There’s no other way to start, but by simply starting. To meet yourself where you are and go from there. But somehow, I’m making it harder than that. I’m wanting things to be different than they are. As I mentioned in last week’s Training Log, I’m bumping up against a lot of shoulds, or rather shouldn’ts around my training. Already.
The thing about it is, I know how to do this. I know how to train for something big, accomplish long-term projects and big goals. It’s the same basic premise I used to start my first business, become a coach, climb Mt. Hood.
The Basic Steps Remain the Same
- Know your goal – understand why it really matters to you
- Create and follow a plan – it doesn’t have to be elaborate, but knowing what you need to do really helps
- Build a base at the beginning – keep it small and doable as you gain experience and build new habits
- Intensify over time, as your skills improve – challenge yourself to steer clear of ruts
- Cut yourself slack, you aren’t going to be able to do every single step perfectly – know that, be okay with it and keep going
- Enlist the help of other people – don’t underestimate the power of having people in your corner
What Makes It Compelling?
As I remind myself of these steps, I realize that I have redefined the big picture for myself. The big picture for so long was getting in to Boston, and now that I’ve done that, it’s time to figure out what I want next. Just the thought of running Boston isn’t enough. What’s going to inspire me to keep training over the next six months, especially since I’m at such a reduced level of fitness right now?
That picture needs to be big and powerful and compelling, full of the emotions and qualities I’ll need to stick with it and feel good about it.
It’s time for me to really let that picture start to form. And then, stay in touch with it, and building it on the days I feel especially inspired and letting it carry me through the days that I don’t. There will be those days. I’m already having those days.
The Log
Over the past week I managed two runs, a four miler and one a bit over six. I also finally got some clipless pedals for my road bike and took it out for a quick spin. There were also several longish walks, a yoga class and a couple of hours of dancing when a friend’s band came to town. While I would have liked to get one more run in, I’m pretty happy with my activity level for the week.
My pace is improving, and I’m feeling better while running. I still have some issues recovery from my more strenuous activity, but I had a visit to my doctor yesterday, and we’re doing some more testing to see if we can figure out what’s going on there.
I don’t think I can ever hear (or read) this reminder enough. Know the plan. Build slowly but surely. It is so easy to try to make it difficult and complicated, when easy and slow are so much more sustainable and peaceful. Remembering that now.