I ran my first 5K in 2009 after successfully completing the Fleet Feet No Boundaries program. About 2 weeks later, I did my second 5K and finished in almost exactly the same time. After that, I didn’t have any races lined up. I figured I had all the tools I needed and that I would have no problem getting in better shape and losing more weight. I would just keep running and everything would work out great.
Boy was I wrong.
Without a race ahead, I had no focus. I would run occasionally but never with clear expectations. Everything I gained from the first training program faded as summer began. I made lots of excuses. I soon realized that if I was going to improve, I needed to set more goals. Longer term goals. Push myself goals. So I signed up for another 5K and a new training program.
This time I trained with the Chicago Area Runners Association and registered for the Hot Chocolate 5K. (Back when it was smaller and much better organized at Montrose Harbor). The training in some ways was a lot harder than the first time. I had to work through the same struggles. The CARA program was OK but I had much better support from the Fleet Feel coaches.
Race day was cool. There was a great vibe that morning. Lots of people were there for the candy and the fun. It was a smaller race back then. I had a pretty good race and finished in the same time as my first two 5Ks. I had a few friends who were running the 15K. That morning I set my first longer-distance goal – that I would race the 15K the next year.
It was during this time that I set several other important goals for myself. I resolved to do the Shamrock Shuffle 8K and trained with Team in Training for it. I also trained with TNT for the Chicago Triathlon. That year was in many ways more important than 2009. I not only did the 8K, 15K, and the Sprint Triathlon, I proved to myself that I could set bigger goals. I learned how to train for more than running. I set intermediate and longer term goals. I wasn’t just moving the goal line, I was adding new ones and celebrating the ones I crossed.
I’m still doing it five years and 52 races later. Last year was one of my biggest goals, the Marine Corps Marathon. In 2014, I kept my races simpler without major training programs. 2015 is going to be the year of the Half-Ironman Triathlon. I don’t know which one just yet, but that’s the goal. In about a week I’m going to start working with a personal trainer for strength training and core conditioning.
What’s important is that I keep pushing myself. I’m about 30lbs away from my goal weight. The fitness goals remain elusive. Maybe in the end I won’t get all that much faster. We’ll see. What will be the goal after the 70.3? Who knows. I had vowed I would never do another marathon but them again, I swore I would never do one. I’m saying the same thing about a full Ironman but there’s a voice in my head saying, “why not?” That would be a good turning 50 goal I think.
Set big goals. Celebrate and reflect on the victories along the way.
Hot Chocolate 5K, 2009