Knowing when to give up on a Big Hairy Audacious Goal

Earlier this year I set myself a goal – to run a sub 1 hour 40 minute half marathon.? I had a very balanced and focussed training thanks to Rob Dallimore at FootTraffic.? I trained well and the target was well within reach.?

Then the first hiccup – an asthma attack two weeks prior to the race.? However, I decided to continue to target the goal after talking to my GP and coach.?

Race day, everything seemed normal’ish, so I went for it. ?Long story short, I had a bit of whoopsie at 19.3 km (even then I might have hit the target time).? I ended up in an Ambulance on the way to Bay of Islands Hospital. ?It’s been a bit of a long recovery; in fact my first run was today (three weeks later).

Due to my single-minded focus on achieving a goal that (on the day) was probably unachievable, I caused significant damage to my body.? Ahem, some of my old school friends might remember similar outcomes from similar circumstances.? Old dog, new tricks!!

I have been pondering events since and have taken the following lesson:

Setting BHAGs is great; however, there comes a point where that that goal is unattainable.? Continuing to zealously pursue the goal ends up creating havos.?

Learn when to stop refocus and reset.

Finally, a huge thanks to all the friendly runners and Northland people who stopped and offered support.? A huge thanks to the Ambulance staff for going the extra mile, and Bay of Islands Hospital were great.