Many paths, one goal?

I was browsing Wegrit‘s blog the other day and read a post where she declared that she was intent on running a half-marathon before she turned 30. When I read that, I had a bit of admiration that she set a concrete goal with a definite time line, which are two of the hallmarks of a good goal, you know? It suddenly occurred to me though, why the heck haven’t I set such a for myself? All this time, I’ve just been running running running, only figuratively looking far enough ahead just to the end of the run. That’s all I needed to keep me going forward. That’s all well and good, but is it good enough to just have a nebulous goal just get to the end? To the end of what? I don’t know.

Earlier today at work I got a newsletter email from the local RR manager. She was talking about how current clinics were coming to an end, and how important it was to set a new goal before ending the current ones just so that there’s continually something to strive for. It’s easy to go back to being a couch potato. Yes, it’s easy and quite appealing. So yeah, after reading that email, it really started turning the gears in my head. Where do I head from here? This is the second time I’m going to finish the 10K clinic. Do I do it again, or head for a bigger goal? I’m not fast, but I’m certainly stronger.

As I was checking the dates for the upcoming clinics, the half was actually catching my eye. I was contemplating what it’d be like to make it through that distance. To be honest, I’m sure I can make it through–just without the speed. However, the thought of someone as nonathletic as I am making it through 21.1K is pretty damn insane. The goal race for the clinic is the Scotiabank half-marathon at the end of September. I got shivers at the thought of actually being out there. The shivers weren’t from fear–but the thought of being able to do such a thing.

So, the question remains then, do I go for it? For me, ultimately the goal is just to finish. Am I willing to put in the increased amount of training necessary to get to that point? That’s basically my whole summer booked, right? Hmm.

You know, there’s also the option for me to just continue increasing my distance after this 10K clinic. I’m going to end it at 14K. From there all I’d need to do is increase the distance a little bit more each Sunday, as well as include more short runs during the week. Strength and speed will just naturally follow as I increase volume. Is that possible though? It’s hard enough to make it up there during the weekdays. Do I have the drive to go it alone? Either way, I can still make Scotia the goal race–there’s enough time.

Hoo….so many questions to be answered. I think the path will become so much clearer over the next few runs. I need to consult more people to see what they suggest. This is an exciting time. So many paths are being laid out before me–and all I need to do is pick one and make it to the finish line. Craaazy.

I need a pep talk.

Possibly related posts:

1. End of month goal
2. Open paths, closed paths
3. Inevitably crossing paths