Before the start of any training plan it’s important to set yourself a goal. It doesn’t have to be time specific or even race related. Here are a few examples.

• Run a 5k PB
• Complete my first 10K
• Run a half marathon without stopping
• Complete 80% of my sessions in my training plan
• Increase my cadence to 180
• Increase my stride length
• Complete a 100 mile ultra 🤯

A goal can act as great motivation during your training plan and give you that incentive to get out the front door when the sofa is calling your name.

It also allows you or your running coach (sign up folks) to create a training plan with sessions that are specific for your running goal.

Picking a realistic goal is crucial. There are some very important questions you should be asking yourself before setting a new running goal.

1. How much time do I have available each week?
2. What sort of sessions/runs do I enjoy?
3. Will I be as committed during the cold/dark winter months?
4. Are there are current niggles or injury worries that could limit my running?
5. Can I financially afford to achieve this goal?

The last one is something  you might never consider. But if you enter a marathon on a whim you might not have factored in some financial costs, like travel, accommodations, extra running shoes to cover the miles, more running gear, a running coach 😉, gym membership and even gels for your long runs. There can be a big difference in the cost to training for a marathon, compared to a quicker 5k time.

We don’t all have to run marathons. I’m sure there are runners in your club that you have the upmost respect for that have never run a marathon. I’ve done a few and I’m now left pondering whether all the extra time I committed was actually worth it.

If you train properly for a marathon then your long runs are likely going to reach 3 hours in time. That’s a big chunk of a Sunday morning, or weekday taken up. Especially if you travel too and from the route. Also how will you feel for the rest of the day? If you have family to spend time with you don’t want to be exhausted all weekend from your long run and be a grumpy sod!

My advice is always start off small. Focus on the shorter distances first like 5k and 10k. Improve your running mechanics and introduce some strength training.

Once you get those aspects correct you can then decide if a half marathon or marathon is correct for you. You’ll find your training much easier for both if you have a good foundation of strength work behind you and good running mechanics.

I’d love to hear what your current running goals are. Comment below or on the facebook page.