By Matthew Balzer, Owner of Reno Running Company & Gold Country Run and Sport
The start of a new year often comes with new goals. As a runner, you might be thinking about the next big race to sign up for, but it’s easy to get stuck in the cycle of choosing races or distances you’re already comfortable with. Today, I want to challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and commit to running a race that feels bold, maybe even intimidating. The process I’m about to share doesn’t just apply to athletic goals—it can be used for anything like saving for retirement or going back to school as an adult.
Here’s how to set yourself up for success when tackling a goal that feels just out of reach.
1. Dream Big and Write It Down
Start by focusing on what you truly want to achieve—not just what feels possible. Maybe it’s running a half marathon for the first time, or perhaps it’s completing an ultramarathon. Whatever it is, write it down. Putting your goal into words gives it power.
2. Connect Emotionally with the Goal
How will achieving this goal make you feel? Excited? Empowered? Nervous? Take a moment to write down your feelings, thoughts, and emotions about the goal. This emotional connection is your “why,” and it will be a critical motivator when training gets tough.
3. Identify What Needs to Change
To reach a big goal, something in your life might need to shift. Reflect on:
- Time: How much time will you need to dedicate to training each week?
- Support System: Does your family or social circle support this goal? Have honest conversations with them.
- Sacrifices: Will you need to give up or scale back on other activities? Decide if those sacrifices are worth it.
This stage is about being realistic about the changes and sacrifices required to accomplish what you’ve set out to do.
4. Create a Plan
The key to big goals is breaking them into smaller, manageable steps. Write out a week-by-week or even day-by-day plan to stay on track. This plan should include your training schedule, nutrition goals, and even time for recovery. When you have a clear roadmap, the path to your goal feels less daunting.
Example: Running The Biggest Little Half Marathon
Let’s use running The Biggest Little Half Marathon in Reno, Nevada, on April 26, 2025, as an example. If you’ve never run 13.1 miles, this may feel overwhelming—but it’s achievable with the right mindset and plan.
- Start Small and Stick to a Schedule: If you’re running 5Ks now, build gradually by adding one longer run each week.
- Take this prompt and paste it into ChatGPT: I’m new to running and really want to complete a half marathon. I’ve never run more than 3 miles so I’m more concerned with finishing than a specific time. The race I want to train for is the Biggest Little Half Marathon on April 26th in Reno, NV. Create a training plan starting on February 1st that has me running 3-4 days/week. Mix in some speed work, because I’ve heard that’s good for me!
- If you want to take our relationship to the next level ☺ we offer one on one coaching plans: https://runsignup.com/MemberOrg/RRCCoaching/Register
- Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate when you hit new distances, whether it’s your first 7-mile or 10-mile run. Write down how it made you feel and celebrate with some new running gear. I always get a little more motivation after buying a new outfit, and especially new shoes ☺
- Stay Flexible: Life happens, and some weeks may not go as planned. Adjust as needed but stay committed overall.
Apply This Framework to Any Goal
While this process works for athletic goals, the same principles can help with other life goals. Want to go back to school as an adult? Write down your goal, consider the sacrifices (like less free time), and make a plan to balance school, work, and life. Saving for retirement? Determine how much you’ll need, identify what expenses to cut back on, and map out a savings strategy.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing a big goal can feel daunting, but the growth you’ll experience along the way is worth it. By writing down your dream, connecting with your “why,” and creating a clear plan, you can turn a goal that once seemed impossible into an incredible achievement.
Are you ready to step outside your comfort zone and run a race that challenges you? Let’s start this journey together. See you at the start line for The Biggest Little Half Marathon!