A few weeks ago, Aby and I were talking about the beauty of being part of simplify 101’s online classes, and it hit us both how much this is like running. You probably know that Aby is a runner. And if you’re around my husband for any amount of time, he’ll find a way to proudly tell you that I’m a runner, too. For me, it’s a harder to say that, and I’ll be honest with you – it makes me feel a little tingly! See, up until 15 months ago, I absolutely, positively hated running. I hated it my whole life!
But, I kept getting these little nudges to try it…
- I wasn’t content with my fitness level or weight, even though I already exercised regularly.
- I was fairly bored with the exercise I was doing, so I was looking for something different.
- Every time I talked to someone who looked fit and healthy, it turned out they were runners.
- I had numerous friends who had great experiences with the Couch to 5k program.
- Finally, I watched this video. And then, I laced up my shoes.
One thing Couch to 5k really encourages is not just to be able to run the 5k distance, but to actually sign up to run a race. I found a nearby 5k race that coincided with my training schedule, took a deep breath, and registered. Because I was NOT a runner, to say I had doubts about running 3.1 miles is an understatement.
That first day, I will tell you it was incredibly difficult to run a full minute. But I did it, and you know what? It felt really good. By the next week, I was ready to take it to the next level. And on and on I went, achieving the mini-goals that led me to the pinnacle – running for a full 3.1 miles.
When race day rolled around, the truth is that I’d already run that distance a couple times already. So, why would I pay money to get up really stinking early, drive 45 minutes away, brave the cold weather, and run that Jingle Bell run with a whole crowd of people? Why wouldn’t I just hop on the treadmill in the privacy of my climate-controlled basement and run a 5k at my convenience? Surely it wasn’t the 6-sizes-too-big T-shirt I received?
I think it was this:
- Signing up for that race put a date on my calendar. There was a real target to work toward, and that got me out of bed plenty of early mornings.
- I was being held accountable. I had a friend who’d signed up with me, not to mention all the people I’d told about this goal.
- Achieving a goal with a whole group of people is simply indescribable. For one thing, I discovered that running with other people brings out my best effort. And for another, runners cheer each other on. If I start to struggle, it’s likely someone is going to run up from behind and remind me that I can do it. Once I get my second wind, I offer encouragement to others, or cheer the ones who zoom past me at a pace I can’t comprehend.
- Having a professional measure the distance and time made it official. (I even got a medal to prove it!)
(Here I am with my 5k buddy after we jingled all the way. Oh, what fun!)
I think all these same points hold true for our classes as well. We find the people in our classes are ready to make changes they haven’t been able to make by going it alone. Often times, they aren’t sure they can really do it. But then, they take those first steps and find themselves gaining confidence and motivation. Like the experience of a formal race, our participants find a whole community of people sharing the same goal, offering each other encouragement along the way.
(Me, among a whole crowd of amazing runners, fighting back tears after having just crossed the finish line of a half marathon in October.)
Today, even with another 5k, a 5-miler, and two half-marathons under my belt, I’ve been feeling my motivation wane. So, I found out what my running friends are up to, and I’m planning my next couple races. I need those targets on the calendar and the friends to keep me running towards that finish line!
Happy New Year,
P.S. Could you use a little help in achieving your goals?
P.S.S. What are your current goals and resolutions? We’d love to hear them!
What a great achievement!!! Congrats on reaching your goal.
1. My goal is to work on building up our savings and emergency funds. I have a plan laid out for the year but I’m concentrating on the first 6 months then I’ll re-evaluate come June.
2. We also have 2 old cars and need to think about getting one new one so I’m setting a goal to try and save towards a good down payment by the end of 2012 and hoping that the truck will hold out for one more year.
3. I’m pretty organized but I really wanted to work on our filing system and tweak it. I started this before I got sick and got a great start. Now I need to finish. I’ve shredding 4 years worth of files and have cleaned out 2011 and set up 2012 files. Now I have to clean out the 2 drawer file cabinet.
4. We updated our wills this past year but I want to organize a list of all our accounts and policies and keep everything located in one central area. Not sure best way to contain all the information but will work on that.
5. I want to work on eating more healthy in the new year.
6. We want to take a vacation so I’ve set up a savings account specifically for it. This way I’ve marked the money specifically for some fun. Now to decide were to go while our vacation savings grow.
7. Have a date night with my hubby. I’m thinking maybe once a month plan something and every other month alternate picking. We also want to spend more time with family so we were talking about doing a dinner every other month with his brothers and sister.
8. I love to craft and have bought a ton of supplies for projects. I gathered supplies to use for gifts for next year and organized in some containers to work on. It was good to clean out the craft room and see what I have stored and put a plan into action to use the supplies. This will also cut down on the cost of gifts for Christmas next year. With the long winter months ahead it’s a perfect time to get some projects completed.
I’m still thinking on goals for the new year but I have a good start and plan laid out. Looking forward to seeing others, they always inspire me.
Way to go, Jennifer! I am also a runner. I love having goals as opposed to resolutions which I feel lousy when I break them.
Start reading the Harry Potter series – I am always embarrassed to admit my nine year old is on book five and I have not read any.
Read more books this year. Cookbooks and parenting books don’t count.
“Less is more” is my theme for the coming year – less stuff in the house, watch less tv and eat less junk food,etc. This may be a tough one but I would like to make this happen.
Run my first full marathon. Foot troubles may get in my way of accomplishing this but I am determined to try. 🙂
Thanks so much Dottie and Keri for sharing your goals here! You’ve both got some exciting things on the horizon for 2012!! I can’t wait to hear about your progress. ~ Aby
Thanks so much, Dottie & Keri! Wow, you both have amazing goals for yourselves in 2012! I hope you’ll keep us posted on your progress. Happy New Year!
~ Jennifer