Running goals

Isaac and Sarah are living on Isaac’s family’s farm in rural Kenya and working on their running goals. This is a reflection of how running is going for each of them right now and how it is influenced by their yoga practice.

Isaac

It’s been a dream of mine to compete in an international running event- specifically a long distance event such as the 1500m, 3000m steeplechase or marathon. The last time I took a step towards this goal I was in Grade 5 on a school field racing against classmates. Then most recently, I was at the New Haven Road Race in September 2019 (pictured below).

I know the steps to take to make this dream come true, but thinking of my age and how hard it is to stick to these steps, it makes me stop dreaming some times.

But now that I am surrounded by people that believe in me and who hold me accountable to my words, the dream has come alive again!

Don’t stop dreaming and believing that it’s possible!

My lovely partner and I started a 4 month training program about 2 months ago. Our goal has been to run 4 times a week and every month to have one rest week. Starting this program was very challenging- especially noting that we have to run early morning. The first four weeks felt like a fight getting out of bed and also a struggle on the road.

The support I’m getting from Sarah is amazing. At this time (2nd of 4 months) we’re running a longer distance and the speed has increased. It hasn’t gotten easier for me to get up in the mornings but it’s getting stronger and easier on the runs.

By now I see the dream coming to reality. Thanks to the support from my future wife and family.

My biggest take away from the past two months is to keep showing up even when I can’t see the results. My yoga practice invites me to do this and now I’m applying it to running as well. It’s helping me to show up and believe that the results will follow!

Sarah

In 2007, when I was 19, I ran a 5:17 mile and felt like there was more left in the tank. Since then I’ve had the crazy belief that a 5 minute mile is possible for me.

For about 10 years the goal lay dormant and then in 2017, I started the practice of setting annual goals- goals as impossible as I could imagine. The 5 minute mile has remained no. 1 on my list every year since then.

While my yoga practice has always stood alongside my running training- supporting me with fewer injuries and more internal peace as I face disappointments and roadblocks- my approach to the actual training and running plans has still been guided by traditional running coaches and athletes. I’ve followed philosophies that go something like this: create a sequential and cumulative plan that builds you up to your goal… and then stick to it as best you can.

But this past November, I realized that working within the structure of a prescribed plan was leaving me pushing harder, forcing, and constantly worrying about how I’d improve if I wasn’t hitting the mileage or expected time goals. And so, I finally started running the way that I show up on my yoga mat.

1. Be still and listen. Observe and without judging- note down what shows up. (Dreams of running pain-free, with grace and strength).
2. Get clear and articulate what continuously shows up into a goal. (Run a 5 minute mile).
3. Show up daily to honor that goal. (Set intention to run 4x/ week and stay injury free by practicing yoga every day).
4. Modify anytime there is pain. (Show up always, but decide not to run if I feel pain or modify the planned route. Then address the problem as best I can with yoga and rest).
5. Rest whenever the stress and effort of getting out for the run takes away the joy of the experience. (Keep it fun and light by running 4x/ week and one week every month have zero expectations- could run twice or could sleep in every day during that “rest week”. While I have an idea of which week may be the rest week, I allow it to declare itself because without fail there will be a week that demands extra rest for physical or logistical reasons).
6. Trust that doing less, pushing less, but staying connected and clear with my goal will lead me there. (I write every day and reflect on my intentions and goals. I have faith that if I keep showing up to do only what’s possible on that day — and not trying to do more to “catch up” — the goal will be reached).
7. Keep going with patience. (Things will change over time).

Now that my running is guided by my yoga and meditation practice, I’m enjoying pain-free and stress-free running.

And I trust the 5 minute mile will show up… if I keep showing up with observation, intention, action, trust and patience.