Using Community to Help Hit Goals

Last week we took a look at some strategies for setting training and racing goals. We mentioned that they should be “SMARTER” (Specific, Measurable, Actionable, Relevant, Timely, Exciting, and Risky). We also talked about how you might look results from previous races to help you construct a race specific goal, or go even deeper and look at your own internal motivations to help you set a longer-term goal.

This week, I wanted to share a strategy that can help you supercharge goal achievement. That strategy is using the power of community. Regardless of whether your goals are athletics, professional, or personal, being able to share what you’re trying to achieve, with someone else, can benefit you in a few ways.

Community adds another layer of accountability
Knowing that you’ve put something out for your community to see can make the goal feel more real. Having someone to share your updates with can help you stay accountable, and promotes a focus on making incremental progress, week-over-week.

​Community helps you refine your path
A community is full of collective knowledge and experiences. By sharing a goal, you might get feedback from others in the community who have walked a similar path, and can help guide you in the right direction.

​Community gives you a place to celebrate
Too often, we reach our goals or targets, and fail to pause and celebrate. An encouraging, supportive community will  celebrate with you. This can in turn provide more motivation and momentum toward achieving your next goal!

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So, how do we use community to help our athletes achieve their goals? Outside of fostering personal relationships, encouraging local athletes to meet up for training days, and racing togeather, our online platforms are a great place to share goals, receive feedback, and be part of a larger group.

Both the Apeiron Athletics & ChiRunning and Walking Community, use the “Mighty Networks” platform to connect community members. As a member of our community, you have FREE access to Apeiron Athletics! Athletes working directly with ChiRunning Master instructor, Ken Presutti, also have access to the private “ChiRunning/ChiWalking” community. Keep reading for more on how we use each of these online communities.

Apeiron Athletics
In the Apeiron Athletics Network you’ll find like minded athletes, all working toward becoming the best imagined versions of themselves. In fact, our Big Purpose says, “We created Apeiron Athletics to bring together both advanced and novice endurance athletes, who are looking to connect with other experienced athletes and expert coaches, to stay motivated in our training, learn new skills and strategies to train and race better, share best practices, and connect with others who share similar goals, so that we can achieve our fullest athletic potential, balance our passion for sport with the rest of our lives, and celebrate what we've accomplished.”

In the Apeiron Athletics community you’ll find:

• Athletes encouraging one-and-other to tackle goals
• Free virtual events, meetups, and master classes
• Articles and training advice from expert coaches
• Discounts on shoes, tech, and other gear
• Instructional videos on form, drills, etc.

​ChiRunning/ChiWalking
The ChiRunning and ChiWalking network is an online community for ChiRunners and ChiWalkers to learn, grow and connect with each other. It is reserved for athletes who have worked directly with ChiRunning/ChiWalking in the past with a formal program/course, or those working with certified instructors.

At PittsburghRunner.com and Apeiron Athletics, we use the ChiRunning/ChiWalking community in conjunction with specific training programs, or form coaching courses, and workshops. Chat with your coach if you believe you should have access to this community, but haven’t talked about it yet. If you are using the ChiRunning/ChiWalking community, you’ll likely also want to be in the Apeiron Athletics community as well.

Give us a shout to learn more, or get invited to the group!