Never satisfied

I think alot of us have that problem, and I think it can be healthy, or unhealthy depending on how you use it.  Be happy with it but don't be content.  Remember you set a short term goal but those are just stepping stones to your long term goal.

I hit my PR and set goal the other day on my training course.  19.2 Avg over 36 miles; I shattered it.  However, I was only happy for a short bit and set a new goal shortly after.  Now its, 'well I didn't hit the 20 mph avg'.  Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with it, but I've always considered a 20 mph average the benchmark, just like sub 20 is for a 5k and sub 45 is for a 10k.

Edited by furiousferret 2010-06-01 12:25 AM

Thanks for the reply, ferret.

The scenario you described and even the exact number you quoted (sub 45 10K, sub 20 5K, 20 MPH) almost perfectly parallel my own goals. YIKE!

-Kirk

Yeah, I stopped setting those "stretch goals".

It's not a problem till it begins to affect things, like your motivation, desire to train, whatever. At that point, it's probably a good idea to try not worrying about things like goals for a while.

I'm never satisfied with anything.  As soon as I hit one benchmark there is another one right after it.  21,22,23,24 mph...it doesn't end, you just get faster.  9min miles, 8min miles, 7 min miles, 6 min miles...it just keeps going.

Yeah. For me my original goal was to lose a ton of weight, get in shape, change my lifestyle, be happy. Whenever I fall short of a goal, which, um, has happened in 3 races in the last 8 months, I always go back to that original goal, which has been met and far exceeded, I feel anyways.

Congrats on a good time and a good improvement.

I agree. The day I become satisfied is the day I quit. 

Agree with Ferret 100% and my numbers are the same as well. Except I have hit the 20 MPH average. But, although I was happy when I did that 1st ride at 20 MPH, now that I've done it, I'm looking for 21 MPH. Almost had it last week @ 20.7.

On the other hand, my half-marathon goal was sub 1:40, which I hit twice this year, and although it would be nice to go say sub-1:35, it's not something I am focusing on.

Next week I have a local 5K and it might be a stretch, but my goal is sub-20. I'm wondering if I do, by chance, hit that goal if sub-19 will be the next goal or if I'll be satisfied.

The beauty of running is done correctly you have years of PRs in front of you.  I ran my second Bolder Boulder yesterday and PR'd by 8:49.  Of course there are things that could have gone better like the bus taking less time giving me more than 3 minutes of time for a warm up and it would have been nice to be about 10 degrees cooler etc etc.  On the other hand, I felt pretty darn good for most of yesterday's run, didn't battle side stitches, no porta-potty breaks and only had one start of an asthma issue which I got under control with 20 seconds of walking. 

I currently have goals of how I want to do in my next few races and I have long range goals of where I want to be in 2-3 years.  Realistically I know for my level of fitness it will take 2-3 years for me to hit those sub 9 minute miles in a distance like a 10k or more.  I'm okay with that.  It gives me something to continue to strive for and it will help me to avoid injury by making sure my training ramps up slowly enough. 

I have the same tendency, but started all this as an old lady, so that tempers things.  And I get back to why do I do this - to have fun, stay in shape and be an example to others.

Getting injured (paintball not tri training) actually HELPED me get back to my reasons for this and that it really is about fun.

So whilst I strive to improve it does not dominate me and I am much happier for it.

I totally agree with this. Goals are great and serve a great purpose...but when they get in the way, it's the ability to just forget about goals and race and have fun that will lead to longevity.

I think most runner's and triathletes have experieinced similar feelings as you.  I know I have.  I don't put that pressure on myself anymore.  I try to go into a race with the expectation that I will do the best I can for that day.  I try not to get caught up on every split and just concentrate on pushing myself as hard as I can.  While I wear my watch and I do pay attention...I know if I did or did not run a good race without needing to look at it.

Nice job at Boulder yesterday.  I ran it for the first time back in 84 and have been there at least a dozen times over the years.  It's a fun, very well organized race and sorry I'm missed it this year!

Edited by rayd 2010-06-01 1:10 PM

Well said.  The thing about always setting performance goals is the law of diminishing returns.  For most of us, the biggest gains come early in our triathlon 'careers' and then we see less and less gains...and eventually....if you last long enough, you will see performance start to fall off.  This is enevitable.

I think the key to longevity in this sport is the love of s/b/r.  If I never raced again I would still s/b/r. 

~Mike

All three well said and very good advice. The way I've described it to others is train to race or race to train. For the most part, I fall into the race to train category - I enjoy the training as much or more than anything - but I'm too much of a data junkie not to get wrapped up in the numbers.

Have you studied Six Sigma?

Look, when I race, I usually have some sort of goal. I also put forth my very best effort on race day, and try to place as well as I can. But, I don't let one performance in one race get me down. I also don't analyze squat afterward, other than to think about what I did. Numbers are meaningless without context. Goals are meaningless without having some sort of structure behind them. Otherwise, they become chains that bind you rather than an enjoyable experience.

I train to race, when I am training. But I'm not always training. Sometimes, I'm just running.