MyPROJECT is...running

Anything can be a project, even running (except of course, in 41 degrees!). I tried to run the other morning and had to stop at 30 minutes because I could feel my face was turning purple and I thought I was going to be sick! That's called risk, probability and impact assessment.

Let's look at running as a project.

The objective (or goal) is to be healthy. Well, what does 'healthy' look like and how will I know when I'm healthy? For this stakeholder, it's a strong heart beating at 177 bpm maximum (I just gave away my age if you know this calculation), increased muscle mass, feeling well-rested and energetic upon waking and a general feeling of happiness and well-being throughout the day.

To measure my success, I:

- have increased / measureable muscle mass noteable on machines and I can visually see and feel the muscle tone
- am sleeping through the night, with reduced toss n' turn
- have friends and family who want to spend time with me and don't cower when I enter a room

Define the constraints: any potential challenges such as knee, joint, lower back, orthotic, cardiovascular, diabetes issues? What are the other constraints? Know them well and plan a way to manage them (ie, see your doc before running). Think about things that can stand in the way of your success and be ready with contingency plans.

Define the "by when": in other words, when do I want to have a healthy heart, see muscles forming and be well-rested in the morning? Let's try August 31.

Take a quick inventory of the tools you'll need. Do you have good running shoes and clothing?



Now start planning backwards from August 31. If you're a first time runner and have any physical constraints noted above, see your doc for the ok. How long will it take you to get into the office? If you can't get in for a week, then you're down to 3 weeks to meet your goal. Re-evaluate the timing of your goal.

Talk to an experienced runner (go to Running Room, Forerunners or The Right Shoe for example), consider joining a club or clinic to learn basic strategies, safety and to find a running partner for motivation and support. WOW, that took another week. Now you're down to 2 weeks to accomplish your goal. Re-evaluate the timing of your goal.

Know who will be impacted by this project (stakeholders); for example your partner, children, friends, colleagues, dog.

Know the impacts on these stakeholders: will the kids benefit, will the dog get more exercise, will you be home for dinner with everyone each evening or will the time of your running club need to be changed? Will you have support or challenges with these stakeholders?

Re-set your target date: now it's September 14.

Establish the timing of your measurements: perhaps you could make appointments at the gym or doctor's office to measure muscle mass, keep a sleep diary and note how your feeling each morning and talk to your friends and family to find out if your energy and disposition has changed.

Two weeks before reaching your goal date, start considering how you will continue to run without getting bored or injured and don't forget to plan for weather!

Being informed with the help of SME's (subject matter experts) and in control of how this all plays out (by planning) increases your probability of success - period. There is no such thing as 'planning paralysis' unless maybe you're scared of success.

Before you begin running you will already know and feel your success. You will be motivated because you know what to expect!