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Commit to Get Fit: Walk the Walk, Don’t Just Talk the Talk
By Christina | July 8, 2009
I finally did it. I signed up for a half-marathon today in November. November 15th to be exact. If you are wondering why the actual date is significant, it is because I am following one of the first rules for goal setting. Studies have shown that for successful weight loss, for example, the first thing you should do is tell everybody you know of your intentions to lose weight and get healthy. Broadcasting your goals transcends them from internal wishes into stated intentions. By allowing others in on your plan, you are legitimizing your goals and holding yourself accountable publicly to attain them.
What’s interesting about this half-marathon is that it is not my first. I successfully ran one years ago and never had an urge to run another one. In fact, I put running on the back burner. I started running casually again this past January with no need to be the fastest runner or log the most miles. I had no pressing desire to turn my running into ever training for another race. That is until today.
The truth is competing and training for an event gives meaning to daily exercise. All of a sudden there is a purpose and an intent behind my every workout, instead of mindlessly going through the motions. I am also in a very different place than I was the last time I ran. I am 41 years old, with knees to show for it. I also had a baby a year ago. But, that said, I am also arguably in the best shape I have ever been in my life to date. I am leaner, stronger, and faster than I have ever been. Running a half-marathon now is a testament to the years I have spent honoring my body by eating well and exercising regularly.
With losing weight, experts state that you are setting yourself up for failure if you focus on a number on the scale or a dress size you hope to fit into instead of setting more realistic mini and maxi goals that are attainable. In that vain, I am not setting out to run my half-marathon with the intention of winning or with a specific finishing time in mind. On the other hand, I am also not entering with the self-defeating goal of “I just hope to finish.” No, I know I will finish. I will be running on November 15th, the fastest and strongest race that I can. By having given meaning to the running I have already done and direction and purpose to the running I’m going to now do until race day, I know that I will be able to perform even beyond what I think I’m capable of today at this moment.
My grandmother was no fitness expert, but she had the right idea years ago. By broadcasting your intentions, as she said countless times, your goals go ‘from your mouth to God’s ears.’ November 15th, I know where I’ll be and now so do you.
Topics: Exercise, General, Personal Training |
