So, for the month of July I had a little personal goal of running and cycling 1000 miles. Yup you read that right, 1k miles. I knew that it would be tough to get in due to my travel schedule. Over the weekend I realized that I would have to get in 350 miles in 6 days. Totally doable.
 
However, a little thing called “taper” was going to start. I was starting to feel tired. I really did not want to face the facts swirling in my head. Then I remembered what my coach told me a few months ago, “being an athlete is more then just performance, it is being a smart athlete”.
 
So with that thought, I made the hard decision to not go after the personal goal. I will be very close to it. But to achieve my primary goal – and do it WELL – I know I made the right call. Be smart, not head strong. This is mainly for me to read. But I hope it helps you as well.
 
As you know, I am a very focused gal. In fact, sometimes I am so focused on a goal that I don’t want to admit it might not be the right thing to do. It has taken a few years, but I am slowly learning that lesson. While I really want to do the miles this month I know that I will set myself up for injury, tiredness and a mile heavy body.
 
The lesson that I am still learning is to be smart. Not only in training, but also in life. Sometime we have goals or things we would like to do, but how often are they really the smart thing for us?  Its great to have goals, but as you go about achieving them, make sure you are being wise about them. I know, it’s easier said then done.
 
That’s where friends, coaches and good, sound, wise counsel come into play. Use it. Do it.  But watch out September, I will again go after the 1000 mile goal. And I know at that time it will be the right and the smart thing to do.