#6 Aiming too high? Yes, it is possible to set your goals too high and set yourself up for disappointment. Many first time runners and fitness newbies think they should set a race finish time goal or max weight lifting goal. BAD IDEA. Your goal for your first race or lifting session should simply be to finish strong and happy. If you push yourself too much, you are dramatically increasing the likelihood of injury. A runner that pushes too hard may not even see the starting line, a fitness newbie may burnout after 2 workouts because they are too sore to even walk down the stairs. Set a time goal for your 2nd or 3rd race after you see what you are capable of during your first. Pick a squat or bicep curl weight after you have lifted for 3-4 weeks. Be smart and set the right goals. I have been a victim of this and it also plays into your head, if you set a time goal for a race and suddenly you see on your watch that you are not on pace for that goal it can put a wrench into your entire race. You do not enjoy the experience because you are so worried about the time.
