Over the years I have had many goals. My running for sport and fitness was probably the majority of them. They all sort of started off as distance and time goals. One way or another I sort of reached them all. Achieving them just sort of set myself off on the next goal, no real celebrations or magical rewards. It did not take long before I worked out the goal is only a very small part of what I should have been trying to achieve. Sure it is important to set a goal right, not so hard you never get there but also not so easy that it ends up meaning next to nothing. It is great to have something to be working towards but for me it is now more about the process and really enjoying it because if its all just about the goal after you get there you might just end up straight back where you came from.
Without really enjoying the process I just kept making the goal bigger 5km to 10km, then 21km to the marathon. After the 42 kilometre marathon it was a 100km Ultra run/walk and even an Ironman triathlon. After each goal especially the big ones I ended up pretty broken and would take weeks to recover.
I just could not keep making my goals bigger, longer or faster, I had to reaccess and adjust to something more sustainable and enjoyable especially as I got older.
Now my goals have a much more holistic approach and need to focus on food, recovery and sleep as well as just the physical workout.
IS there any particular supplement or food item that you would say is absolutely essential in your life? I have a friend that has a very controlled diet but he has so many recommendations that it is easy for me to get lost in it all.
Protein powder has been my go to in recent years. To try and eat less rubbish and process foods. I just mix either chocolate whey or plant based protein with water or into my black coffee. Another good one is green smoothies, I am lucky my better half makes them every couple of days. They don't taste the best but its all about the fresh greens. I don't think there is any magic bullet but for me, it what ever real foods we can easily fit into our busy life styles.
ok, tried it, it doesn't really dissolve very well unfortunately. Chunky coffee.. haha
Yea whey needs to be really mixed it or shaken, plant based dissolves better
i've never thought about putting whey protein in coffee. I'll try that right now!
I'm both tired and in need of a protein boost so lets see what is is all about
Totally loved this part. What you said is perfect. Sometimes we focus so much on achieving goals that we forget to enjoy the entire journey we're traveling. And the part where you said we should focus on something we enjoy while we're doing it, and not so much on the goal, is so good.
Wow, your path is incredible! A ultra marathon! Once I keep in mind run a marathon, but I was weak and left the training in the 13 kilometers :(
Congratulations for your discipline and hard work!
13 Kilometres is still a solid effort, many struggle to get out the door. I suppose it all comes down to how much spare time we have to spend on your fitness.
It was, I remember when I couldn't run 100 meters 😆 I left the running when I moved, I hate do littles circles, I need a long continuos path 😁
Thanks for your kindly words 😊