When Goals and Commitment Collide

As of this writing, the much awaited race of the year has just been concluded, the Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship. My snappiest salute to all the participants! Special mention to my Team Marquez teammates. It makes me so much proud to belong to a team full of dedication in this sport we are in!

Just in case you’re wondering, 70.3 refers to the total distance in miles covered in the race. It consists of a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) swim, a 56-mile (90 km) bike ride, and a 13.1-mile (21.1 km) run. You’re welcome! 😉

In order to be hailed an Ironman, one must posses the greatest passion and commitment to the sport. The title says it all.

Just like every triathlete, it’s also my dream to be hailed as one. I really do hope to make it next year.

That’s what I love about this sport. Not only does it push you to your limit, it also helps you develop a sense of discipline in the process.

Success is a series of small wins

Talk about discipline. For 3 weeks now, I have managed to consistently maintain a certain practice– which is not the case not so long ago.

This used to be the pattern before…

I would register for a race. Train for several weeks/months. Cross the finish line. Rest for several weeks. Register for a race.

And the pattern goes on and on and on.

Every time I would start to train, it’s as if my body goes back to its basic state.

I would have to build my stamina. Get my feet working. Work on my strokes. Earn those extra miles. Again and again and again.

Noticed something wrong?

Just the thought of it makes me tired.

Everyday is a chance to change your life

I’ve got to break the pattern. It’s just about getting used to it. After all, investment for one’s health should become a lifestyle.

That made me come up with ideas on how I could make my goals and commitment collide. Allow me to share it with you.

1. Identify Meaningful Long-Term Goals

They say, you can form a habit in 21 days, but it takes 90 days to make it a lifestyle.

3 weeks ago, after my hard earned race, I and my ever supportive sweetheart decided to set a goal. I must say I’m one lucky person to have been blessed with a supportive partner.

For 90 straight days, we made each other accountable that we wake up at 5am every morning.

For 3 weeks now, so far so good. In such a short period of time, we’ve already accomplished a lot of things. I was able to consistently run twice a week for 8 kilometers on the average. Do my 2-km swimming drills once a week. And bike at least 60 kilometers every Sunday.

Oh, not to mention that I would start my day with a 30-minute workout. It just feels so good.

2. Don’t break the momentum

We noticed though that as we get to achieve small wins, that pumps as up to do even greater things.

You see, everything just started with a simple goal of consistently waking up at 5am. Along the way, we discovered, that we can back it up with some other goals.

Aside from the early morning discipline, I also committed to not eating junk foods and sweets. Not to mention drinking pure calamansi juice before starting my day (citrus fruit). They say it’s got a lot of health benefits. So far, I managed to do it for more than a week now.

While I don’t feel any changes in my body just yet, I know it will manifest in the future.

3. Set ambitious goals.

“Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

Can I possibly finish a 21K run at 1 hour and 40 mins?

That idea came to mind as I was doing my usual running routine one time. Why not target to make it to MILO finals next year? Yay!! Just the thought of it already overwhelms me. Oh well, every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.

It’s quite challenging but it’s worth trying. Since I’m prepping up for my possible Ironman next year, why not consider it a part of the preparation. There’s no harm in trying. 😉

So there!

Know that these are just tips that you may want to apply.

Now, right back at you. What are your goals? If I may suggest, you may want to marry your goals and your commitment to achieving them. It’s when your goals and commitment collide that you get your way to the top!

See you at the finish line!

March Nacino

Founder, TheRadicalRunner.com

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March Nacino

March Nacino is known as “The Radical Runner” in the running community. He basically loves to join marathons. When he’s not training for his next big race, he works as a freelance Digital Marketing Specialist helping his clients with their Digital Marketing needs. Follow March at theradicalrunner.com.