Every year, I set a list of goals that I want to accomplish. As my fitness journey has increased, so have the goals increased. For example, one year I set a goal of running a half marathon. Not only did I achieve that goal, but ended up completing my first full marathon as well. Sometimes it’s the unexpected goals that are the most rewarding.

I am closing in on one of those unexpected goals. At the first of the year, I set a goal of running 750 miles this year. The prior year I had run a little over 500 miles, so I figured that increasing it by 250 miles would be a nice accomplishment. I have been keeping track with my Garmin and another app, but they both only showed individual runs and not the total for the year.

A friend challenged me to run 100 miles in the month of November. I accepted that challenge, and was using my old method to keep track, mainly paper and pen. My friend suggested that I use the Garmin Connect website and set a goal. Then the website, along with my app on my phone and my Garmin watch, would keep track for me. It was about time for me to learn how to utilize more of what my watch had to offer, and how to use the website better, so I sat down at the computer to learn how to set a goal.

To my surprise, it was quite easy to set the 100 mile goal. I named it, answered a couple of questions, and set the start and stop dates. Then I figured out approximately how many miles a day I would have to run in order to make the goal.

Then I got the idea to set my 750 miles in a year goal. When I did, what I saw was shocking. I was already over 100% of my goal! I started to wonder if it was possible to reach 1000 miles in a year. I have heard of people who have achieved that goal, and always admired their dedication. So I set a new goal: 1000 miles in one year!

As I type this, I am 71 miles away from my goal. I have 32 days to complete the 71 miles, and achieve a goal that not only was unexpected, but was only dreamed about. If I can run 2.3 miles a day on average, I will make the goal. I am just amazed by what my body is able to endure, how my determination has increased, and how I enjoy working out and exercising. It was only a few short years ago that I could barely run a 5k. Now I have completed two marathons, several half marathons, numerous 5k and 10k races, two sprint triathlons, and many long bicycle rides.

Tomorrow I meet up with my dear friend and training partner Kara, and we will swim and spin as we prepare for a new goal: an olympic distance triathlon. As we train and prepare for our main goal, I have to wonder if there will be any “unexpected goals” that will surprise me yet again.

Live healthy, be happy!

Travis