When it comes to setting walking and running goals, they don’t all have to be time based. I’ll share some of my favorite non-performance goals that may end up bringing you more joy in the long run – let’s go!
Completing a new distance no matter what it is with absolutely no expectation of time is a great goal. If you’ve only ever participated in a 5K, take the next step and register for a 10K. Don’t worry about your time, just completing a new distance is a huge accomplishment. Along this line you could also set a goal to walk or run a specific distance over a certain period of time. For example, aim for 10 miles each week for a month or 100 miles each month for a year. You may choose to put distance aside all together and walk or run a specific number of days per week or every day for 1 month. The key here is to know where you are, pick a reasonable goal, one that pushes you some but is attainable.
Another goal that is not time based is to add a weekly elevation workout. For us in Brunswick County, that typically equates to a bridge workout. I’ve also resorted to a parking garage in bad weather. But adding an elevation workout each week or bi-weekly is a very good goal that will bring great rewards.
A few years ago I got into the Chicago Marathon and choose a pretty stringent 20 week training plan. While I am proud of the way I ran that race and the amount of mental fortitude I possessed during the event. What I’m most proud of is the training cycle I completed. The race was just one day but I showed up for myself and completed every single workout during those 20 weeks. I completed 3 hour long runs in the pouring rain. I completed Yasso 800’s in the sweltering heat of the summer. Completing a structured training program is a fantastic goal that is not based on time or performance. Show up for yourself – you’re worth it!
If you are a little bored with your regular routine a great non-performance based goal would to be walk or run in a new location once every week. If you are in a rut adding a new route or location on a weekly basis is a great goal. Journaling after every walk or run is also a fantastic goal and will bring new awareness and appreciation to your workouts. A great goal would be to journal after every workout for 1 month and I highly doubt you’d stop there.
Lastly, a great goal for anyone who walks or runs regularly is to volunteer at a race. Sometimes we forget what goes in to the planning of a large scale event and it’s easy to complain that the day may not have been perfect or that your race didn’t go as planned. Volunteer and you’ll be reminded there is a lot more to it. Engaging and cheering for others is a goal that can never go wrong.
No, there is nothing wrong with performance and improving times but it doesn’t always have to be about that. I hope these non-performance-based goals will boost your desire to get out there and strive for something new, allowing for more joy along the way!
Connect with us on Facebook @RunCRP @CoastalRaceProductions and ’d love to hear from you regarding anything walking or running email me at jojo@coastalraceproductions.com.and Let’s Keep Moving Forward — Together!