What's Your Why?

 

I remember working on my Girl Scout journalism badge many years ago.  We took a field trip to the local paper.  It was back when they actually printed the paper.  The big rolls of newsprint, the smell of ink.  All pretty impressive.  But, beyond the technology, the thing I remember most was the speech the reporter gave us.  She talked about the five W's that were important to every good story:  who, what, where, when and why.  Not only does it provide a good basis for a news article, but for life (and our training).

  

By now you should have the what.  Your goal.

 

Who.  Well, you of course.  But maybe a training buddy or two, or a whole team of them!

 

Where and when.  I'm sure hoping you have the location and date of your goal event recorded on the calendar.  

 

But why.  Have you considered the why? 

 

Why are you getting up early on cold, snowy Saturdays?  Why are you strapping on YakTrax to battle the ice and slick sidewalks?  Why are you taking the time to train?  To dream about the finish line?  To revise your eating habits to effectively fuel yourself as an athlete?   To endure the pain?  

Why?  What is that deep down internal motivation that gives you reason to set your goal?

 

Maybe it's to lose weight.  To become healthier, fitter. 

 

You might be raising money for a cause.  Walking/running in memory or to honor a loved one.

 

 To share time with a friend.  To challenge yourself.  To go push your limits and see how far you can go.  To check an item off your bucket list.   To find yourself.

 

Your why is as personal and unique as you are.  In order to succeed, to truly embrace your journey to the finish line your why needs to be your focus.  You why is just for you. 

 

 

 

Embrace Each Step.