Late last spring, I was reading The Happy Runner. I had finished my first ultra (a 55K) a month or two before and wondered, What’s next, and how do I want to get there? David and Megan Roche have a fantastic philosophy and approach to running that focuses on process over results. The book included a series of questions, and at the time, I put the answers into a draft post.
Not long after, I hired a coach (recommended by David) to help create some focus and structure while I took a little break from big goals and thought about what I wanted to do next. Now I’m working toward my next major goal—a 50 mile race (in June).
Today I looked back at what I wrote last spring. And I don’t think there’s anything to change now. I just picked certain priorities for the time being.
Here’s what I put down last year (with current commentary in italics).
Three affirmations
- I am strong
- I am stubborn
- I move with purpose
Long term goals
- Run a 100 miler – In my mind for 2021; using a 50 miler this year as a building block/test)
- Push my speed – can I BQ? – I’m waaaaaay the heck off from this… but I picked up a half marathon PR—by almost 6 min, down to 1:53:38—without training for time. So maybe it’s doable? Plus by the time I might be ready to focus on speed, I’ll probably be in the next age group, so that buys me 5 min 😜
Why do I run at all?
- To stay healthy – definitely, and it’s not just about physical health
- To be a more present person in my life
- To build strength & confidence
- Also to listen to podcasts 🤣
Why do I run today?
- To process stress – This is a driving motive each day. After I was promoted recently, I even scheduled running on my calendar to be sure that I don’t let work crowd out this critical activity.
- To counteract a day of sitting
- To take a break from everything
- To have fun
- And to listen to podcasts
Why do I race at all?
- To test myself
- To have fun
- To experience running with others
- To set a target/focal point
Why do I have those long term goals?
- To explore my limits
- To appreciate what my body can do
- To connect more deeply with my body, mind & community
