to set a new goal. To get back on the proverbial hoarse. The question is...what's next? Before E was born, I was getting extremely serious about triathlon. I'd created my race schedule culminating in multiple Olympic distance tris.
My ultimate endurance goal, is the same as my buddy the Janice, the Fitness Cheerleader...to do a Half Ironman. I know and accept that I'll never be able to do a full Ironman. My back is too far gone but I think I can squeeze out a half if I really try.
But the other side of me wants to get back in competition shape and compete in a figure competition again. That's also something that I had a lot of fun doing and was getting but it too would take a lot of time and effort which would be different than the time and effort needed to do the half ironman.
So what's a girl to do? Oh yeah and by the way, I'm still in school getting my MBA and don't graduate till next August. ARGH! The smart sensible side of me says...
Come on Katie, don't you think you have enough on your plate? Don't you think you should maybe lay low this year and just get through school?
But then there is the ever present need to compete athletically. The need to feel the pain of pushing yourself to limits you didn't know you could reach and then feel the joy and sense of accomplishment once you achieve it. Seriously it's a high like none other.
So maybe I need to compromise. I started looking around trying to find maybe a sprint triathlon or two just to get back into it.
Prep for a figure competition is a 12 week process. Should I find one to target and start prepping? SO many choice so little time (literally). I'm the type to feel better when I have a goal. Help me figure this out.
What would you do? How did you set your goals? How did you make sure they were realistic? Have you ever set a goal that was too aggressive?
Don't forget to register for the Nuun giveaway. Contest ends on Thursday. LINK
Wow! You are so ambitious...it's inspiring!!
ReplyDeleteNo one can tell you what to do. I believe you can accomplish anything you set your mind to~ You have a lot on your plate, yes. Just go with your gut and take on what you feel you can handle that won't stress you out...where you can plan a time frame accordingly!
I'll tell you one thing, no one has an excuse to not go after things...I know you make me feel that way! Get it!
Thanks for the motivating words!! You're so right about no one having an excuse. Such wise words.
DeleteI think you know best what your body can handle. I understand it is scary to go either way, but be honest with yourself.
ReplyDeleteI think that's my biggest problem. Deep down I think I know what I need to do it just doesn't jive with what I want to do.
DeleteWhat will you do with your MBA? As to goals, I set them and then list the steps it will take to get there. That way I can see progress, and I love checking things off my list.
ReplyDeleteAlexandra
My MBA is supposed to help me at work. It's a work sponsored program that will hopefully help me get promoted.
DeletePersonally this has always been a goal of mine, to get an MBA. It just cramps my style right now with the other goals I have. :)
for me goals TRULY are dreams with timelines
ReplyDeletethat way, for me, they cannot ever be too aggressive.
MizFit
Your definition of goals just gave me goosbumps. I think I'm such a tactical person. Can you give me an example of one of your goals?
DeleteYEsyes you are on ambitious athlete! I think having a goal is worthwhile, so long as you set realistic time frames and such given your constraints--like school. For me, my running goal took a back seat given how busy my own grad school ended up making me, and the fact that I kind of temporarily fell out of love with running. Now, Im running and training for fun, but if I get my mojo back this summer, I'll re-instate my goal. Meanwhile, I set a smaller goal for running a difficult stadium-style 5k in August. It's within my reach, but gives me something to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteOnly you can make your own decision here. I hope it makes you happy :) Your goal should make you happy and release the stress of school, rather than add to it. Good luck!
I know exactly the feeling you are talking about. Sometimes you do lose your mojo. You'll get it back and when you do, you'll crush your goals.
DeleteYou will know what's best for YOUR body, your goals and what you want to do.
ReplyDeleteI myself am lax when it comes to making goals...I have them but no deadlines, no pressure...which can be good & bad...
Sure you'll make the decision thats right for you! :)
I agree that some people you and MizFit don't necessarily need goals to achieve/stay healthy. I'm jealous of that internal drive. It's awesome.
DeleteI wish I could stay that driven in the absense of a goal it just doesn't go with my personality style.
You go girl, take on the world! Like someone said already only you can decide what is good for you.
ReplyDeleteFor me, I have a list of everything I want to achieve (short and Long term) and then I just pick one to work towards that suits my lifestyle and fitness at that time. So at the moment while I have a little one who is too little to run with I am focusing on speed work and building back to a half marathon. Short sessions are all I can fit in. Marathon goals will have to wait till I can run with the little guy.
In regards to being too aggressive with your goals, I love this quote. . .
'if your dreams don't scare you then they're not big enough'
That said if you are dreading your training or resenting it then yeah its probably not suited to where you are in life.
Soo excited to see what you do next!!!
LOVE THAT QUOTE. So true. Love the perspective you provided here. Pretty sure it's going to stick with me for a while.
DeleteTough choices, no doubt! I would focus on a sprint tri or two for now, putting that 1/2 goal off until you get through school. I can't weigh in on the figure competition b/c that is totally out of my arena, so I don't know what the time commitment is there. But I think you need to do something, b/c you clearly are yearning for it!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel like that kid in high school that wants to be part of every click. The choir kids, the jocks, etc. You get the picture. My goals are so unfocused. :) I like to change things up.
DeleteSo exciting about the goals you plan on working towards!
ReplyDeleteWhen I have a goal(s)I want to achieve, I set out a realistic time frame for myself (some have dates, some don't). Either way, I want to take my time and ensure I enjoy the journey that gets me to where I want to be, whether it be competing, entering a race etc...
Love your comment about the journey. I think often I just see it as a means to an end and forget to step back and enjoy the moment. It's all part of the experience.
DeleteSuch wise words!
Great post... from what you are writing, it sounds like you already have an idea in mind. Don't they say "Always trust your gut" for a reason? I absolutely must have something on the calendar. It drives me. It motivates me. The option here is, when is that date? Allow yourself some breathing room, i think, while allowing yourself to "push" it.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm always concerned I'm rambling. I think you're right. I need to trust my gut.
Delete