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Using SMART Goals to run the Sporting Life 10K

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I did it. I signed up for a 10K in May. My big question now is how am I going to train for it?!? What was I thinking…

Once upon a time I was a runner. Before R was born, before I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and before I started to feel really old. Several years ago I ran the Scotiabank Half Marathon, joined Team in Training and raised money for the Leukaemia and Lymphoma Society. It was a great experience and I was super proud of myself for finishing the training, raising over $2,000 and completing the half marathon.

I was originally inspired to run when I visited Hawaii with my parents before I started law school. We stayed in Waikiki and had front row seats to watch the Honolulu Marathon. I was amazed by all of the people who ran – they were big, small, young and old. It didn’t matter what they looked like or how fast they were. Everyone had a goal and set out to achieve it.

Using SMART goals to prepare for a 10K

 

E started running last year and has been doing very well. He ran the Sporting Life 10K last May in great time. I was supposed to join him but wasn’t up to the task.

This year I’m hoping it will be different. I’d like to get back into running and feeling stronger, healthier and better generally. Running another half marathon is not going to happen – I have no time to train or the energy to even figure out what would be involved but I think attempting a 10K is a good goal to set out. I signed up for this year’s Sporting Life 10K and need to start training!

In my work, I recently came across the concept of SMART Goals. I found a super helpful article by Christopher McMullan on the topic. The article can be found here .

By setting out these types of goals, business experts claim that you’ll more likely to achieve them.

What are SMART Goals?

What does SMART stand for?

Specific

The “S” stands for “specific” The goal that you choose should be simple and clearly defined.

In my case, the specific goal I have in mind is running the 10K in May.

Measurable

The “M” is for “measurable”. You must be able to determine the success of your goal through something measurable.

For me, the “measurable” part is being able to complete a 10K run.

Achievable

You don’t want to choose a goal that is impossible to reach right? Otherwise you’ll be deflated by not reaching it and that’s not the point of all of this.

The objective of setting goals is to set a challenge that is possible with a bit of work.

As I sit on my couch writing this I question the “achievability” of my goal but I have to try right? Even if I end of walking part of it or run really slowly it would still be an incredible accomplishment given what life has thrown at me over the past couple of years.

Results Focused

To reach a goal, there needs to be an end result. If I just came out and said I’m going to run that wouldn’t help me very much. It’s unfocused and unclear.

How far am I going to run? Is there something particular I’m working towards? What is the timeline?

So for me, the result will be completing the 10K in May.

Time Bound

As I mention above, not having specificity around your goal can hinder your success. It can create an open objective but without a specific timeline in which to reach that objective.

By setting out a timeframe for accomplishing  your goal you can make a plan, take contingencies into account and hopefully follow through on the plan and reach your goal.

My Next Steps

Now that I’ve set out my goal and announced it to the world (or at least those of you who read my blog – thank you by the way) I have to go through with it.

It’s difficult to think about running outside in beautiful May weather when it’s freezing and icy but I’ve got to try! I’m also going to document my training on here and maybe it can provide someone with the inspiration they need to reach a goal they have been thinking about.

Do you have a goal you’d like to reach that using SMART goals can help you achieve? Please share in the comments!

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Comments

  1. Hi Nicole,

    It’s four years later. Did you run the 10K and are you still running?

    As I sit on the couch writing this, mug o’ coffee in hand, i remember the days when I used to run I ran my first 5K at 50 years old and 10K at 52. Now aged 59, I need a kick in the pants to get off the couch and work my way up again!

    Sandy

    Reply

    • Hi Sandy! Yes I completed the 10K. I decided to mix up my workouts and have added in a lot of strength training, barre workouts, yoga and TABATA training. Good luck with your goals!

      Reply

  2. That’s awesome! I need to get back to running also – it’s a process! When I last got into it, I did the Couch to 5k program. It has short and steady increasing walk to run times and helps you run gradually to build strength and stamina. Check it out, it may help you plan out your goal 🙂 http://www.c25k.com/

    Reply

  3. Well done on signing up to doing 10k a that’s an achievement in itself!! I’ve not heard of SMART goals before it it sounds like breaking if down into chunks will help keep you focused.

    Thank you for linking up to #KCACOLS and I hope to see you back again on Sunday xx

    Reply

    • I think it’s a great way to create small manageable goals rather than looking at one big task and trying to figure out what to do. I should use this technique with my son as well.

      Reply

  5. Good luck with your 10k! I’m not a runner (my knees are in horrible condition!) but I cycle, at least I did before I got pregnant with #2 so that’s on hold for now, but I used to do the same and make small, achievable goals for myself to train and achieve the speed and distance I wanted. Thanks for sharing on the Friday Funday Blog Hop! #FFBH

    Reply

  6. Hi Nicole! Thank you for sharing this at the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-up, it is very helpful! I handout heard of the SMART Goals before. I like the way you broke it down and will go back and read the link you shared on them. I am training for a triathlon right now and have been struggling with motivation so perfect timing to read this 🙂 You will do Great on your 10k, glad you are getting back into running!! Pinned, Stumbled, & Tweeted.

    Reply

  8. I think you are amazing to go for the 10K. That’s no mean feat. Your SMART goals will help you to stay focussed and I am guessing that sharing your goals and progress on the blog will keep you accountable. I really admire you. #KCACOLS

    Reply

  9. Well done on signing up to the 10k, I hope that with the lighter evenings you can get some training in. I often think of a 10k of just an hour or so of running, and then it’s over. I like the idea of SMART it’s something that we apply at work, but I like your thinking of applying it in everyday life. I need to make my to-do list and blog SMART. Claire x #KCACOLS

    Reply

  10. It’s great to have goals like this. In 2004 I signed up to do a 210 mile bike ride over 3 days to raise money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Everyone thought I was crazy, but I trained and did it. Best accomplishment ever!

    Reply

  12. Good luck with your 10K. I’m rooting for you! Just earlier today I was thinking that I need to write out my goals. I work so much better, and accomplish so much more when I set goals. I will definitely keep “SMART” in mind when making my goal list tomorrow morning!

    Reply

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