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Near the end of May, while socializing with some family members, my niece and her fiance talked about setting a goal to run an average of two miles per day for the month of June. Rules were pretty simple, just somehow get to 60 miles over 30 days. One could run two a day, or we joked that one could slack for most of the month then run to Marshall or to Luverne and back.
After some good banter and a couple of adult beverages, a number of us offered to join them on the task and we took on the challenge.
A goal was set, but now what? A Snapchat group was formed so we could encourage one another and have some level of accountability. This Snap group also proved to offer a level of good-natured banter, which made it fun. The next step was to develop a strategy. I had to consider time requirements, physical ability (or limitations), and do some projections on daily distances that would get me the requisite 60 miles.
My plan called for lower miles on a more frequent basis. Other, more seasoned runners could knock off 4-6 in one session then put in fewer days, but I haven’t run over a mile in many years. I knew that this would pose a physical barrier, and that I would also need some days off for recovery. My goal was to push my comfortable one mile run to three or more over the course of the month. I took the larger goal then broke it down into smaller pieces to overcome my known barriers.
The first week was horrible.
I was able to get the two mile mark early on, but it took a toll. The Snap group was encouraging to all and the motivation of others was invaluable to my push. I remember the pain in my legs as I walked up steps that week and the aches in the back and hips as I got out of bed. Not as fun as it sounded with those adult beverages in hand.
In any case, I kept going. I enjoyed some beautiful early morning sunrises by Indian Lake, I visited my mother and other friends and family at the cemetery, and I thought about serious topics and some days about nothing at all.
By the third week I was able to do some three mile runs and felt good that I could bank some miles and enjoy a day or two off. I realized how important that recovery time is to the body.
As the month neared an end, I wasn’t exactly sure how many miles I needed to close out the 60. I carved out some time while on vacation to add a few miles (first time that has ever been done while vacationing). Then on June 30, while returning from vacation, I realized that 1.7 miles were still needed. So that night, just before sunset I paid a final visit past Indian Lakes and to the cemetery to finish the job.
I’ve written before about the belief that life is full of lessons if we are open to seeing them. While on these runs, I was reminded of the importance of setting goals. A lesson, that I could do better at in various aspects of business and life. I was reminded that reaching a goal is best with a plan and should be broken down into steps, and that identifying barriers to achieving the goal makes for a better plan.
I was reminded of the importance of motivation. Most importantly this comes from within, but a good team of supporters to encourage you and to help hold you accountable is key. I learned the value of clearing the mind. The runs, even if only for 20 minutes, offered the opportunity to change the mind’s routine and provided a break from the toils of life.
Now it’s on to July. After a break for the holiday, I hit the trails again this week. My goal is different, but a goal has been set. And that’s where it starts.