I think it’s safe to say that everyone starts running for a reason.

For many of us, that reason is aesthetic. Maybe you’re trying to lose weight or you want your body to look a certain way. And you’ve heard that running burns fat so you take it up.

Great reason to start! It’s why I did.

But eventually I hope your goals shift from aesthetic to performance. Because if you start to focus on performance, the aesthetics will come.

Performance goals don’t have to mean becoming an elite runner. Performance goals could be that running doesn’t feel so deathly. That your heart rate gets lower on your easy runs. That you’re able to maintain a low heart rate without walking. That you get a new PR on a race distance. There are SO MANY different performance goals you can work to achieve. And in my experience, chasing performance goals is way more fun than chasing a number on the scale or whatever image is in your head about your perfect body.

Performance over aesthetics, yes?

Did you start running for performance or aesthetics and what are your current goals?

Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.