Goal Setting: A Guide by Coach K. (Set Your Body & Mind up for Success in 2023!)
After the typical highs and lows of the end of the year, it’s natural to get caught up in ruminations about what we want for our next spin around the sun. Some call these goals resolutions. I prefer to call them intentions or aspirations. Whatever we call it, goal setting is an important part of many people’s lives. Together, let’s break down how to set goals for 2023 that are achievable and, hopefully, pretty fun!
Written by Coach Karen Peterson
Edited by Pavlína Marek
To start your goal-setting journey, take a few notes regarding the following points.
What worked last year?
First, take some time to reflect on your health and fitness in 2022. What was enjoyable and helped you stay consistent? Is there something you tried that you want more of? What motivated you when you had trouble finding the time and energy to stay active? If you had setbacks, what were your thoughts at that time? Lastly, how can you gently return to where you want to be with your fitness?
Why:
Focus on what worked and what you want MORE of. It’s human nature to dwell on what went wrong, where we feel we failed, etc. Going into the new year with gratitude and positivity is invigorating and motivating!
What’s your dream?
Do you feel ready to sign up and train for your first 5K? Are you trail-curious and want to check out what it’s like to explore the dirt? Do you hope to up your race distance? Write a couple of sentences about what it would look like to achieve your goal.
Side note: we have plans for you! We’ve got you covered with a variety of training plans to get you to the finish line.
- Official RUN365 SF Marathon Training App (App Store / Google Play)
- 26-Week Training Program
- 18-Week Training Program
- 12-Week Training Program
- You can register for training together with race registration to save. If you’re already registered, you can add training plans to your registration in this form (you’ll need to scroll all the way down to find the “Training Only Packages”).
Why:
Having a clear vision for what you want to achieve motivates and focuses you. Not only it provides a destination for your journey, but it also gives your days, weeks, and months structure and energy. Simultaneously, it can also help to prioritize things that are important for achieving your goals, and set aside things that don’t serve you in fulfilling your wishes. As you can see, the goal-setting process requires you to take into consideration both what you want to achieve and what you can set aside.
What will support you?
For many, friends, family, or the running community provide a lot of support. The RUN365 community is also here for you! Furthermore, as physical support for your body is also an important part of your training, think about what you enjoy when it comes to cross-training. There are many fun ways to move your body to enhance your strength, agility, and flexibility as you move toward your goal(s).
Why:
What brings you joy and makes you happy to move? What feels good to you at this moment in your life? I love to help runners of any age feel their best and adjust their training plans accordingly. If you’d like some help with that, please reach out to coachkaren1964 (at) gmail.com—I’d be thrilled to hear from you!
Here’s to a bright and healthy 2023!