How do you stay active without a race to train for? You only distract yourself from having PR that gets you out the door! There is time for Running Objectives It will keep you going, no matter what’s going on.
In my book, I delve into this topic and we go to great lengths to find your why.
I can almost guarantee that you didn’t start running just to hit a PR.
Which means there are absolutely other things that can excite you, motivate you, and get you out the door on a cold-weather run!
Fortunately, as long as I’m able to run, I’m a pretty dang happy runner. I think we all need a reminder. Speed is not the only path to success.
10 running goals ahead of the race
It’s not unusual for me to run 1600 miles a year doing just one race, so the PR stopped being a driving force for me.
But they are fun!!
So when that’s not going to happen, you can enjoy a practice run and pick another race goal!
Here are 10 fun goals to keep you motivated, when the clock isn’t where you want to focus all your energy.
1. Advancing a friend
Want to enjoy the race atmosphere without the pressure? How about helping a friend reach a new speed or distance goal, one that you’ve run with ease many times before.
You’ll enjoy the sites, be their cheerleader and remember that whatever your finish time is, the process of showing up is awesome.
2. Running a new distance/race style
If you run a new distance, it’s an automatic PR, which means you’ll be able to do better next time, knowing you’ll be able to do better.
Some options:
This idea is what makes me want to run a solo ultramarathon.
I knew my only goal was to finish and learn a lot about myself in the process! Which I absolutely did and I’m so glad I gave myself the time to pursue this goal.
Get motivated to run without racing the clock with 10 non-PR #goals Click to tweet.
3. Raise money for charity.
Want more children in Africa to drink clean water? Want more kids in America to eat 3 meals a day?
Find a great charity to work with and you’ll find it easier to put in the miles. Here’s a great breakdown on how to walk for a goal.
You can create your own item based on a certain distance or a certain number of days. Or you can connect with an existing race with a major charity foundation.
I worked with Run10Feed10 for a couple of years and it really inspired me to bring a lot of friends together and see the difference we’re making in feeding kids across America. I organized a large group run and it was very satisfying!
Ah I miss the never-ending sweat of my Miami days, it’s almost 2012…check out the sweaty glow at 5am!
4. Commit to finding a running partner.
As a solo runner, I know many of you enjoy your run time as a chance to disconnect and think.
But there’s too much research proclaiming the benefits of running with others to ignore it.
Get over your fear of joining a running group, make a little extra effort to meet up with a friend one day each week or start making your gatherings more fitness-focused.
- It provides accountability.
- Run with a speed buddy during your work days.
- Grab a new runner to help them on their easy day and you’ll really keep it simple.
5. Do strength training.
Instead of focusing on running fast, start building a truly strong body.
Studies show that adding strength work and plyometrics can increase your speed.
- Even 2 full body days per week is going to pay off in better endurance and fewer injuries.
- Start 10 minutes a day with the Core Challenge.
- And oh yeah… add a few pieces of plyo.
Try adding 1 rep per week to the number of squat jumps, burpees, jump lunges or even pull-ups you can currently do.
Yes my dear Master runners This applies to you too! As we age it’s even more important that we do some explosive activities to combat falling hormones and age-related problems.
6. Focus on consistency.
What happens when your body doesn’t allow you to run like you used to?
I know this all too well, but Lisa from Runwiki was also much faster than I expected and is now focusing on only doing 5 runs a week.
If her illness doesn’t allow her to PR, she can still find it. Victory in manifesting, joy and community in moving forward which provides running.
Consistency may not sound sexy, but just think how it will change your week routine. Hitting all your runs with no excuses. In fact, the runner needs a lot of strength training!
7. Focus on better nutrition.
Maybe it’s time to focus on nutrition that will make your running feel better or help you lose the weight you started running with.
I decided that this was exactly my focus a few years ago and it’s one that I’m going to revisit this coming year with a new adaptation.
- A big one I had to work on was increasing protein to help with muscle recovery and as I cut my sweet tooth, but also focusing on timing protein for maximum benefits.
- I concentrated. Eat enough food Really miles to fuel and maintain energy! Make it a goal to check your nutrition and truly fuel your runs well.
- I continued my focus on anti-inflammatory foods to boost recovery (currently trying to go back to more fatty fish!).
8. Diversify your path
With your eyes closed, you can map the route from your door to the neighborhood and back for up to 3 miles.
Repetition is satisfying, but it can also lead to boredom.
Set a goal to mix it up once a week:
- Turn right instead of left
- Can you drive every street in your city?
- Hop in the car and literally run all over the place.
- What about the trails you are running on?
9. A running streak
While you know how I feel about running streaks, a short-term streak might be just what you need to get used to that sweaty runner’s high.
It forces you to start thinking more creatively about how much time you have in the day and enjoy running to random new places to make it happen.
- Keep the chain short
- Keep the goal simple, like 1 mile a day
- If you feel hurt, stop!
- A series can also be doing something daily. Running, walking, yoga, mobility, strength.
10. Race with someone
Maybe you want to try the first race with your spouse, your kids, your girlfriends!
Try changing your partners for a whole new race experience.
This Shifts focus From what’s happening on your watch to the people around you, it reminds you to smile, laugh and enjoy the journey. 
I think Coach K Is it dialed!
Sure you can say that those who can’t teach and thus those who can’t win find other goals. I just don’t agree with it. I love that running is an inclusive sport and I love that running is not necessary to win a race.
We win every time.
Once you’re ready to run, even practically, check out these posts:
Choosing Your Running Pace >>
Creating your own training plan >>
Why you need a base building phase >>
Safely adding speed work >>
Why Peak Week Matters >>
How to Taper Correctly >>
Have you ever set non-timed running goals?
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