September 19th, 2023

Coach Jen

I love running and training, but despite that love, there will inevitably be days that are really hard-especially during this cold, dark, snowy time of year. Whether it’s a short shake out, long run, or race, there’s one tactic that helps the difficult (and honestly sometimes overwhelming) task at hand feel more manageable. Pick a landmark. I recommend starting with closer landmarks to begin and extending the distance based on how you’re feeling that day. I may feel like it’s impossible to go another mile, butttt I can run to that next tree. In fact, sometimes running to that next tree feels impossible but I can take one more step. But the one way I won’t get to my destination is by stopping. Left foot right foot, one tree two tree, up the hill down the hill, mile after mile and before I know it I’m at my destination.

The same holds true to any goal. No matter how big or small our goal is, there will be days where the task seems virtually impossible. On those days I encourage you to deploy the landmark strategy. Maybe getting in your hydration has been difficult this week and when you wake up you don’t know how you’re going to get in seventy oz. Know where you are headed (70 oz) and then set the end goal aside and keep those eyes set on your landmarks-one sip, one glass, 20 oz etc.

The only thing you can control is your actions in this very moment. Don’t add anxiety to your plate wondering how you’ll find the dedication to get to that big goal you have. Place that energy into right here, right now. Step by step, mile by mile, landmark by landmark, I promise you that you’ll arrive. And then you know the crazy thing…you’ll continue to raise the bar and keep going.

You got this!