Setting a Goal Race Time

I am not sure where exactly I heard about the A, B, C method of setting a goal race time, but I LOVE it! When you go into a race with one goal in mind, and you miss that goal, you can find yourself in a funk for quite a while. The disappointment of not meeting your racing goal can hinder your confidence when you head into your next race. The A, B, and C goal setting method will help you prevent this from happening.

Your A goal race time is your reach goal–think of it as your reach school when you applied to college (I know that was probably a long time ago, at least it was for me!). The A goal is one that you would be psyched to achieve, but might not happen. For example, your most recent 5k time might be 22:30. In this case your A goal could be running a 21:50.

Your B goal is more like the college that you were pretty sure that you would get into, but there was still a teeny bit of uncertainty. If we go back to our 5k example, your B goal might be a 22:10 or 22:15.

Your C goal is like your safety school, you are pretty certain that you have it wrapped up. In terms of the 5k, the C goal might be a 22:25.

The great thing about having a three-tiered goal is that you have options. You might find yourself in a race situation where things start heading a little down hill, but you don’t beat yourself up too badly and aim for your B goal or even your C goal. Hitting any of the three goals is sure to give you a boost of confidence.

Be sure check the blog tomorrow morning, I am having a Road ID sweepstakes! One reader will win a $15 gift certificate to Road ID!