Training vs Working out/specific and non specific goals

One of our clients just came back from something she had been training for all summer—a canoe trip. Her goal wasn’t to race or set records; she wanted to feel confident getting in and out of a wobbly canoe and make it through a couple of long days of paddling.

Before the trip, her “goal” was more tongue-in-cheek: to age gracefully. Vague, yes, but it got her in the gym twice a week for a year. Once the trip was on the calendar though, that goal turned into something specific—survive the trip—and that gave her the motivation to push harder in the gym.

Now the trip is over, and she told me, “I need another goal!” Part of me agrees. But part of me thinks it’s time to shift back to the bigger, non-specific goal—training for the long game of aging well.

This brings up an important distinction:

• Training = working toward something on the calendar. A race, a trip, a PR. Specific.

• Working Out = maintenance. Holding on to what you’ve built. Keeping the wheels from falling off. Less specific.

Both matter. We can’t always be chasing the next event, but we also can’t just drift without ever checking in on how we’re doing. The longer you play the game, the more valuable this distinction becomes.

When I was younger coach and athlete I believed you should always be training. Always have a target. But over the years, I’ve learned the downtime is important too. There’s value in training without a looming deadline. Honestly, it’s refreshing to not be chained to a strict program year-round.

The trick is knowing when it’s time to sharpen your focus and when it’s time to step back.

—Justin Miner