BTL Run Club: January 2021

This Month in Run Club

Oh, my stars, we DID IT! As expected but never guaranteed, we made it through 2020. And no, a mere change of the calendar page from December to January, the mere tick of a minute hand from 11:59pm to 12:00am, and the mere opening of one’s eyes on a new day does not negate the hardships of 2020, nor does it mean these hardships magically disappear. But guess what, we have the privilege of starting fresh. We get to choose how we will approach this new day, new month, and new year. Does that seem daunting? It can be. Break it down for yourself. You have the power to choose how you want to move through this minute, this hour, this next passage of time, however big or small it may be.

The start of a new year is ripe for resolutions and hopes. I like to think that this can happen at any time in the year, but there’s something about beginning a new plan or revisiting an old one at the start of a new year that is just so refreshing and motivating. Take some time to think about your goals for yourself. No goal is too big or too small- those larger ones just may need some extra planning and mindfulness regarding the steps it will take to get there. Think of running as your metaphor for all things goal related. Maybe you have a running goal and that metaphor becomes quite literal! Successful goal setting involves thoughtfulness and planning. Is your goal to run a marathon? Great! Pick one out and work yourself backwards from the race date. What do you need to do to get from where you are now to running 26.2 miles on that scheduled date? Is your goal to run 1 mile without stopping? Great! Again, pick your target end date and work backwards. Giving yourself a deadline to achieve your goal is a great way to make that goal more concrete and to visualize the path you need to take to get there.

As you are considering your goals for yourself this month or this year, reflect again on your why…and this time, also reflect on your who. Understanding why you are choosing to work toward a goal is incredibly powerful and can provide great motivation toward that end goal. More important than the why, though, is the who. Who is this goal for? Dig really deep on this one, because a lot of times you may find that the goal you think is so important is actually not your goal. As you reflect, if your goal really belongs to someone else, if that goal does not genuinely excite you, it may be time to reconsider. You’ll find yourself making progress more smoothly when the goal is truly yours. So, as you bid adieu to 2020, carve out some time to think about 2021. If you haven’t already done so, create a running goal for yourself. Or better yet, create a few! Create one for the week, one for the month, and maybe one for a few months out! We get this privilege of being here now. Of having the luxury to choose a meaningful goal. Take it seriously, but not too seriously! Have fun, and enjoy your running!

At Home Exercise: Your Approach this Month

Creating meaningful and lasting goals has a lot to do with your mindset. As you approach your goal setting this month, and as you begin to tick of progress toward those goals, hit the refresh button on your mindset frequently!

Bonus Challenge

Looking for an extra challenge to put a pep in your step? January is often a time when motivation is running high. Capitalize on that motivation and get moving for at least 10 minutes every single day this month. Walk, jog, sprint, or anywhere in between. Inside or outside. Each and every day.

“The difference between try and triumph is a little umph!”- Martin Phillips