Resolutions Fail. Set a SMART Goal.



As you all know, I believe in SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely). I realized in the last few months, that I lost sight of this.  I slacked off because I wasn't reaching for anything.  I didn't have any goal in mind or in sight, other than 'don't be so heavy'.  That is not enough.  It needs to be something I can reach out and taste and it needs to be in a time period that doesn't seem like it is so far in the future that I won't see any wins in the near future.  I need wins people.

So, is my goal to lose xx lbs of pounds in 2011?  Nope.  Is it to run xx miles?  Nope.

My goal is to train for the next 15 weeks for a half marathon.  April 17, 2011, I will run the Unite Half Marathon at Rutgers University.  To do this, I am going to follow Hal Higdon's half-marathon training program.  I will measure my performance by completing the required miles, strength and cross training regimen.  I will document my fitness progress on Daily Mile.
I will continue to use HMR program to eat around 1200+ calories per day.  I will document my food intake in my journal.

Separately, I will also begin to weigh and measure myself once per week, to track ongoing progress.  However, the numbers here are not part of my goal.  My feeling is my goal will produce results as an after effect, because really, my long term aspiration is to be an athlete, and not to be thin. 

I have a younger brother who is a collegiate, record-setting runner.  He is like a lung, surrounded by long lengthy muscles.  We couldn't be more different in physique.  Well, at least at the moment!  Watch out world.  Here I come!