The Marathon Analogy
Hi — I’m Coach Lisa. Over the course of my life I’ve run a few marathons, and that experience has deeply shaped how I think about goal setting. That’s why I often use a marathon analogy in my work.
A marathon is a clear, tangible goal: run (well… mostly run) 26.2 miles. But even in something that concrete, there are layers. Beyond simply finishing, runners often have secondary goals: finishing strong, finishing within a certain time, or simply finishing feeling proud of how you showed up. That big vision — crossing the finish line — feels like the goal. But is it really? Or is there more to goal-setting than the outcome itself?
Most marathon training plans recommend about 16 weeks of preparation, assuming you already have a solid base. While it’s possible to train in less time, I’ve learned that meaningful goals are rarely about shortcuts. Momentum matters. Consistency matters. I ran my PR (personal-record) marathon after years of showing up regularly — not because of one perfect training season, but because I had built a foundation through repetition. In goal-setting, progress compounds when your actions are aligned and sustained over time.
Training itself is where goals become actionable. Instead of focusing on the full 26.2 miles, the focus shifts to smaller, measurable commitments: how many runs per week, how far, at what pace. Runners track these details because clarity creates progress. Big goals are achieved through small, repeatable actions, and by taking one step at a time (pun intended), even when the finish line feels far away.
I’ve also learned that how you pursue a goal matters. Some runners prefer to train alone; others thrive in community. I run better with others. I push myself more, go farther, and move faster when I’m supported. The same is true with goals. Accountability, structure, and shared energy often make the process more sustainable. When I have a race on the calendar, I’m not relying on motivation alone—I’m relying on commitment.
Ultimately, goal setting isn’t about hustling through life like it’s an endless race. It’s about creating structure, pacing yourself, and choosing intentional milestones to move toward. When goals are clear and supported, life becomes a series of purposeful events. We’re here to thrive and we do so by living our lives actively, consciously, and purposefully.
Below are a few questions to think through and journal around:
What’s your Vision for your Life or your Business this year?
What is your Strategy or Plan (Training Program) for getting there?
What structures will set you up for success?
How will you track it?
How will you weather the tough runs - the character building days?
