Whether you want to boost strength or speed, run a 5K or an ultra, we’ve got an action plan that will help you ace your performance… Words Louise Pyne

So, you want to turn your fitness dreams into a reality? Having clear goals will help you avoid getting stuck in an exercise rut and it will give you something to strive for, which can give training more of a purpose. But when it comes to goals, being concise is crucial.

Sitting down and spending time setting intentions and figuring out ways to tackle goals means you’ll have a more clear picture in your head about the reality of what’s expected in order to meet your ambitions. Do you want to run faster? Get fitter? Improve your PB?

Whatever your fitness aims, in order to accomplish them you’ll need to plan strategically, otherwise you won’t have any clear outlines to follow. It’s like trying to go for a run without lacing up your trainers – you probably won’t get very far. “Goal setting is one of the most important factors in boosting performance. It creates focus, and allows you to measure your progress towards your end goal,” says personal trainer and running expert Chloe Bowler.

If you need some guidance to get you started, our expert tips and tricks will help you stay on the road to success…

Don’t be too ambitious with your goals. It’s better to surprise yourself than fail. You can always adjust your goal if you meet it early

Your goal To run faster

If shaving seconds or minutes offyour PB is your number one goal, you’ll need to think about exactly how you’ll get there. First up is thinking about how long you’ll give yourself to meet your target.

“Set a deadline for when you want to achieve your goal,” says Chloe. “Is it a faster 5K? If so, note down your current PB and look at 5Ks in the future you can aim for. It’s important to be realistic about how you’ll get to where you want to be. If you are quite a new runner and currently running a 30-minute 5K now, you might need longer than two months to get it down to a quick 21 minutes, for example.”

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to reaching your aims, so try not to compare yourself to others. Progress will vary for everyone, as it depends on how experienced you are, your level of fitness and what you believe to be achievable for yourself. “Don’t be too ambitious,” says Chloe. “It’s always better to pleasantly surprise yourself than fail. And you can always adjust your goal if you meet it before your deadline.”