Setting Goals

Setting goals is not just a way of making sure you develop as a runner. It also helps you to stay motivated. As you start achieving your goals, you build your own motivation and your running becomes more rewarding.

Here are some basic pointers for using goal-setting:

1. Setting a goal only works when you make it specific and measurable. If you say you'll train in the mornings, does that mean rainy ones too?
2. When choosing a goal keep it challenging yet still achievable. Keep in mind that when you start being your own trainer, the distinction between optimistic and realistic tends to be a fine line!
3. Make the plan to run on a regular basis. Achieving any goals will mean you need some kind training plan, and for that you need to run on a regular basis, say three times a week. Keeping a logbook is a good way to stick to your training plan.
4. To start with, train to cover a specific distance. Don't be too concerned with your speed and just focus on covering a distance, such as ten kilometers.
5. One of the most powerful goals to set is to enter a race. Just enter and then train towards that date. Follow a training programme or schedule which you feel will help you reach this goal.
6. Try your best to achieve your goals, enjoy working towards them and don't forget to celebrate when you finally achieve your goal.