Marion Freijsen A blog about Sports, Fitness & Health

Setting Goals!

This week I have two friends who will be running marathons – separated by some 15,000 miles! Coen van Schijndel will be running the Eindhoven marathon – hoping to run it in exactly 3 hours (wow!) and Mike Kelly will be aiming to finish in 3:30 (wow2!) in the Chicago Marathon…

I love the fact that both these guys have been keeping me motivated with their stories of their training. I know what it takes to run a marathon – you are out there for hours just running and trying not to get injured (which is always my thing…) all training for that one day. But to me the trick is NOT to think just of the end-result but also to enjoy every step you take. Whether you run a marathon, or a 5k, you still have to enjoy what you do along the way and find a way to make each step count. As the chinese saying goes (in my own words) – a journey is not merely about reaching your destination but about every step you take along the way.

And both Coen and Mike clearly did that – I do get inspired about hearing about their runs, the times they set in the meantime, the challenges and the hurdles. And so when I then set out on a run myself, I feel like I am not even running on my own….you are surrounded by runners all over the world, doing what you do. Lacing up your shoes (just right!), feeling that slight nervousness before you start, and then feeling your legs begin to move, feel those muscles move – strong and supple as you pound the pavement or trails. And you, with all these other runners worldwide, just go for it and work your way towards YOUR goal! Isn’t that a great thought to head out with?

And ofcourse… I will be rooting for both Mike and Coen tomorrow!!!