"The difference between a dream and a goal is an action plan."
I read that quote somewhere a few months ago and it has stuck with me. We’re in a society filled with big dreams. The difference between a dream remaining a dream and actually achieving your goals is doing what you can to make it happen.
Ten years ago, my goal was to recover from a long term Achilles injury. Through physiotherapy, stretching, and rest days from physical activity, I’m happy to say that the pain only comes back once in a blue moon.
Five years ago (with injury recover well under way) my dream was to run a 5K race. I, by no means, considered myself a runner at that time. But it was something that looked fun and a challenge that seemed attainable. My mother thought I was crazy and my physiotherapist voiced her caution. But by setting an action plan of listening to my body, gradually increasing run intervals and pacing my training, I ran my first 10K two years ago, injury free!
A few months ago, after running my second race (another 10K), I thought to myself 'wouldn’t it be AMAZING if I could run a half marathon next year?' Again, my mother thought I was crazy and my physiotherapist (who I gladly only see from time to time because she’s now a friend of mine!) advised me to listen to my body.
I'll admit it - 21 kilometres (or 13.1 miles) is more than twice my furthest race so far. Quite daunting, a little scary, but definitely thrilling. What's my action plan this time? I asked my trusted run ambassador Steve, a Canadian triathlete, to help me map it out:
- First and foremost, listen to my body. With a chronic injury, it always comes we constructed a 16-week training plan leading up to race day
- I made amends with myself that I had to be a little smarter with my nutrition!
- Getting the right gear, especially shoes and garments meant for outdoor running
- Finding resources to prepare myself: run magazines, forums, websites, and fellow colleagues that have run a half marathon before
My half marathon dream is becoming a goal that I’m determined to achieve by 2011. I know it won’t be easy but getting there is half the fun. How have you made your dream an accomplished goal this year?
