Sometimes, a Trikker Chick’s fitness regimen needs a reset.
While the sun continues to play tag with we residents on the left coast, I have made a firm decision about my next couple of months. I’m going to get on my Trikke and carve up the beach. I am going to set a goal for carving, and I’m going to stick with it. Sound familiar?
I have announced – in this very magazine – some crazy fitness goals (55 by 55! Ha!) in the not so distant past, so this time, I’m going to be realistic. I want to set my goals correctly, so that I can be more effective and get that empowering feeling that attaining a goal can give.
So what is the definition of a goal and what sets it apart from a plan or a whim or even a resolution (timely, eh?)? An evaluation term called the SMART criteria will be employed here to help get a down to the bone definition of a goal.
A goal consists of five parts: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely – SMART, right? One needs to start with a specific goal in mind, such as I will carve five days a week for ten miles at a time. It then needs to be measurable as in I will accomplish this by let’s say, March. (Okay I said ten miles didn’t I? Let’s make that April, 2013.) The goal needs to be attainable, as in I have done it before and can do it again. The relevance of the goal also needs defining. Is this something I want to do, is it good for me? Yes and yes! Finally comes timing, as in the weather is getting warmer and this is a good time to be on a path along the beach.
So did I just set out and define the next challenge for myself? I guess I did. Have I proposed another fitness challenge? No. I think I will keep this as a personal best and only brag about it after the fact. Or at every group ride until 2014! In the weeks to come I will report on my progress and challenges on my way to getting back to my Trikke, Black Birdie.
About Jeri Thompson
