Photo by Kristjan Kotar on Unsplash
During times of uncertainty many struggle with direction in training. Redirecting our focus on to a majestic goal can be like throwing aviation fuel to a nearly extinguished training fire.
Choose a challenging end goal
This should feel slightly unreachable, but not utopistic. Think climbing the Everest base camp vs jogging across Sahara without stopping for a pee. A goal that spikes you with nervous energy. Something that excites you about what’s possible when you really try.
Think about something you’ve always wanted to do.
It could be exploring one of the great treks of Australia, hiking Machu Picchu, two week’s of trekking in New Zealand, or doing the Forrest Gump across the US (with water).
Involve someone else in the end goal
We are more likely to stick with a training goal when the alternative is letting another person down. Make a promise that you will want to keep. Even better, make a promise that will be emotionally painful to break.
If your friend is fitter than you make a pact that you will join them on this once in a life time adventure. If your fitness levels are on par train for it together. Keep each other accountable.
Sign up and pay for the end goal (if possible)
This can be tricky in the lord’s year of 2020. We don’t know what the future holds for travel and expeditions. But there are still things you can do.
Invest in hiking gear. Buy a tent. Get that expensive beanie from Patagonia. Whatever. Pay good money for something that you’d hate to see go to waste.
Set milestones by working backwards from the end goal.
If you’ve got 12 months to prepare, what needs to happen every month, or every two months for you to reach your goal? Lay them out and share with your accountability partner.
Set action orientated weekly goals.
Milestones are immovable. They don’t come to us, we need to get to them. What are the actions, habits and rituals you need to put in place to hit these milestones?
This could be strength training on specific days. Short rucking during the week and longer walks on the weekends.
Drill deeper on your weaknesses and start working your way up.