We need goals and challenges. Your goal may to be an Olympian or you may strive to run a mile without stopping or the goal could be to lose 10 pounds. Whatever you aim to accomplish it is important to have a goal and goals along the way. This is an affective plan for permanent fat loss.
In early September, I coached and ran with two men in a race in Colorado that took place in the high mountains. One of the men was a Durango school teacher and the other is my pastor. The challenge was to run from Ouray to Telluride. The 17 mile course took us over the 13,000 foot Imogene pass. The course is steep, rocky and the air thin. While running with my pastor, I asked him how he was doing. He said that this was the toughest thing he has ever done. Finishing in Telluride was a great accomplishment for him and his family. He worked hard towards this goal for the preceding 6 months. It became a daily goal to t be prepared to run a race that was much harder than a marathon. We finished with a time of 5 and half hours. It was a great accomplishment for all three of us. Of course we were tired and sore, but we had big smiles on our faces.
With this event completed, my pastor now sets his sights on the 5 mile Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day. But farther ahead he is planning a return to the high mountains of Colorado improve on his performance and to run with his son.
As a coach, my goal is to find more people to take on the challenge of the Imogene Pass Race. Just two days ago I found 2 people willing to take on a challenge that is beyond anything they have ever done before. As their coach I am thrilled to a part of this great undertaking.
What are the lessons to be learned from this high mountain trail race?
1. Accountability- Accountability is essential. One needs to be a part of a team or a group. Or they need to have a partner or a coach. When looking for a leader, look for a leader that leads by example.
God has designed us to flourish within a group that is supportive.
2. Goals: Goals is when you say I am here, and I want to be there. It is the target that you shoot for. There are daily goals, monthly goals, yearly goals and those goals that are 10 or 20 years in the future. Many times we have to work diligently everyday to achieve a short or long term goal.
3. Record Keeping: Record keeping is when we write down our exercise, weight, and nutrition changes. One needs to see daily, weekly and yearly progress. Write down your accomplishments and progress. Using a sheet of binder paper for each month is simple way to keep track of your accomplishments and changes. I have kept a training log for 30 years.
Use these three steps in your plan to conquer permanent fat loss.
I started running with my pastor on November 18 th in 2004. I gave him the challenge to run in a 5 mile race. That first time, we ran and walked three miles together. That was the beginning of our weekly runs together. Over the years, I gave him new challenges and goals, great change didn't happen overnight. It was steady regular progress. Who would have imagined that someday just 5 years later he would run in a 17 mile race over a 13,000 foot pass! Wow!
You may not run a mountain trail race, but you need goals, accountability and record keeping for your life. In the areas of health, fitness, nutrition and wellness, what are your goals? Do you want to Live Long and Live Strong? Have a plan of action that includes goals, accountability and record keeping.
As you move forward, look for someone else that you can support and encourage. This plan works for running a mountain race and for permanent fat loss.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
tweet this!