Much to my surprise in 2022 I learned to run!
I have been saying for years that I would love to be able to run, I would get the trainers on from time to time and run a bit but it was never consistent and it was certainly not something I enjoyed. Last year that changed, and I can now run a 5K and I love it.
This article is not about running and me telling you how to run as that would be ridiculous! However, my journey to 5K helps me to understand how setting goals and achieving them is most likely to be achieved. So here are my learnings from last year:
Set a Goal: When I pulled my trainers on and went for the odd run in lockdown that was not part of a plan with goals so that is how it stayed – a one off run with no structure and no target. Last year I joined a Jog Scotland learn to run group, they gave me a structured 12 week plan which built up to a 5K. At the end of it I would be able to do the Park Run at Stirling Uni so that was my goal. This kept me focused as I had something to work towards, but I also had small goals to meet each week which were set out in the training plan. I only focused on the goal for the relevant week and did not read on to week 10 when I was only at week 3.
Track Progress: I could see that I was progressing through the weeks and I was getting better so this gave me the motivation to keep going. Then I discovered Strava! Having this information after each run helps to see how I might be improving (or getting slower if I have not been out for a while!) I am now getting obsessed with the times, the splits and the pace!
Connect with Others: Some people are happy to work away on their own and have the self-discipline to keep going. I do not! I need the company and encouragement of others. I tried the couch to 5K podcast a few times but only got to week 3 of a 9 week course (which was no achievement as I skipped week 1). Running with others makes me accountable to go out even when it is dark and raining. My running friend and I often say no way would we come out if we were doing this alone.
Positive Mindset: The more I get into the running the more I think that the key is to believe that you can do it. One night I went out with my friend and “running mentor” the plan said I needed to run for 7 minutes and walk for 2. So we set off round the loch at Stirling Uni. I was quite far round when thought no way is this 7 minutes – I started to feel exhausted and said I can’t go any further – she looked at her watch and said she had forgotten to set it and we had actually run for 13 minutes. I went from feeling totally exhausted to being delighted! She observed I was not actually exhausted, and it was all just in my head – and she was right.
Keep going: This year I have signed up for an actual race with actual runners! I am doing this to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice which is a place close to my heart. I know if I stop running, I will go back to the start very quickly, so I am doing this to raise money but also to give me an incentive to keep going.
My running story has helped me think about how we may set goals and work towards them in all aspects of our life and specifically at work. I didn’t expect to be able to write this article in early 2022 as I nearly gave up a few times, but I think that it is a good example of the factors we need to consider when we are trying to achieve a goal.
This story links well to how coaching can help us achieve our goals. Coaching is about:
I love working with coaching clients and seeing them achieve their goals. To find out more about the workplace coaching I offer please have a look on my website or get in touch for a chat. http://www.bellhrconsulting.co.uk/workplace-coaching.html
If my story has inspired you to learn to run this year – I highly recommend joining a Jog Scotland group! https://jogscotland.org.uk
I have been saying for years that I would love to be able to run, I would get the trainers on from time to time and run a bit but it was never consistent and it was certainly not something I enjoyed. Last year that changed, and I can now run a 5K and I love it.
This article is not about running and me telling you how to run as that would be ridiculous! However, my journey to 5K helps me to understand how setting goals and achieving them is most likely to be achieved. So here are my learnings from last year:
Set a Goal: When I pulled my trainers on and went for the odd run in lockdown that was not part of a plan with goals so that is how it stayed – a one off run with no structure and no target. Last year I joined a Jog Scotland learn to run group, they gave me a structured 12 week plan which built up to a 5K. At the end of it I would be able to do the Park Run at Stirling Uni so that was my goal. This kept me focused as I had something to work towards, but I also had small goals to meet each week which were set out in the training plan. I only focused on the goal for the relevant week and did not read on to week 10 when I was only at week 3.
Track Progress: I could see that I was progressing through the weeks and I was getting better so this gave me the motivation to keep going. Then I discovered Strava! Having this information after each run helps to see how I might be improving (or getting slower if I have not been out for a while!) I am now getting obsessed with the times, the splits and the pace!
Connect with Others: Some people are happy to work away on their own and have the self-discipline to keep going. I do not! I need the company and encouragement of others. I tried the couch to 5K podcast a few times but only got to week 3 of a 9 week course (which was no achievement as I skipped week 1). Running with others makes me accountable to go out even when it is dark and raining. My running friend and I often say no way would we come out if we were doing this alone.
Positive Mindset: The more I get into the running the more I think that the key is to believe that you can do it. One night I went out with my friend and “running mentor” the plan said I needed to run for 7 minutes and walk for 2. So we set off round the loch at Stirling Uni. I was quite far round when thought no way is this 7 minutes – I started to feel exhausted and said I can’t go any further – she looked at her watch and said she had forgotten to set it and we had actually run for 13 minutes. I went from feeling totally exhausted to being delighted! She observed I was not actually exhausted, and it was all just in my head – and she was right.
Keep going: This year I have signed up for an actual race with actual runners! I am doing this to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice which is a place close to my heart. I know if I stop running, I will go back to the start very quickly, so I am doing this to raise money but also to give me an incentive to keep going.
My running story has helped me think about how we may set goals and work towards them in all aspects of our life and specifically at work. I didn’t expect to be able to write this article in early 2022 as I nearly gave up a few times, but I think that it is a good example of the factors we need to consider when we are trying to achieve a goal.
This story links well to how coaching can help us achieve our goals. Coaching is about:
- setting our own goals
- breaking them down into manageable tasks
- tracking progress based on feedback or information we have available
- considering the resources around us that can help us to achieve our goals
- being accountable for the actions we agree to
I love working with coaching clients and seeing them achieve their goals. To find out more about the workplace coaching I offer please have a look on my website or get in touch for a chat. http://www.bellhrconsulting.co.uk/workplace-coaching.html
If my story has inspired you to learn to run this year – I highly recommend joining a Jog Scotland group! https://jogscotland.org.uk
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