap Hill Classic this Sunday? It will be my first ever race! Good luck with whichever race you’re running!
You’d love Lean In! I highly recommend it 🙂 The Classic is a great first race — it’s small enough to not be too crazy, but has great crowd support and is for a great cause. You are gonna rock it 🙂
Love this, Courtney! I’ve been thinking about that question too all quick and love hearing what you would pursue as a runner if you weren’t afraid. I know you can accomplish those goals!
all week* (not quick :)).
Thanks Caroline! Both for the encouragement and for organizing an AWESOME book club — I so enjoyed last Saturday and am looking forward to next time 🙂
can you believe our first half was 6 years ago? crazy.
I know! It was kind of crazy to look back and find all our old times from those races (1/2 and the 10 miler). BTW, you were SUPER speedy during the 10 miler! 🙂
I’ve been asking myself that question a lot lately.
As far as health and fitness is concerned, my goals aren’t all that different than yours. I’d like to take my half marathon training to a new level and after bonking on my first two tries, I’d like to finish a marathon in the 3:30 – 3:50 range. Both goals involve a step up in training and commitment…but I’ve come to realize that accomplishing them involves overcoming my own built-in fears/excuses.
That is an awesome marathon goal! And you are so right, in order to accomplish these goals we set, we have to overcome ourselves (our own worse critics) first!
Your goals are great because they are your own!
That is a fantastic question. I’m going to have to think about that one for awhile.
Doesn’t it make you think about all aspects of your life? It really got me thinking, as well!
Those are awesome goals. Now go do it! I only run in the AM. You feel so much more accomplished and you’re full of energy (well after a few mornings of it!).
Yes! I am looking forward to getting past the initial struggle. I’m starting AM runs TOMORROW! 🙂
and this is emma @ amomrunsthistown.com… amrtt is the abbrev!
First AM run done today! Woohoo!