Setting smart goals

Running is more than just a sport for many—it's a way to clear your head, challenge yourself, and grow.

Whether a beginner or training for a marathon, goal-setting provides direction and motivation.

🏁 Outcome Goals: Eyes on the Prize

Concrete end goals, like:

• 10 km under 50 minutes
• Half marathon without walking
• Top 10 finish in age group

Pros: Measurable and motivating
Cons: Not fully within your control

📚 Learning Goals: Investing in Your Development

Focus on skills and knowledge:

• Control breathing
• Pacing strategy
• Recovery planning

Fully within your control and encourage awareness of your development.

🔁 Process Goals: Your Daily Habits

Daily actions:

• Train 3x/week
• 10-min warm-up
• Avoid overtraining in tempo runs

Process goals build habits for long-term progress.

🌱 Growth Mindset: The Engine Behind Progress

Believe in development through effort and feedback. Shift from 'I can't' to 'I can learn to'.

Examples:

• Learn from bad races
• Use injury time wisely
• Reflect on missed PRs

✅ Practical Tips for Goal-Setting

• Set an outcome goal
• Define learning goals
• Set process goals
• Reflect weekly with a growth mindset

🏃‍♂️ Final Thoughts

Running is about the journey and growth. Combine different types of goals and approach challenges with resilience. This method applies to life beyond running too.