Earlier this fall, I created two goals.
1) Eat for less than 10 dollars a day.
2) Run in the Drumstick Dash 10 K on Thanksgiving Day.
In one I was successful, and in one I was not.
If you have been following along on the 10 dollar day tab - you probably already know the answer to this, but I'll answer the question anyway.
I forfeited on the Drumstick Dash 10K.
so yes, I kicked myself a few times. ... but I think the more important question here is "Why?"
The reality is - Goal #2 was completely out of sync with my life right now. For some reason I thought I could still train the same way I did for the 10 miler, even though it was going to be freezing outside - I was still working 50 hours a week and I didn't have any real plans to get a gym membership. I maybe got out once a week - twice a week tops! I waited until the day of the race to decide, which was the coldest thanksgiving we have had in 25 years!!! I realized that a cold day to be skiing was probably a day that I didn't want to be running. Or at least that ended up being a great excuse - because honestly I didn't want to go at all, even if it had been nicer out. (I think I would have though - or at least I get to say that).
Goal #1 on the other hand completely fits my life right now. I found an easy way to manage it (online spreadsheet - easy to access), and in general it's incredibly achievable. I've barely had to modify my life at all.
Essentially, both goals were poorly conceived. Goal #1 has been altogether way too easy. I haven't had to stretch at all, in many instances it has encouraged me to eat fast food (so much money available! ahh!) instead of putting a "nix" on it. While on the plus side, it has helped me to keep a record of what I'm spending (in not just the food department) - I think this goal was overly easy. Goal #2 while seemingly easy at first - became "nearly impossible". I think both of these goals could have benefited from a slight modification. Maybe eating for $8 or $7 a day could have been enough to put the pressure on to avoid fast food. As far as the race - there were options that were shorter (5K or 8K) and warmer (later in the day). This would have been a whole lot less pressure and probably more fun orientated; while still managing to keep me in shape.
The point of this post is that while achieving goals is important; making good goals in the first place is a critical step in the process.
Well congrats on completing at least half of your goals. And now when you make new goals you have the experience to make them stronger goals, so to speak. I don't blame you on not wanting to run in the cold all the time. There is snow everywhere here and I still see people out running in the 24 degree weather. I don't know how they do it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the congrats and understanding. Also, I feel compelled to add here that is was 11 degrees Fahrenheit when I woke up that day - shudder!
ReplyDeleteBrrr - 11 degrees is way too cold to be outside. I would have forgone the race also. Of course, I'm not much of a racer.
ReplyDelete:-)
I agree with Channy. Your current data (spreadsheet) gives you the background you need to adjust your spending goals. I look forward to see what you come up with!
On a personal "Goal" note: I joined a new gym that opened up near my house. It is a boxing gym, and I've really enjoyed going. Which makes me wonder if I've been replaced with a pod person (I've NEVER enjoyed exercise before), but hey, I'm going to go with the flow.
Personally - I feel the only real way to consistently work out is to find something you love. I know there are Gym Rats out there, but it's never been me. Before runnign, all my previous get in shape attempts have been really futile. I do go off an on with yoga though... but tough to find a place that isn't over $15 a class !! ouch!
ReplyDelete