Welcome back to Rolling with the Dolans! If you’ve listened to our podcast, you already know we like this subject. We’ve talked about goal setting before. But this time, Tamekia didn’t give Patrick a heads up. She jumped right in on the podcast and asked him why he runs marathons. That opened up a whole new conversation about how we look at goal setting after 50.
Why We Still Believe in Goal Setting After 50
Some people think once you hit a certain age you should slow down, relax, and just coast. Not us. If you don’t have goals, you’re just spinning your wheels. Goals give direction and keep you from getting stuck in routines that don’t serve you.
For Patrick, running marathons is his way of pushing himself out of his comfort zone. Not because it’s fun, but because it keeps him disciplined in other parts of life too. For Tamekia, it’s Pilates, the gym, and her famous “Tamekia jog,” now officially called the “tog.” It may not be fast, but it’s consistent, and that’s what matters.
The Mental vs. Physical Side of Goals
One of the things we always come back to is how much of goal setting is mental. Patrick says marathon training is 70 percent mental and 30 percent physical. And honestly, that balance doesn’t change much in other areas of life.
Whether you’re building a business, working on your marriage, or starting something new after 50, your mindset matters. Age might change what your body can do, but your ability to set and reach goals is still there. It just takes discipline and perspective.
Supporting Each Other in the Process
Here’s the other part, doing it together. When one of us sets a big goal, the other shows up to support. Even if that means a long trip to St. George, Utah, or sitting through a tough bus of shame moment when things don’t go as planned.
Marriage after 50 isn’t about coasting. It’s about lifting each other up, setting new challenges, and staying connected.
Our Short Term and Long Term Goals
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Patrick’s goal: Keep running marathons (full 26.2 miles) to stay disciplined.
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Tamekia’s goal: Build up from a 5K to a 10K and keep enjoying the workouts that make her feel strong. That includes plenty of Pilates, gym time, and of course, the beloved “tog.”
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Our shared goal: Stay consistent, encourage each other, and remind you that it’s never too late to set goals.
Suggestions for Readers on Goal Setting After 50
If you’re thinking about your own goals after 50, here are a few simple ways to get started:
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Pick one fitness goal that excites you, whether it’s walking a 5K, building up strength, or finally trying a Pilates class.
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Make it measurable. Write it down and track your progress so you can see the small wins along the way.
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Add accountability. Share your goal with a spouse, friend, or community group that will cheer you on.
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Mix mental and physical goals. Don’t just focus on workouts — think about reading more, learning a new skill, or starting a new habit.
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Celebrate milestones. Every step counts, whether it’s finishing your first mile or hitting a new strength goal at the gym.
For more ideas on health and wellness goals that matter in your 50s and beyond, check out this helpful guide from Harvard Health.
Final Thoughts on Goal Setting After 50
We’ve covered goal setting before, but this time it felt more personal. Tamekia wanted to know why Patrick runs marathons, and it turned into a conversation about why goals matter no matter your age.
If you’re over 50 and wondering if goal setting still matters, the answer is yes. It’s not about the size of the goal, but about keeping yourself growing, moving, and living with purpose.
🎧 You can hear our full conversation on this topic in our podcast: Rollin’ With the Dolans on Apple Podcasts.
📍 Until next time, stay fit, stay focused, and keep setting those goals.