Three years ago, I did not resolve to change. I just eased into it subconsciously. Because I set my expectations low (or not at all), it took the pressure off meeting unattainable goals. My change was physical and mental, but whatever you wish to resolve the same blueprint can be used.
It’s okay to set hard goals, but set easy objectives
The change began when I started running Big Boss Run Club on Sundays. The shortest distance is 3 miles. I “jogged” the first quarter mile and walked the next mile. When I got bored and frustrated with the walk, I tried jogging again for maybe another quarter mile and walked again. For the pessimist, they would say I failed running 3 miles. But to change, favor toward optimism. The next week I ran more of the route. The third week I somehow jogged the full 3 miles. Continuing my perspective of just easing it in, I did not set this week as the week to jog the full distance. What I did do was continue my same routine and felt that day was the day to finish. I still remember the big smile on my face finishing that jog from the huge sense of achievement.
Use a race as a goal
After I was comfortable running the 3-mile route completely, I wanted to see what I could do at a race. My goal was to run the All American 5K in a couple months. A race established a mental place on the calendar to keep me motivated. Even today, when a race is not scheduled, I will lower the running load. So use the mental power a race will have to change you. Also, I enjoy races, because it provides a closed course with fluids and support. This provides an optimal environment to really see how far and fast I can go.
A Training Plan helps set easy objectives
While running the All American 5K, the Blue Ridge Star-K, and later the Bull City Half Marathon my plan was run a few miles with progressing one mile each week until the race. When I registered for the Blue Ridge Marathon, I looked for a more structured training plan. A training plan is recommended as it takes a large goal like a marathon and makes it more digestible. Each week you experience a few runs with a weekend long run that will progress and help prepare for a marathon distance.
Find a Group or Run Club
As the saying goes “misery loves company.” All kidding aside, running with a group at least once a week can provide many benefits. Accountability is a big one starting out, because they will ask if you are running. Also your friends will look forward to socializing. Lastly your friends will provide advice on your goals and keep you on pace.
Patience, results will come
“A watched pot never boils,” is a true statement when it comes to making a change. Especially, if you are monitoring daily your running times, weight, or other metrics you have added. Looking at the small daily deviations and change will not be as apparent. But looking over months on your accomplishments of finishing a race, clothes are little less snug, or your recent positive feelings and confidence, it will come together that this is your year.
Keep Wandering!
Here are some tools to help you get started
- Fitness Connection (or your local gym): when it is too cold you will want to run on a treadmill (I prefer outdoors). In addition, you will also want to break the monotony of running and cross-train. They have exercise equipment available, but I highly recommend their Group Exercise classes. Most are Les Mills and I strongly believe they helped further my progress in change.
- Training Plans: My first few marathons I ran using Hal Higdon training plans. Recently, I used McMillian Racing, which has tools on expected times and paces based on your recent race performance. McMillian’s plan integrated with my Strava account through Final Surge, which helped me compare my progress to the training plan. Blue Ridge Marathon has a plan tailored to their race (use WINTERTRAIN for a 15% discount).
- Run Clubs: In Raleigh, every day of the week there is a run club operating. Looking for one in your neighborhood, ask your local running store (like Fleet Feet) for a list of clubs (they may organize or support one, too.) A few I recommend are Big Boss Run Club, Nog Run Club, House of Hops, and River Run Club, which are located in Raleigh and North Raleigh.
- Races: Nog Run Club organizes two races a year, Bull City Running has a few, and Runologie just released a new four pack of races (that progressively get longer through the year). If you are looking to travel in less than 3 hours, I recommend All American Marathon (Fayetteville, use BrianAllAmerican for 10%), Blue Ridge Marathon (Roanoke, use BRMFRIENDS for 15%), Mother Earth Brewing Ironclad Half Marathon & 5K (Kinston), and Richmond Marathon.
The Wandering Sheppard 