by Jennifer Haynie @JenniferHaynie1

My last goal for this year of jubilee concerns a physical fitness goal. For years, I’ve desired to run a half-marathon. I know I’m capable of doing it. But for one reason or another, it never happened. One year, I was dealing with tendonitis in my arms. Another year, I just couldn’t get it together with training.

This year, it’s time. I know I can do it. But is it a S.M.A.R.T. goal for me?

Specific. This goal is very specific. I want to run a half-marathon, 13.1 miles, by the end of 2021. Along the way, I’ll set up milestones (pardon the pun) to ensure that I train. I tend to set up my own running plan, and my plan will gradually lengthen the distance of long runs I do.

Measurable. This goal is absolutely measurable, both in what I have to do to complete it and what I have to do to train for it. As mentioned above, my training will consist of runs at longer distances that gradually work up to 13.1 miles on the big day.

Attainable. I know I can attain this goal if I put in the right amount of time. Due to foot issues that can flare if I run too many times during the week, I plan to make cross-training, a mix of cycling, lifting, and walking, part of my regimen. Lifting will make my muscles stronger. Cycling and walking will help build my stamina.

Relevant. In previous years, other issues, from injuries to busyness at work to sheer laziness prevented me from training. Part of it came down to the fact that I didn’t want it badly enough to put in the time. I do now. Once Daylight Savings Time starts, which means longer days, I’m willing to set aside the time it’ll take to train.

Time-bound. This goal definitely has an end. I have my eye on a half-marathon in November. When I lay out my running plan to train, I’ll set specific dates to reach certain distances.

Right now, as I sit at the bar in the kitchen and write about this goal, the rain comes down in 36-degree weather. Achieving this goal seems far away. But I know that when daylight lengthens in a month or so, the training begins as well. Then I’ll be well on my way to achieving this S.M.A.R.T. goal.

What is a goal you’ve had? Something big you want to do? By laying it out in terms of S.M.A.R.T. goals, I know you’ll be able to achieve it.

Question: What is a big accomplishment you worked toward and succeeded at?