It’s as Easy as One, Two, Three

It’s As Easy as One Two Three

By: Jessica Beecham

Well ladies and gents, it is about that time. We have one more long run this weekend and then time to start tapering for the Boston Marathon on April 18^th. The WE Fit Wellness team will be there cheering me across the finish line as I reap the fruits of the last few months of training. After a little rest day R&R, we will have a great time checking out the sights, sounds, and tastes of Boston, When I tell people about my marathon training, all too often I hear, “I could never do that” or “I would die just running one mile, I can’t imagine running 26 miles.” It is 26.2 by the way. I want credit for every bit of my hard work. That being said, you can do it too!

 

We are not born with the ability to run 26.2 miles without putting in some work. When I first started running, it was a challenge to run one mile, then it became a challenge to run 3 miles, then 5, then 10 and so on. The truth is that none of us start out at our peak level of fitness but the process to get there is easier than you think. Getting to the finish or achieving our fitness goals is as easy as one, two, three.

 

1. Set a Goal

 

Decide on reasonable goal for you. If you are not currently exercising regularly, it might be overwhelming to start out with a goal of completing a full iron man. Maybe your first goal is to exercise for 30 minutes every day or finish your first 5k. If you are a regular exerciser, maybe you want to step your training up a little and challenge yourself to do something farther, faster, or harder than you ever have before. Whatever you decide set the goal and start telling people about it. Once you have put it out there, it is harder to take it back.

 

2. Put in the Work

 

Once you have set your goal, it is time to train. You may wish to check with a fitness professional to construct a training schedule. There are also tons of great training ideas online. When your plan is in place, stick to it. Having a goal is great, but it is the day to day effort that will make it happen.

 

3. DO IT!

 

Go for it! Once you have trained, it is time to put the peddle to the metal and get it done. You will be amazed to see how your hard work pays off. Celebrate, do your victory dance, brag to your friends, but do not let too much time pass before you move on to the next goal and get back to work!

 

One, two, three, that is all it takes to run a marathon, climb a mountain, swim across a channel, bike a metric century course, walk your first 5K, run your first 10 minute stretch without taking a break, hold a plank for 5 minutes or whatever else you want to push yourself to do. Over time, you will see the results when you can go farther, faster, harder than you ever could before!

 

Young or old, in shape or our, you will be amazed at what your body can do when you set your mind to it and put in the work. Regardless of where you are fitness wise, set a goal, push hard for the next few months, and make it happen. I have set another goal for myself by signing up for the Pikes Peak Marathon, which will take me up and down Pikes Peak. This will be a huge challenge because hills are not my strong point,

 

We want to know about your fitness journey. Share your personal goal, ask questions, and keep us posted with your results by emailing [email protected]. Let’s find out what happens when we set a goal, train, and go for it!