Please note: I am not a doctor, medical professional, health/wellness expert, or a sports psychologist. These are just my ramblings about my personal experiences.

Running is so strange.

I wouldn’t say I like it, but I like having done it and I like having goals to reach for.

But I’ve realized, I’m totally guilty of beating myself up when I don’t reach a goal (I have a whole post about that here), but barely pause when I do reach a goal. It’s just a sudden switch to ‘now what’?

I’m trying to work through this tendency, so I wanted to share how I’m celebrating and acknowledging a big goal I’ve been working toward for a few years in case it helps change your mindset too.

Celebrate & Brag a Little (Or A Lot)

After hitting a big goal, it’s time to celebrate!

I texted close friends and family and bragged on myself, even though it felt a little uncomfortable to do so. I forced my husband to hear the mile-by-mile replay of the race a few times. (Sorry, not sorry! “Did you see me sprint by that guy at the end?!”) I shamelessly wore my medal into the grocery store on the way home not caring that it clinked against my purse.

I gave myself permission to be proud.

Rest & Recover

This is something I struggle with. I hit a goal and then immediately want to start working even harder. If X is possible, why couldn’t I do Y?

But in the minutes and days after a big race where I went all out, I know this is not the time to push too hard. I need to take the time to recover and let my body heal. I want to be grateful for what my body can do and not stir up any old injuries. (I’m still a bit nervous about my calf…)

Set the Next Goal

Now that I’ve thoroughly basked in my big win and allowed my body to heal, I allow myself to start contemplating: What’s my next big goal?

• Do I keep trying to shave off time at this current distance?
• Do I work on my time for a longer distance?
• Do I attempt a distance I’ve never done before?

I’m personally a fan of goals that are a little scary at first thought, but still achievable.

But I want to hear from my fellow runners! How do you celebrate reaching a big running goal?

I’ve seen someone online that bakes a cake every time they hit a PR and even writes the time on the cake in frosting. I love that idea! Please share your ideas in the comments below.