I was flipping through the latest issue of Runner’s World before I fell asleep last night when I came upon a question that captured my curiosity. The question, in Jeff Galloway’s “Starting Line” column: “I want a running-related goal that isn’t tied to racing. Suggestions?”
“Yeah,” I said out loud to no one in particular. (Steve was traveling, and I don’t have a pet. Don’t judge me.)
Setting time goals for races just hasn’t turned me on for a while. Still, running without any sort of goal has left me feeling a little bit moorless.
Galloway suggests setting frequency-based goals (15 days a month), or long-term goals such as running in a National Park in each state. Others lengthen their longest weekly run.
The latter appealed to me, but mostly because the running group I joined immediately upon moving to Saratoga Springs now runs 7 miles every Wednesday night (a lot for a weeknight, no?). So this is my new goal: If I run the whole distance on Wednesday nights, I can treat myself to a post-run treat at Olde Saratoga Brewing Co., where the run starts and ends.
I already run three days a week on a pretty regular basis, so I’m coming up short on other non-racing-based goals. Ideas? I’m all ears!
Amy Reinink 
Sign up for an ultra! No speed required, in fact, walking the hills is standard practice!
Hi Amy,
I discovered your blog through US Masters Swimming. I use their “Go the Distance” program (http://www.usms.org/fitness/content/gothedistance) to set swimming goals and follow my progress. I’ve found it a useful tool in keeping me motivated when the alarm goes off at 4:30 am. I’m not a runner, so I’m not sure if the process would translate to your efforts or meet your need for non-racing goals.