Complete Transformation: My Next Big Goal

TCM

Registration for the Twin Cities Marathon opened at 9:00am on Saturday, February 1st. I was sitting at my computer waiting for the link to go live, and I hit the final “submit” button at 9:09am.

This will be my fourth marathon, but it will be unique.

2014 is going to be a year of transformation for myself. As of last Friday, we have completed our debt management program and $109,000 of credit card debt is gone. But that’s only the beginning, as we have other financial goals that we will accomplish this year.

I want to extend that transformation to my health and fitness as well. Earlier in January, as we discussed making our final payment on the 31st, I mentioned how ironic it would be to finish our financial marathon on January 31st, and then register for the Twin Cities Marathon the very next day.

Ending a financial marathon, and beginning the training for a physical one.

I recognized that I am in a position to accomplish some life goals in a very unique manner in 2014. Running a marathon at the age of forty is pretty cool. Running my very best marathon while getting in the best shape of my life and qualifying for the Boston Marathon would be off the charts cool.

Doing so in the very same year we completed our financial marathon would blow my freaking mind.

I’ve had this whole sequence in my mind for several weeks now, and like pieces to a puzzle they just all seem to fit. I’ve created my own diet plan to facilitate healthier eating, and lose some weight. I’m already a gym freak, and have my workout regimen down cold. I’ve approached my friends at CareOne about wearing a shirt with their logo on it as I run the marathon.

To achieve all my goals, I need to run 26.2 miles in under three hours and fifteen minutes. To do so, I need to shave about 53 minutes off my best marathon time. That’s a tall order, but then again, I know a thing or two about seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

I think you’re starting to get the picture as to why I want to do this. I’m huge on symbolism, and this goal has it oozing out the seems.

If that weren’t enough, I heard this quote on last week’s episode of The Biggest Loser:

“Fear will pass, but regret lasts forever.”

Crossing that marathon finish line on October 5th and qualifying for the Boston Marathon would be symbolic of a transformation complete, in both finances and fitness.  If I don’t take this opportunity, own it, and achieve my goals, I will regret it forever.

What big goal are you working on right now? Are you doing everything you can to achieve it?

About Travis

18 Responses to “Complete Transformation: My Next Big Goal”

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  1. Wow! Sounds like you have quite an exciting year ahead of you, Travis! My big goal is to secure a side hustle but I’m having trouble making a commitment. I’m concerned about turning something I love doing into work, and that doing so may make me stop loving it and quit altogether. I’m giving myself time to think it through since there are other opportunities during the year to take the training!

    • Travis says:

      I can understand your hesitation, Kendal. I’m a big BBQ lover, and I’ve had people suggest I should open a catering business or a restaurant. It’s one of my favorite hobbies, and I would never want to make it a job because of the same reason. If it makes it not fun, then I don’t want to do it anymore. 🙂 Hope you determine the best answer for you Kendall….here’s to a GREAT year!

  2. Dude why ya gotta one up me again! lol!!! You go right ahead. After yesterday I’m thinking, “who are these crazy f’s who run full marathons?!?!?” But to do it in a certain time? Daaaang! You have my 150% support as I cheer you on from my cozy computer seat. 🙂 Really proud of everything you have accomplished and WILL accomplish!

    • Travis says:

      I’m proud of YOU for running your first 1/2 marathon, Tonya…it’s truly a great accomplishment! I’m looking forward to the challenge of running a great marathon on 10/5…..I had a crappy run today, and I’m sitting here wishing I could do it over. The best thing about a run? You can do it again tomorrow! 🙂

  3. Michelle says:

    I love symbolism! My first 1/2 marathon is in May. You-are a machine LOL!

  4. Good luck Travis! Running a marathon takes dedication. We are working on our debt free goal by November of this year. Hoping to pull it in by a few months.

    • Travis says:

      Marathon’s of all types take a lot of dedication…you’re nearing the end of your own financial marathon, Brian – can’t wait to read your “It’s Over” post!

  5. Congrats Travis! That’s a seriously impressive accomplishment. I’m working towards my first 1/2 marathon, so I will definitely be following your progress. Keep it up!

  6. I have not doubt you can do it or anything else. Paying off debt made me feel the same way. One of my goals for really the rest of my life is not to have to do things I hate. I don’t mean cleaning house or things I need to do to live and be normal, but I mean taking on jobs or projects just because I feel like I have to for someone else. I’m done with that section of my life. Not being in debt means I have so many more choices about the amount and type of work I do.

    • Travis says:

      Freedom from debt gives us freedom from SO MANY things, Kim. Debt is ironic….after all, Debt is what we incur when we buy SOME of the things we want when we cannot afford them, but it is the thing that holds us back from having ALL of the things we want!

  7. Wow, 3 hours 15 min is FAST! I can’t imagine. This year was my first and I ran 4:11:44. I think if I could get under four I’d be impressed with myself.

    • Travis says:

      As mentioned, I’m gonna have to shave a ton of time off my best (around the 4:07 mark), but I’m up for the challenge…and it’ll make it all the more sweet when I accomplish it. But that being said, ANY completion time of a marathon is KICK ASS…..it takes so much time, effort and dedication to be able to do it. Do you think you’ll run another one??

  8. Mackenzie says:

    Wow, that’s awesome Travis! Good for you! You are going to ROCK the marathon!!!! 🙂

  9. Love that you just crossed one major achievement off the list and are quickly moving right onto the next! I’ll be following you online on race day again, friend. You can do it!

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