What’s next?
Just like the build up to a wedding (and we have had one of those this year too), everything has been geared up towards the end of May. Our life has been broken up into pre and post IB discussion. To add to the excitement, my younger sister and her three children came to visit and celebrate graduation with us.
When all the festivities were over and our emotions had run the gauntlet from excitement and pride to sadness and loss, I was feeling exhausted and a little flat….like my batteries needed re-charging.
My goal had been to help my daughter get through her final weeks of school, and that was now accomplished. I was floundering without a purpose. As I sat and pondered why this was bothering me so much, I had a light bulb moment….I needed to set a new goal.
Excitedly I rushed to the computer. I had planned to do another marathon this year, so I began by looking up interesting locations to run 42kms.
What jumped out at me was an ultra marathon in Nepal in November, 100kms over 3 days. I have done 50kms before in one day; surely I could manage this…couldn’t I? I have always wanted to go to Nepal, and what a great way to see the countryside, running through it for three days.
Excitedly I rang my husband and told him of OUR new goal. There was silence on the line for about a minute as he processed what this would mean for him, and then he wholeheartedly agreed it was a great idea.
I signed us up straight away, and felt exhilarated that I now had the goal set. My next job was to work out how you train for an Ultra marathon. What I loved was that as soon as I had locked in the goal, I felt better. My batteries had been recharged and I had given myself a direction.
Next, I needed to put in place the action steps to get us fit enough to complete the course.
One of the training articles I read titled “The lazy person’s guide to training for an ultra marathon” (sounded perfect) talked about breaking down the distance into achievable targets. If you think about running 100kms, then it’s easy to get overwhelmed. However, aiming for 15kms, or 20kms seem much more manageable. I remember saying the same thing to my daughter when the month of IB exams seemed insurmountable. Just take one day at a time, and one exam at time.
I know I am goal oriented and work best when I have something to strive for. You would be surprised what a difference it can make to your week, month or year to have a specific aim. Once you achieve your goal, it makes you realize what you are capable of, and that in turn inspires you on to your next challenge.
As a bonus for my lovely husband, I have now signed us up for a few rigorous runs in Hong Kong as preparation for the big one. We have so much to look forward to.
What made me happiest of all was when we told our children what we were planning to do, they immediately said it was fantastic and two of them are seriously considering doing it with us. I can think of nothing better than having my family with me on this journey.
Go on, set yourself some goals and find out just what you are capable of achieving.
I now feel excited, inspired and motivated. It’s time to hit the trails