As you know I’ve been participating in Under Armour’s “What’s Beautiful” campaign. I’ve been hard at work on my stated goal:
“Focus on speedwork, strength training and core work so I can own new PRs for the 10K and the half marathon; and most of all, be a stronger version of myself!”
My first chance to achieve part of that goal was running Boston’s Run to Remember…. but I fell short of my target by 2 minutes.
My stomach went south around mile 8 and despite my best effort I couldn’t overcome those lousy two minutes!
So what do you do when you fail to reach your goal?
Have a pity party? Question how hard you trained? Take time off? All of the above?
Well I’m having none of that! I’m choosing to …. Assess, re-group and get going! While I’m ticked off that I missed my goal, there are some good lessons to take from the race and training cycle to help fuel me as I get ready to go after my goal again:
- During this training cycle I ended up not running enough longer runs with RP miles – in part because of the timing of other races I had on the schedule and because of a cranky ITB
- Once I started paying attention to the strength exercises Coach Bennett gave me for my IT, the IT became a non-issue in my training and in the race.
- Looking at my splits I can see that my time on the track is starting to pay off.
- While there was more core and strength work during this cycle, this is still a weak link for me.
So as I go after my 10Ks this summer and start training for my fall half marathons, I WILL:
- Put in more long runs with RP miles
- Keep doing the exercises my Coach gave me
- Continue to hit the track and hills for speed
- Be consistent in my core and strength work
- Find new nutrition game plan – while I treated every long run as a dress rehearsal for my races in terms of fueling something’s going terribly wrong on race day. So I’m starting from scratch here – I will keep a food journal and go back to trying new options pre-run. I will not let my stomach derail another race!
So what do you do when you fail to reach your goal?
Not hitting the mark is going to happen. It’s part of the learning process. That’s what I do – just like you did. I look at what I could have done differently and go back to the drawing board. You’re going to get there with a solid training plan like the one you outlined. Go for it!
Good for you Michelle! Reassessing and regrouping are key. You know what you need to do and I have no doubt YOU WILL!
This post gave me hope! I’ve been out this week with a VERY cranky herniated disc in my neck…I participated in my favorite race last weekend, a 50 mile relay with 5 of my friends, but I could barely move my head when I was finished. My BRF and I had started a 10k training plan 5 weeks ago and I think it was more intense than what my neck can handle. I’ve been kind of bummed about it this week but I’m determined to get back out there. Like you, I just need some time to reassess and regroup. Thanks for writing this!
Wow Amy that sounds really painful! Definitely give yourself the time you need to heal – I hope you are not sidelined for too long!
I love this Michelle!!! I love your quote too! I have no doubt that you will reach that goal!!!
The hardest part of setting goals is not reaching them – good for you to get up and carry on. There’s still a lot of year left to reach them and you’ve got a great solid plan in place – you’ll do great!
Great attitude! I tend to get mad right away but then step back and look at what I could have done different/better and learn from the experience 🙂
This really resonates with me! Sometimes you fall a little short of your goals, but then you reevaluate and adjust if needed. I have no doubt you’ll make your goals! Thanks for sharing!
If we reached every goal we made for ourselves the first time we tried, then they wouldn’t be very lofty goal! It will just make it that much more wonderful when you do achieve it! congrats on your progress.
That is so true Lea – great way to look at achieving goals! Thanks 🙂
Great attitude!! I allow myself a small amount of time to feel disappointed but quickly assess and move on to new gaol.
YES it’s all about what we can learn each time around. Running is such a fickle sport sometimes because no matter how perfect the training you never know what race day will bring.
Great reminder!!