December presents an opportunity to review goals of the current year and get a jump on your goals for the upcoming year. While I achieved a significant business goal of publishing my first book, I’ve let some of my fitness goals fall off.
Just as I was reviewing plans for 2019, I had lunch with a friend who had just read Peter Sagal’s The Incomplete Book of Running. She brought the book to lunch and suggested I give it a read.
Best. Idea. Ever.
Sagal shares how he found the time and inspiration to run, as well as the ups and downs of making running a priority in his life. He’s had a number of unique experiences thanks to his running life. Some funny. Some not so. All thought provoking.
So how did this book affect me? It reminded me that like establishing any other habit, making running a part of my life again can be as simple as the three steps Sagal outlined (in more detail than I’ve included, of course):
Gradual – let your body adjust to your running habit & avoid injury.
Goals – make an achievable goal – run a 5K and take it from there.
Group – stick to your running habit with the help of an accountability group.
This GGG approach is actually pretty effective. It worked perfectly for me when I was my most successful with my running routine. I had a long-term goal of running a 10-mile race, with several 5K races along the way. I ran three times a week, following a plan outlined by Jeff Galloway. AND – I had three other people who were running their first 10-mile race right along with me, and they were also following Galloway’s plan. Closer to the race, I joined a local group that helped me build speed – yes, dreaded hill work really helps!!
My advice to you if you’re looking to make running a part of your life in 2019: read Sagal’s book. It’s a quick read: fun, funny, and inspirational; it might be just the push you need to get your run on!! Let me know how The Incomplete Book of Running inspires you!! You’re in control: healthy living starts now.
