Getting there, Chrissie Wellington (Ironman world champion)
Always write your goal on a piece of paper, whether it’s to lose weight or complete your first
5km, and post it somewhere visible. It must be something you personally want to achieve, not
a goal set by others.
Plan how you want to achieve that goal. The plan should be realistic and tailored to your
ability and your life. This will give you direction, structure and help you stay on track.
Have smaller goals that you can achieve on your way towards your overall goal. This will
help you enjoy the journey with successes along the way. For example, if you’re finding a run
difficult, break it down and set small goals, like getting to the next lamppost – promise
yourself that at that point you can either stop or keep going.
Keep a log of your workouts. Highlight any accomplishments and successes, note how you
felt and then celebrate getting up and over these little milestones. When you need some
inspiration, open your log book to remind yourself how far you’ve gone.
Find a running mate. Running with others is great motivation. You can also get
encouragement from sharing your goals with friends online. Share your exercise goal with
your social network. Sharing will give you the extra push to keep going and achieve your
goals.
Train your brain to recognise negative thoughts and try to replace those thoughts with
positive affirmations. 'This is too hard or I am too tired' is replaced by 'I am as strong as an
ox. I CAN run a 5km!' Have a mantra to repeat ad infinitum. Mine is ‘Never Ever Give Up’.
Spend time on visualisation. Imagine yourself as being strong, confident and successful.
Imagine how it will feel to cross the line, hear the roar of the crowds, or fall into the arms of
your loved one.