Setting Goals

I talked with my students about setting goals today. I explained that setting goals can motivate us in all aspects of our lives. Our lesson was actually about saving money, and setting goals in order to establish a plan to save money, but we took the idea of goal-setting into other areas. The kids have AR goals for reading, goals for DIBELS testing, goals for their grades, and so on. Just as they have goals, I, too, have some life goals. I need them so that I stay active, motivated, and so that I continue to evolve into a better, healthier person.

When I started on this journey of training my over-40 body to run, my goals were minimal. I wanted to be able to run without passing out or vomiting, and I eventually wanted to be able to run the 2-mile race at the Schweizer Fest. As my loving husband will eagerly profess, I am a bit (well...very) neurotic. I might set a goal, but then I want to achieve that goal in record time. The 2-mile race was in August, but I reached my goal in May. So I set the next goal. I wanted to be able to run 3 miles so that I could run a 5K. By June of last year, I could check that goal off of my list. After that, I worked on my speed and adding miles. Knowing that I would never be fast, I was still determined to improve my speed in races, which I have done. I might never be competitive, but I will beat someone!

Over the past several months, Gary and some of my running friends have told me that I could complete a half marathon. I just wasn't feeling it. Running for two hours did not sound at all appealing, and taking time to train for that wasn't a priority. Then one Sunday I ran 9 miles, and the next I ran 10. Is it possible? I felt great on those two runs. After those two runs, I was able to see a dream come true, which has made me even more motivated to train.

While for most of you this might seem a rather strange dream, it was my dream, and I was thrilled to have the chance to reach it. I ran along Lake Michigan in Chicago! Having lived my early childhood years about 1/2 hour from Chicago, I spent time there as a child, and have gone back several times as an adult - but never as a runner. Kim Strobel and I went to Chicago for an International Reading Association conference, and we had time to get out and enjoy the city, so we ran. The wind off the lake was wicked, but I looked to my left and the lake was about 10 feet from me; I looked to my right and saw the amazing skyline; and up ahead was the Field Museum of History. I was in awe, and I was willing to run in that wind in order to experience a beautiful run.

So, now I am back running in Tell City, and I am planning to run the Women's Half Marathon in September in Nashville. I feel that running a women's race will be less intimidating, and it will be a fun 'girly' weekend. I am desperately trying to convince my niece Erin to run it with me. Running for 13.1 miles can get pretty lonely, and if she were with me, I have no doubt we could both finish. This past Sunday I ran 11.17 miles! That is my furthest run yet, and I lived to write about it! I am so excited to continue to add mileage and improve my running. Last year at this time I still hated running! It is amazing what our bodies can do if we are willing to challenge them.

I must tell you another amazing story: My sister, who is 11 years older than I, and has never been an athlete (she is the smart one who spent her time studying), started running a couple months ago. She has walked for exercise for a long time, and she walks fast. I think that made the transition to running a little easier for her because she has already run 5 miles! It took me months to get to that point. I am so proud of her! This Saturday she will run her first 5K, and her baby sister will be right at the finish line cheering her on!

If my sister and I can call ourselves runners, anyone can! We all started out by combining running and walking, and gradually adding a bit more running. We all know how hard it is to get started, and we appreciate the effort that everyone must put in. If you choose to run, you will find more support than you ever thought possible. There is a camaraderie like no other among runners.

Get outside...it's almost summer!