A runner's goals

On any given day, I could come up with a list (at least) of 10 things at which I wish I was better. More often than not, “running” would probably appear on that list. That is because — I’ll admit — I am not the speediest girl on the block… I know some of the speediest girls. And there is a big gap between them and me.

Conference Cross-Country Meet at Haskell. by pursuitofhealthfulness

However, that’s not looking at the big picture. What’s really important is getting out there and simply running. Although I’m not taking home many medals that aren’t of the “finisher” variety, I am just as satisfied with myself when I get a PR as if I won the whole race. (Although I wouldn’t be upset about that, per se.)

That is what’s so great about running: You can have 10,000 people in a race and all of them can finish as winners.

Lincoln Marathon. by pursuitofhealthfulness

I had a key revelation a few years back when my friend told me she realized she was more of a “runner” than a “racer.” After thinking about what this meant, I couldn’t help but agree. Whereas a racer goes and competes against other people, a runner is out there competing against herself.

A runner doesn’t need a race. A runner doesn’t need a start or finish line. A runner just needs a goal — and that’s something anyone can have.

Last Thursday, my goal was to PR. Other times, my goal is to simply complete the race. And, on other occasions, my goals are more specifically related to the pace or overall tempo of my run.

Basically, with every run there is a new goal. That’s what keeps me going.

Tagged: running, exercise, working out