Matthew James Fields

March 13, 2021

The Importance of Goals

For me, training without intention is very difficult. I do much better when I have a specific goal in mind.

A couple of days ago, one of my target goals shifted. I intended to run the Dallas Ultra Marathon in early May. Due to circumstances, it was moved to December.

My training plan for the last two plus months just got turned on its head. While I was contemplating what training to take on after the Ultra is over, I’m now thrown into an opportunity to reset much sooner than expected.

The key is to find that new intention fast. Lingering on the work I’ve put in so far without directing my attention towards a new avenue might lead to the danger of letting my efforts slip. I have no desire to let my consistency become complacency.

I’ve signed up for the Great Virtual Race Across Tennessee. I’m also eyeing my usual Summer/Fall triathlons and half marathons, hoping they will help me focus (although swim training availability is up in the air right now).

When presented with a training complication, it is imperative to handle it with intention and develop a strategy to stay on track.