Blowing Up

Recently I shared my goals with a fellow athlete about breaking 9 hr during the Ironman and running a sub 3 hr marathon off the bike.  We started joking about going all out to reach the goals and either succeeding or "blowing up."  The more I thought about it though, I don't do that.

I have dreams, such as winning a race or breaking 9 hr, but once the race starts I shift my focus to the present moment.  I've been down that road too many times of constantly checking my watching and hoping that I can reach my goal to validate my life. Fortunately, I've realized it only adds undue stress.

Now I've given up the watch, the heart rate monitor, the end outcome, and I focus on process goals.  I focus on things I have control over: my technique, my nutrition, and getting to the next tree or landmark.  Even triathlon legend Brett Sutton, encourages his professional athletes to focus on their race until the last 10k before focusing on other athletes.  A lot can happen over the course of an Ironman.

I see the difference as between Dreams and Goals.  Goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-related.  They are specific behaviors.  Dreams are desires.  They help with motivation and emotion, but do not provided practical strategies.

Many many things can happen on race day, or in life, to us and others.  It may be hot, I may be a little sick, I may have mechanical issues, or I may not get the promotion or job I wanted.  But it's not the end, they don't define me, and they don't have to steal my joy.  By focusing on things inside of my control, every race or challenge can be a success regardless of external factors.

I'm going to continue to dream big, while living in the moment, and focusing on the specific behaviors I have control over.