setting goals | TooTallFritz

Although running is not getting any easier, I am seeing small signs of progress indicating that my running fitness in on the return. I won’t be knocking out any fast runs in the near future but they are on the horizon. It has been a long time coming while taking lots of little baby steps but progress is in the making! I know it’s sometimes hard but I encourage all of you to keep moving forward, each and every day, even when you can’t actually see the improvements. Part of the process of growth, development and improvement is the plateau where we ~~yes, it happens to all of us~~ sit at the same spot for an undetermined amount of time without much visible progression. This is the most important time frame to be patient, keep on doing what is necessary and have faith. Focus on small steps/goals, which are attainable and allow progress to be identified, no matter how minute. Try to think of a BIG goal as a completed puzzle. How much time, patience and how many tiny, tiny pieces go into a beautiful completed puzzle? Lots. Stay focused and move forward slowly. It will be worth it!

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I’m currently running low mileage. I’m averaging 15 miles a week, which includes 3 runs. Not the norm, or what was the norm, but its safe and keeps me in the game moving forward towards my goal of running a super ~~sonic~~ 2013 Shamrock Shuffle 8K. Why is the Shamrock Shuffle my next goal race? Simple. BEST.RACE.EVER. It may be the only time you can legitimately chase green men and be considered sane while doing it. Need I say more?

In order to be fast by the Shamrock, I’ll need to keep pushing and testing myself along the way. I’ll need to get used to running more short distance races rather than pounding out the longer, slower ~~fun~~ miles ~~in my comfort zone~~ with my F’N Runners.

In order to test the current level of progression, I went out ~~in the dark~~ this morning and tried to push the pace a bit to see where I am fitness wise. I certainly wasn’t at race pace with it being dark and my being undertrained but I averaged an 8:39 pace over 3 miles. This is my starting spot. I’m at 8:39 and just need to focus on getting stronger and faster while continuing to mend my injuries and maintain health on all other fronts. I’ll be foam rolling, stretching, icing, cross training and watching my food intake to try to stay as healthy as possible.

I’m also thinking happy, positive thoughts. I’m still very focused on recovery and rehab, but am just now able to take it up a notch to start working a new set of small steps/goals to get to my BIG goal. It won’t be easy but if it were easy then it wouldn’t be worth it, right?

Do you also try to break down the BIG goal into smaller pieces to make it more manageable? Want to share your current BIG goal?

** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz ** amanda@tootallfritz.com

When I got back on the fitness wagon after having Aby, it was all about my weight. Each day I would weigh and to be honest, I still do most days even though my weight volleys rather consistently within a 3 lb range. I know that it is ~~supposedly~~ not healthy to weigh daily but for me it’s a system of checks and balances. I wouldn’t drive my car without checking the speed and I’m not going to workout and attempt to eat right without watching my weight.

However, I don’t run/workout because of my weight anymore. I used to say that I ran for fun & fitness and it was true at the time. However, as I stepped off the treadmill today ~~and noticed a few fitness minded ladies staring at me~~, I realized that this isn’t about fitness anymore. This is a game. It’s my game and I say, “Game ON!”

I want to be better. Better than last year. Better than before I had Michael. Better than I’ve ever been before. That is why I go early and stay late for a workout. That’s why I don’t mind getting yucky & sweaty with a run, or gym workout, during my “lunch”. That is why I keep pushing when many think that I am ~~obsessed~~ crazy.

It’s a game. My game. My rules. And I will win by pushing my limits further than I have in the past. I may have big goals/dreams/plans but it would be hard to keep focused on getting better if there weren’t a few big goals to mix in with the small ones.

So I’ll take it one day at a time and build on my strength, stamina & speed and do the best I can at any given moment. Don’t be afraid to dream big because this really is your game too. Your game of LIFE. How many do you know who are just sitting back and letting their life pass them by? Don’t let that happen to you. Work hard so that you can play harder.

Amanda – TooTallFritz amanda@tootallfritz.com