Setting the Right Goals

Did you know that most New Year's resolutions are broken by about two weeks after January 1st?

We're rounding out almost two weeks into the new year, and if you haven't stuck with your new resolution, it's not not that you've failed. It might be that you didn't set the right goal...

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Hey Runners of Richmond, VA!

If you’re in need of flexible physical therapy to address your running injury (or any orthopedic rehabilitaiton concern), I’m currently taking on patients for mobile concierge care. I come to you! Respond to this email or get in touch with me via: [email protected].

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So, setting the right goals. 

I joke sometimes with my husband that my job is being a professional goal setter. It's true! In physical therapy school we had a whole class on how to write good, achieveable goals for our patients. 

A good goal is specific and has a clear achievable result. Many times when someone has a dream or aspiration for themselves they make goals that are too vague, setting them up for failure from the start. 

Example:

• Goal: "I will run and strength train more this year."
• Improved Goal: "I will commit to running 3 times a week at 6am for 12 weeks to prepare for a half marathon." (How's that for a long term goal, PT's?) 

(A great book to read up on goal setting is Atomic Habits by James Clear. It's also a really valuable tool in general. I'd definitely recommend reading this year!)

We all have busy lives, so setting a high bar on nebulous goals leads to frustration and reduced self-esteem. Make small, measurable goals that compound on each other to build consistency. 

Other goals that AREN'T running but will help support your running goals might be: sleeping more (7-8 hours a night), focusing on nailing down your fueling, learning how to lift heavy, or finally seeing someone for that injury. 

Don't get down on yourself if you haven't been nailing your new year's resolutions. Maybe it's time to take a step back and re-evaluate what can be reasonably accomplished. 

Remember, it doesn't have to be January 1st in order for you to make a healthy change. 

Happy Running!

- Dr. Erin

• Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Running Coach - RRCA Certified

Questions about this topic? Reply to this email and we can talk more about it. 

 ➡️ Reply to me directly at [email protected] to ask your questions or share your experience while dealing with running related injuries.

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