It’s not unusual to feel a little empty after you’ve reached a significant health and fitness milestone, like participating in the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival. The monumental goal that inspired you to get out of bed in the morning and train hard for months has now come to an end.
Whether you realised it or not, setting yourself a challenge like running in a half or full marathon is a perfect example of goal setting. You have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, and when you need to achieve it by. This also provides motivation and direction when mapping out a training program to help achieve your goal.
So what’s next? The key is to find another health and fitness goal that can help you stay focused, and help you advance even further than before. Here are some basic guidelines to help you set your next fitness challenge.
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Set a long-term goal that’s measurable, realistic yet challenging, and that has a deadline
Example - Run 30 kilometers without stopping by January 31.
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Make a plan that incorporates a series of short term goals that will combine to help you achieve your long-term goal. Then take action and start to live out the process of achieving your short-term goals, re-evaluating along the way.
Example - Train 4 days a week, cut back on junk food, and drink more water.
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Set yourself small rewards that motivate you and support your efforts
Example – Buy new running shorts after 6 weeks of training 4 times a week
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Write down your goals
Example – Get a training diary, or set up a computer spread sheet to record your goals and training plans, and monitor your progress.
What are your health and fitness goals?