This week’s Tuesdays on the Run Linkup is all about goals. Not just any goals but big ones. Really BIG ones. Those pie in the sky, dare to dream, BHAGs. That stands for Big Hairy Audacious Goal. Do you have one/some of those? Do you go big or go home? Or do you err on the side of safe and “realistic?”
I’ve never been much of a PR chaser. The only distance PR I recall gunning for was a half marathon one. While I’ve run in a bunch of states, hitting up all 50 has never been a goal of mine either.
(Google images)
My one real BHAG, which I set my heart on back in 2009 after I ran my first Boston Marathon, was to run all FIVE World Marathon Majors. Did you catch that? FIVE. At the time that included Boston, NYC, Chicago, London and Berlin. Before I achieved my BHAG, a 6th Marathon Major was added: Tokyo. I figured since I already had the most difficult race out of the way (Boston due to the qualifying aspect) I’d work on checking them all off the bucket list….eventually.
Eventually is the operative word here. It’s not like I was in any particular rush. I already had Chicago and Boston done…both twice…before I got in the lottery for NYCM…and waited there for four long years.
But my kids were young. Traveling internationally was out of the question. While others were completing all of the World Marathon Majors in a single year’s time, I felt no sense of urgency. Until I did.
While overall participation in running races has been declining over the past few years, the quest for the World Marathon Majors, running on all Seven Continents and other “more adventurous” exploits has exploded. We’ve seen what’s happened to Boston Qualifying times and all World Marathon Major races have long since gone to a lottery process.
If I had a crystal ball (or even a Magic 8 Ball) maybe I could have checked off the World Marathon Majors while they were more accessible. But hindsight is 20/20.
Bad timing? Or do things happen in their own perfect time?
While I was very lucky to get through the Berlin Marathon lottery on my first try last year, I’ve been sitting in the London lottery for 2 years now. This is my first year getting in the Tokyo lottery.
I’m trying not to let the doubts creep in but part of me wonders how long I’ll be physically able and mentally willing to run 26.2. I feel like I wanna lace up this 6 WMM goal sooner than later, and given the popularity of these races, it’s pretty much left up to the luck of the draw, which is out of my control.
To complicate things further, there’s talk of a 7th World Marathon Major being added.
Will I ever be going for my 6th star?
What’s your BHAG? Did you ever set a goal you had to let go of for one reason or another?
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That’s an AMAZING goal! Best of luck to you with the lotteries for London and Tokyo! I hope it all works out for you!!
I love the BHAG acronym. I should think about mine. At the moment it’s NYC, but that’s probably not BHAG enough. I want to visit all 50 states, but like you no exact plan to run in each
BHAG’s are scary…and putting them out there for the world to see (and scrutinize) makes us vulnerable. But it also shows the world we are real, with dreams and aspirations 😉 My fingers are crossed for you and Tokyo!!!!
This is such a great goal! It’s kind of frustrating that part of it is out of your hands, and that they could add on another marathon major. Hopefully you can check those final races off your list soon!
The Marathon Majors look amazing – plus the traveling to other countries! You are totally going to get it done, sooner than too much later hopefully 😉 😉
I so hope you get into London and Tokyo! What if you get in both? Aye! Wouldn’t that be something?
OMG there is talk of a 7th being added? That’s crazy!
While I don’t have a goal to run in all 50 states, I would like to run in 25 states. I think that’s just more manageable for me (and more affordable)!
I don’t want to run all of the WMM, but I would love to run London. I’ll just keep entering the lottery every year lol
My BHAG also is to run all the Worlds, but of course I have that complicating factor of never being able to BQ. And having just STARTED five years ago, I don’t have much time! Still, since I’ve made it my goal, I’m willing to do what it takes, so I will be going the charity route for Boston. I know even the charity spots are hard to get and will cost me a pretty penny. Fingers crossed we both get Tokyo this year!
I love to set big goals, and have never had to give any of them up unless you count the ones I made after a few too many glasses of wine 😉
Which one would the 7th? The 6 they have now are pretty much the BIG ONES. I hope you get in to either London or Tokyo.
That sounds like an amazing goal! I don’t have a BHAG, but I should definitely come up with one. Right now, though, my goal is to run a half marathon. I’m an inexperienced runner, and that would be a huge win for me.
We have the same BHAG! Berlin will be 5 for me…. then trying the London Lottery. I’ve tried it twice so far!
Also, where can I find a list of future topics?
I actually do feel the same way about running a half in ever state — obviously that does appeal to me & push me enough to keep training. But I’m not about just checking them off, I really want to take my time & explore the country. And I too wonder how long I’ll be able to keep running halfs.
Good luck with Tokyo!
WOW! That is a BHAG BUT so cool! Lonon? Tokyo? There are so many things to be excitd about those places but also things to be scared of – you are amazing! Good luck!
No one has ever accused me of landing on the side of “safe and realistic”! 😀
Good luck with my BHAG! I thought about the same one, but not sure I really want to pursue it. I am only halfway there. I need the 2 that you do and NYC also.
No big goal. Is that terrible?
I always wanted to race in Paris and hopefully I will get to do that in October.
Good luck with yours. It will be so exciting!
Fingers crossed for you! What if you get into both!?
A 7th?! Really?!
I am keeping my fingers crossed for you for both London & Tokyo!!
The World majors is such a cool goal, I hope the lottery works in your favor this year! I really don’t know if I have a BHAG….I’d love to try an ultra one day just because I love trail running….but it’s not something I’d want to do anytime soon!
My BHAG is Boston. If I could remain injury free long enough I think it is doable…..then I will go for the Majors. I have done NYC and Chicago and tried London and Berlin but have not been able to get in. Good luck on your quest for London and Tokyo!!
Unfortunately, my BHAG’s tend to be more like SMAG’s (small, manageable, average goals) Lol! I’ll just live vicariously through your BHAG’s! Fingers are crossed for you 🙂
That’s an awesome goal to have (best of luck)!! My BHAG doesn’t have anything to do with running, but I’d love to join the 1000 club on powerlifting someday!