4 steps to achieving a new fitness goal in 2016

It's a new year and you're ready to challenge yourself; awesome!  Now, what's next? After you have determined (with the assistance of your doctor) you are physically ready to attempt a new goal, here are a few easy steps to help you achieve success in 2016.

Decide on your goal
In the business/professional world, there is a lot of talk about using SMART goals in the development of your own or your employee's skills. If you aren't familiar with the SMART goal approach there are a few different versions of the acronyms floating around out there; here is the one I personally use:

Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound

This same principle can be helpful when applied in your personal life as well. Let's say you want a goal related to a short distance race that training won't take a lot of time away from your family in order to see success; let's go with a 5k goal:

Finish a 5k in under 30 minutes by the Fourth of July.

Make sure it is achievable
Once you determine your goal, review it and ask yourself is it really something you can achieve by the deadline. You want your goal to be challenging in order to push you to better yourself but also not so difficult that there is a strong chance of failure. If your current 5k time is 50 minutes then a goal of less than 30 minutes by July may be a bit too lofty.

Accountability
It's important to have support when you are attempting a new goal; identify at least one person you know you will be able to rely on throughout your training that will be able to encourage you while also making sure you stay on track.

Develop a plan including checkpoints including accountability check-ins
There are so many places you can get a training plan for a running goal; a private running coach (there are even virtual options if you live in an area that doesn't have one nearby); online training plans that have been developed by running professionals like Jeff Galloway or Hal Higdon; and endless amounts of apps on your mobile phone.  I've heard great things about the Couch to 5K app (I believe there is a free app with limited features and the full app for $2.99) and the Asics Training Plan (free) with a website and app that allows you to customize your own training plan based on your goal, current pace, and the timeline you have for achieving your goal (it even tells you if it thinks your goal may be reaching a little too far and suggests a more attainable goal); the Asics tool is my personal favorite that I have used several times.

And there you have it! Now (hopefully) your goal doesn't seem quite so overwhelming. What goal did you choose? Be sure to come back and let me know how your progress goes! Good luck!