Recently the team at Vitabiotics got in touch about their take on SMART goals and how they’re applicable to our health. I used to hate having to make SMART goals. I’m sure I’m not the only one that has had to do them at school, university or work.
S – Specific
M- Measurable
A – Agreed Upon
R – Realistic
T- Time Based
It had me thinking about how we could apply them to our fitness and running goals too…
Specific – I want to run faster, but how much faster? Specifically, I want to run a BQ – a sub 3.35 marathon. If you want to get fitter, what’s your specific fitness goal? Or your specific weight loss goal? If it’s not a clearly defined goal, then it’s difficult to know when you’ve reached it, or in fact to establish a plan on how to achieve it.
Measurable – How do you measure that you’re getting fitter? Obviously it’s a little easier with running, as you can see your paces and race results improve. You need to know that your goal is obtainable, be able to establish how far you are away from your goal, and more importantly, know when you’ve achieved it!
Agreed Upon – Have someone to keep you accountable, whether it’s your friend, partner, coach, parent or the internet. I always write my goals on my blog (and all over social media), as well as sharing my workouts and it’s seriously helped me stay focused and less likely to bail on a run.
Realistic – is your fitness goal achievable and realistic for YOU? Do you have the resources, knowledge, time and ability to achieve it, and do you want to put the work in to achieving it? Anything is possible, however it might take a long, long, long time to accomplish it if it’s too lofty.
Time Based – If we have no ‘end’ time for our goal, then it can go on indefinitely, and gives too much time for procrastination. It helps you set the plan and a timetable to reach your goal, like a 16 week marathon training plan, or a 12 week lifting programme. Asking an expert you trust can help you set a time if you don’t have one in mind. However be aware of giving yourself an unrealistic time goal, especially when it comes to fitness – improving your cardio fitness and strength, and making long term weight loss, takes a while. Allow enough time for you to achieve your goal, but not so much time that you become de-motivated or lose interest.
So, when you’re setting your next running or fitness goal, try to have these in mind – however I think the MOST important thing to consider is that you’re passionate about the goal. Is it a goal that you’re going to be willing to make sacrifices to achieve? Are you going to be able to see it through? Will you put in the early morning training, be prepared to pay, keep working at it until you reach it?
You need to have the drive to want it…
Have you read my post ‘How badly do you want it?’
This post is in collaboration with Vitabiotics, they sell a huge range of vitamins, minerals and supplements to help you with your health and fitness goals. Personally I take Vitamin D and magnesium supplements, as well as a daily multi vitamin.
Great post Charlie – I’ve just read ‘How badly do you want it?’ I train to keep the weight off as it’s something I’ve always struggled with. If you were to look at my school photos, I was always big! Lol Congrats on your PB too BTW. Rich