Say it Out Loud

My co-worker, Dan Wells, put me in the hot seat when I was covering training for the annual Flying Pig Marathon yesterday. Have a listen…

Initially when I researched Cincinnati when I became a candidate for my current position, I learned about the race and knew it was something I would like to do. In Wichita Falls, Texas, where I lived for my last job, I participated in the Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred. It’s a century cycle race that takes place every August (when it’s usually 100+ degrees), brining people around the globe to ride. Leading up to the race I created a series of stories for my news station called “Inspired to Ride.”

(Moments before the 2013 Hotter 'N Hell began, after KFDX's pre-race morning show.)

(One hundred miles later with my friend Michael who greeted me at the finish line.)

I have made it part of my mission to immerse myself into the ‘hometown culture’ of each city my work leads me to. The Flying Pig is one of those experiences in Cincinnati.

What Dan made me do in his spur of the moment question was publicly announce a goal. When you have a goal set this is something that’s highly recommended to do. No, not everyone can share theirs on television, but you can talk about it with your friends and family. Sharing and talking about your goals does two things.

First, it creates an accountability system. You don’t want to tell all your friends you were going to do something then back down, would you? We describe those types of people as “flaky,” and you’re better than that. It also keeps the dream stay alive. When you have something you are aspiring for, you want to be thinking about it constantly. You want to visualize achieving that goal, create a plan to reach it, and follow through with that plan.

My plan. First, I need to register for the race. Then I need to start logging some miles, a.k.a. training. Today before it got to rainy I did a nice seven mile run through my neighborhood. I sported my new running jacket which I couldn’t stop myself from buying when I was covering the Bob Roncker’s Running Spot training group. Not to be dramatic but the jacket has changed my life! I am deathly afraid of running outside in winter, I hate the cold. Not anymore though… thank-you bright orange thang!

So what goals are you going to announce today? If it applies, happy running!