Why “Just Finish” Is the Wrong Goal
Setting goals is important. Believing that you can one day achieve something that you may not be able to achieve today is empowering. Marathons give us that opportunity to strive for something greater.
What “Just Finish” Really Means?
So when you say “I just want to finish,” is that really the goal you want?
It’s not. And here’s why…
Anyone (who is a relatively healthy adult), can complete 26.2 miles. It’s just a matter of how long it takes and how uncomfortable it might be.
If it was important for you to “just finish” a marathon, then you would go out now and walk the distance.
Because, I’m telling you, you can already do that. But that’s not why you signed up for this race. And that’s also not why you’re spending months training and preparing your mind and body for the demands of the race.
You want something more. Maybe it has more to do with what you’ll achieve, create, or discover from training. Maybe it has more to do with how you’ll feel or perform on race day. Maybe it’s more about a celebration of growth, or a transition to a new way of living life. Whatever is truly important, it definitely isn’t “just finish.”
The Goals Hiding behind “just finish”
When you say you want to “just finish,” you are doing one of the following, if not all three:
- Neglecting your true values
- Avoiding your real fears
- Protecting your own ego
Maybe you don’t want to get too wrapped up in running faster all the time. That’s fine! But I’ll also argue that the first time you look down at your watch when running and see a faster pace than you have before, and feel a twinge of excitement or pride, then your goal never was to “just finish.”
We don’t need to race everything. But if time is important, that’s okay!
If you want to PR, qualify for another race, or make a time cut-off, then your goal is not to “just finish.”
So how do you want to finish?
Aside from time, there are so many other goals that likely mean so much more to you than “finishing,” (even if finishing is part of the process of reaching that goal). If you want to improve health, lose weight, gain confidence, or become a stronger parent or person, then your goal is definitely not to “just finish.”
Experience can be a goal, as that is what creates depth to our journey, and can help to establish real longevity in this sport! If you want to cross the finish line laughing, crying, cheering, sprinting or jumping, then your goal is not to “just finish.”
Whatever your values are, your relationship with running and fitness, your fears or your challenges, find what’s really important to you and hold on to it tightly.
Because “just finishing” isn’t good enough. How do you want to finish your marathon?
If you want an even easier approach to improved performance, please schedule a complimentary consulation!
To understand more of what to look for in a good coach, read more.
Happy running!
