Goal race

Insights from the Experts on Achieving Race Goals

1. Multiple Goals Strategy: Elisabeth Scott emphasizes the importance of having A, B, and C goals for a race. The A goal represents an ideal scenario where everything goes perfectly, the B goal is more attainable but still challenging, and the C goal focuses on simply finishing the race, despite any difficulties encountered 1.

2. Adapting In-Race Strategy: Maintaining flexibility during the race is crucial. Starting with a conservative pacing strategy allows for adjustments based on how one feels during the race. This approach increases the likelihood of finishing the race even if it turns out to be a tough day 2.

3. Emotional Journey: Mark Sisson reflects on the emotional aspects of achieving a goal. The initial elation of achieving a racing goal is often followed by a sense of emptiness, highlighting the importance of setting new challenges and goals to maintain motivation 3.

   Setting Race Goals

   Elisabeth Scott

   Elisabeth Scott explains the importance of setting different levels of goals for race day, from the ultimate A goal to the more attainable B goal and the fallback C goal. She emphasizes that goals can be time-based or focus on other aspects like fueling, hydration, or simply having fun.

   

   The Running Explained Podcast

   s2/e10 Making A Race Day Plan with Coach Elisabeth

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4. Separating Identity from Results: Dr. Victoria Sekely stresses that goals should not be tied to one's self-worth. Achieving or failing to achieve a goal does not define you as a person. This perspective helps maintain mental health and resilience, especially when outcomes do not meet expectations 4.

5. Realistic Goal Setting: Achievable goals are vital. Elisabeth Scott explains that one's A goal should be a stretch but still within reach if everything goes perfectly. Clearly defined and realistic goals help maintain focus and motivation 5.

To successfully achieve a race goal, it is important to have multiple goals, adapt your strategy based on race day conditions, understand the emotional journey, separate personal worth from race results, and set realistic and achievable targets.