Goal Oriented Training

If you are the type of person who needs a little motivation to start the body in motion, goal oriented training may be the way to go. Goals can keep you focused in your workouts and get you in gear on those off days or periods when the prospect of a fitness routine is unappealing. I have always been active, but at different levels of involvement throughout my life. New goals pull me out of a predictable and what can sometimes become a mindless routine. Lack of sustained purpose can definitely lead to a malaise or indifference towards the same old workouts. Goals give me something tangible to work towards and keep me challenged. My most recent fitness surge came in October 2001. It started from a conversation with my siblings, relatives and self. One minute we are talking workout smack – who’s in better shape than the other – and the next minute double daring to an endurance run. A pack was made between four of us, my two brothers, cousin and me. We promised to return to Minnesota one year from that date to run the Minneapolis Marathon together. I was energized! That I was accountable to others for accomplishing the goal made me more committed to achieving it. As it turns out, my cousin and I were the only ones to return for and complete the run. It was a glorious moment of accomplishment. That was the first of other long runs and race goals I set for myself during the next several years.

These days my fitness goals have been a little less lofty but are nonetheless as effective in keeping me motivated to move. Most recently, I ran a short, charity race (miracleinthesun) with both my brothers. It was the first time we had all been in the area during the race and an event we looked forward to. I knew I had to keep myself in shape in the months and weeks leading up to the race so my younger brothers didn’t leave me in the dust – a great motivator. Plus, on a more serious note the event also had great significance to us on a personal level. The benefit was held on behalf of a dear friend of the family, Rob Graham. He was a promising young basketball coach, respected by many and on his way up in the field when he unexpectedly experienced congestive heart failure while coaching a game. He returned from a coma to live, but every day is a challenge for him. The proceeds of this race contribute to his medical and physical therapy needs. He and we are forever changed by the experience. Participating in this event is our family’s way of showing and providing our support to Rob.

Perhaps there is a cause that is equally as personal to you that will provide a fitness goal for you or your family to work towards that will not only leave you with a feeling of accomplishment but also a sense of personal satisfaction in knowing that you contributed to something that helped others as well a yourself. There are a variety of fitness charity events in many regions throughout the country. They run the gamut from biking, swimming and running to walking, jazzersizng and dancing. Find your fit, set your goal and keep yourself energized to move.

Happy goal setting your way to good health!

Maria