In 2019, our Hawthorn team all decided that we would aim to complete a physical goal that was way beyond our capabilities from that current point in time. The goal had to be something that both scared and excited us at the same time. A goal that was pushing us physically and mentally. We have called this our "Stretch Goal"
1. What is your Stretch Goal and why have you chosen this?
My stretch goal for 2019 is to run the 21km distance at the Melbourne Marathon Festival on the 13th of October 2019. The reason as to why I decided to accomplish this goal was to really put myself out of my comfort zone and challenge myself as I was already changing myself physically, by losing weight. It's time I challenged myself in a different way physically and also mentally. Ultimately, when I started at Vision, I was unable to run 400m without being out of breath. A couple of months after I started, I ran my first 4km non stop. Fast forward a couple more months and proper training I ran my first 10km. That all occurred in the space of 1 year, so I thought it was time to step it up, let's go with 21km and I now have more time to train for it.
2. What are you going to ensure happens to achieve this goal and what does your training look like?
Right now for me, my first priority is to recover from a torn meniscus (knee injury) that I have incurred. This means I need to ensure that I follow the process of completing all my required rehabilitation exercises and following the guidance of my physiotherapist. Despite it meaning that I cannot run at the moment, it doesn't mean that I cannot focus on building my fitness in various forms and still train, which is exactly what I am doing with the guidance of Courtney. When I have recovered and have the clearance to begin running, I will be making sure that I follow the training plan that Courtney created. I will be looking at two runs a week with two weight sessions, and it is also important for me to ensure that I schedule stretching into my week as I need to keep my body in good shape and so I can control the controllable - my body and its recovery.
3. What scares you the most about your goal?
21km!!! That's exactly what scares me - the distance. Prior to starting at Vision, running was my most disliked form of exercise, I would avoid it at all costs, come up with any excuse possible. But… right now, I'm looking forward to the new challenge even though it terrifies me! I think I can admit I may have caught the running bug as they call it. As I am going into unknown territory both with running and my body changing, not knowing how far I can push my body also scares me. All these points that scare me, I believe are a good thing, it all adds to the point of having a stretch goal.
It's not a stretch if it doesn't scare you.
4. What are you most excited for?
Despite saying earlier that I am scared of not knowing far I can push myself, it also excites me at the same time! Where can I go and how far can I push it, what really is my limit and is there a limit?
Running 21km is an incredible achievement; I am definitely excited to cross the finish line on what's known as the hallowed turf of the MCG. As small as it might seem, being able to say that I ran 21km also excites me, because I've had people in my past turn around to me and completely doubt me and my abilities, to be able to turn around to them and show them that I am worthy and can achieve something like this will make me feel really proud and prove them wrong.
5. What difference is this going to make to you after you have achieved this goal?
The biggest difference that this is going to make for me is proving to myself that I can achieve anything I want to achieve if I put my mind to it. I doubt myself really easily and too often, but this will validate that I can do it. Like I mentioned before, it will allow me to prove to people who doubted me in the past that I can do it. I will have no second thoughts on the fact that I will be the fittest and strongest I have ever been in my entire life. I would like to also think that I could be a role model for others who might doubt themselves and make them think that they can also achieve anything they set their minds to. It will be my greatest achievement physically and mentally and I know it will be something I can be proud of achieving.
6. Do you have any tips/tricks for someone who is thinking about pushing their own comfort zone with health and fitness?
JUST DO IT! (Sorry NIKE, took their slogan) but if you've thought about pushing yourself to achieve something that is out of your comfort zone, stop doubting, second guessing and waiting around. Just go ahead and do it!
Once you achieve it, you'll no doubt think to yourself, "I should have done it earlier", and even better you'll feel awesome, on top of the world when you do achieve it.
Another little tip would be to surround yourself with people who are going to support you throughout the whole process. I'm not going to sit here and say that things are going to be smooth sailing throughout the whole process, things will get tough. You might get injured, training sessions will get tough, you'll have good days, you'll have bad days and you'll have average days. By ensuring that you have a support network around you who will keep you on track, remind you of why you're doing what you're doing and people who are just going to be there for you will mean that you can continue along the process and make sure your embrace the whole process. I won't say how to live your life but during these moments you need to separate yourself from people who will doubt you, who will not believe in you, and who don't show any form of support because they will drag you down.
"Believe in yourself and there will come a day when others will have no choice but to believe with you"
*Disclaimer: Individual results vary based on agreed goals. Click here for details.
