Many will tell you that in order to stay focused, you must have a goal; a set number or grade or feeling...etc. "You have to know where you're going, or else any road will take you there." is a quote that recently came across. Well touche, my good sir, but I say au contraire. Goals are fun and certainly important, but what ever happened to doing something because it was, well, fun?
This is especially evident in the realm of endurance sports. We are always chasing the clock (see "grains in an hourglass", one of my previous posts) and not thinking about how cool it is that we can run (or swim, or bike) as far and as well as we do. Somewhere between the intervals and combinations of sets and reps we lose the concept of self achievement. Even a bad workout is awesome. Did those 400's beat you up this morning? Instead of being discouraged, just let it go. A bad workout doesn't mean a darn thing. If you eliminate expectations, then you also eliminate the doubts and fears that come with them. It's kind of like cutting loose of the shackles. All is successful when there is no chance at failure.
Some people do respond well to goals, and it's a great tool for someone who isn't used to training or competing. But for those of us who have had our hearts broken on the course a few times, maybe it's time to chuck the goal out the window and just do what you can on that day. One of my favorite quotes is "When I have done the best I can with what I have, then I have won my race." This is a better motto than any of those that suggest that you should be near death when you cross the finish line...
Now that I am contemplating what my next pursuit is, I have decided that it will not include a certain number. I simply want to be the best I can be, and get that "raw competitor" feeling back. I saw a side of me that I didn't know existed in my half marathon 2 months ago, and that's what I want to go for every time I race. I had no goal for that race, and it will probably be my best performance as a whole for years to come.
Of course, you have to assess yourself. How are you motivated? Ask yourself honestly, would you train for hours and hours a day, even if you didn't have a goal? Finding what works for you both physically and mentally really affects the approach you take. I think I've found mine.
For getting through my rant, you can now enjoy some post-marathon stories:
1. Walking to class on Monday after the race was miserable. I waddled like I had a stick...erm, nevermind.
2. The stairs were even worse. I side-stepped up, and then used the railings like crutches on the way down. When boarding the bus, people slammed into me because it would take me so long to get in and out. Oh, and I grimaced A LOT.
3. Speaking of the bus, I twice saw it drive right past me as I was walking to the stop. I tried power walking, but stopped because I would get out of breath. I'll catch the next one.
4. I hate the bus, but I did see some interesting people. Always do.
5. I always got really strange looks when hobbling to class. People gave me this what-is-this-girl's-problem look.
6. Lastly, I am really proud of the race. It was a great experience, and I don't think I could have done any better. I sure am glad that the pain is gone, though. I'm hoping it will be better the next time around. :)
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