Setting a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG) is more than just aiming high—it’s about pushing yourself beyond perceived limits. My BHAG was to run the Atlanta Marathon in under four hours. One year earlier, in March 2024, I completed my first marathon in 5:07:26. Cutting over an hour off my time required a structured approach, unwavering discipline, and the ability to adapt and learn throughout the process.
The Power of a Structured Plan
I committed to an 18-week training program designed to build endurance, increase speed, and develop mental toughness. Sticking to the plan without missing a run was key to my progress. Strength training complemented my running regimen, helping prevent injuries and improve overall performance.
One of the most important lessons from this training cycle was the necessity of consistency over intensity. Many runners make the mistake of running too hard too often, leading to burnout or injury. Instead, I followed a structured plan that balanced easy runs, long runs, and speed work. Over time, this consistent effort paid off, and I could feel the improvement in both endurance and speed.
Understanding the Course and Conditions
The Atlanta Marathon is known for its hilly terrain and significant elevation gain, making it a challenging course for setting a personal record. Many runners underestimate the impact of elevation changes, but training on hills prepared me for the demands of race day.
The weather also played a role in my strategy. The race started at 33 degrees, with temperatures rising to around 40 degrees at the finish. While the cold can be challenging, it also helps prevent overheating, making pacing even more critical.
Managing Physical and Mental Challenges
One of the biggest challenges of the race was persistent left hip pain. Discomfort is inevitable in long-distance running, but learning how to manage it is crucial. Strength training and proper running form helped me push
through without causing further damage.
Mental toughness becomes a significant factor around mile 20, often called “the wall.” This is where fatigue sets in, and doubts creep in. Running with a training partner made a huge difference. Having someone to share the experience with provided motivation and accountability. At this stage of the race, I focused on small milestones rather than the overall distance left, breaking it down mile by mile to stay engaged and motivated.
Achieving the Goal: Lessons Learned
Crossing the finish line in 3:54:59 was an incredible moment—not just because of the time, but because of what it represented. Here are some key takeaways from this journey:
- Set Specific and Measurable Goals – A vague goal like “run faster” isn’t as powerful as a clear goal like “finish under 4 hours.” Defining success helps shape the training process and keeps motivation high.
- Trust the Process – Sticking to the training plan, even when progress feels slow, is essential. The cumulative effect of consistent training leads to breakthroughs.
- Adapt and Overcome – Challenges will arise, whether it’s weather, injuries, or mental fatigue. Learning to adjust and push through difficulties is part of the process.
- Surround Yourself with Support – Running with a training partner and having a support system makes a significant difference in accountability and motivation.
- Celebrate Progress, Not Just Outcomes – While achieving a sub-4-hour marathon was the goal, the real victory was in the preparation and discipline developed along the way.
The Bigger Picture
To put this accomplishment into perspective, consider these statistics:
- Less than 1% of the world’s population has ever completed a marathon.
- Only 25% of male marathoners and 10% of female marathoners finish under four hours.
- The average marathon time is approximately 4:30 for men and 4:55 for women.
This journey reinforced that setting and achieving a BHAG isn’t just about the goal itself—it’s about personal transformation. Running a marathon teaches discipline, patience, and resilience, all of which apply to other areas of life.
What’s Next?
This achievement is a stepping stone, not the final destination. The next challenge could be improving my marathon time, tackling an ultra-marathon, or setting a new ambitious goal in another area of life. The key is to keep pushing boundaries and embracing the process of growth.
For anyone considering a BHAG, whether in running or another aspect of life, the formula remains the same: Set a clear goal, commit to the process, embrace challenges, and keep moving forward. The reward isn’t just in the outcome—it’s in the journey of becoming someone capable of achieving it.
