Pace Setter : January 2024

May Your Dreams Come True

by Benita Zahn

I often refer to a lyric from the musical South Pacific sung by Bloody Mary. “If you don't have a dream, how you can have a dream come true.”

As we look ahead and into 2024 what are your dreams? 

I haven't been running, per se, for months. I “fartlek”… you know, run and power walk. It gets me where I'm going but I think mentally I'm ready to run, again. I needed a break. Afterall, as any runner of any speed knows, running is half physical and half mental. My “mental” needed a rest. 

So that's my dream. I have yet to settle on the half I want to train for, that's in the works. It's my personal dream for 2024. And the word personal is important. Our dream must be something WE want, not something someone wants for us or something we choose to do to keep up with another person.

I've recently joined Orange Theory and love it because 1 – I can visit a studio pretty much anywhere we travel and 2 – you don't get bored. If I get bored, I'm out the door.

Well after class the other day the instructor/coach asked about our goals for 2024. There were the usual things like better sleep, improved nutrition. Then one class member said that her goal is to run a 200-mile race. 200 MILES!! I surely averted my eyes from the instructors because I'd have said a half marathon, a mere 13.2 miles. But wait. That's MY goal. That's my stretch. That's what floats my boat. The point is – whatever goal you set out for yourself in 2024 regarding your running, own it, be proud of it, plan for it, go get it. There is no 'better than' goal. There's only the goal that fits you – your life – your needs.

So lace 'em up, smile – as smiling has been shown to help with endurance because it triggers the release of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, the feel good and don't feel the pain as acutely hormones – and get out there. Make your dream(s) come true.

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About Dr. Benita Zahn

Benita is a certified Health and Wellness Coach working with clients at Capital Cardiology Associates. 
Benita spent more than 40 years as a health reporter and news anchor at WNYT in Albany, NY. She covered issues such as wellness, treatment breakthroughs, aging, nutrition, and the latest health care trends. Benita’s work has taken her around the world and across the USA.  Benita is a contributor to the weekly “Live Smart” page in the Times Union, the HMRRC Pace Setter and the new magazine 55+LIVING. Benita also created and co-hosts the podcast EVERYTHING THEATER.

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