In a conversation with another coach yesterday, I was reminded of a phrase that I’ve used often, but with the lack of races, have not used recently… “You’ve got to get to the start line in order to get to the finish line."
So many of us spend our time and energy thinking about the actual race or event that we have signed up to. We can visualise it. We can smell the finish line almost. However, it is actually impossible to run the time, pace, power or distance you want on race day without making it to the start line in the first place.
The most common thing that prevents people from getting to their start line (aside from COVID!) is either injury, inconsistent training or both.
For me as a coach, I look at both the journey from where you currently are, to the start line, as well as the event itself. The journey over months of training and preparation is where your race goals get carved into shape and you make the most progress. All those hours of running and consistent training get you to the start line, so that you can actually make it to the finish line.
It is therefore worth each of us thinking through, researching and emphasising the consistency and injury prevention that ultimately enables you to get to your start line. The finish line will then take care of itself.