Set Goals Now for a Breakthrough Season

Part of orchestrating a successful triathlon training program is to evaluate your previous race season and then set realistic goals for your next one.  A common mistake is to wait until the spring when race season is around the corner, that adrenaline starts to get going, and all of a sudden you start thinking about what you can accomplish.  There is nothing wrong with this except for the timing.   With the guidance of your coach, start setting goals earlier in your training so you can have a game plan set in motion for a better than ever season! The following are three examples of goal setting:

1. I want to take 2 minutes off my 10km off the bike.

If you think about this in May it might be unrealistic to get there before race season; however, if you goal set for this in the fall/winter you can set up a plan.  One possibility is to block in a run focus section in your annual plan with 10km specific interval and tempo work as well as working on running off the bike and getting to your 10km rhythm quickly.  It wouldn’t hurt to do an early 10km race as well to test out your progress.

2. I want to dial in my nutrition for better training and racing.

It can take quite a bit of trial and error to figure out what works for you when it comes to nutrition on race day and in your training.  Again, it’s important to start early so that you give yourself enough time to find what works.  Many products are available in one serving packs so that you may try different brands and combinations.  This can also apply to pre and post workout meals.  Try different things to see what makes you feel good during your training and also during your recovery.

3. I want to improve my mental toughness when I’m racing.

Practice positive self talk all season during all of your training sessions.  Improving your mental game can be just as important as improving your physical one in order to get better results.  This comes naturally to some people but can be a struggle for others.  The only way to improve is to make positive self talk part of your training regime.  For example, think about how well your training is going, how consistent you’ve been and how all of this will pay off in race season.  Or, during a tough workout, tell yourself that you can do it and remind yourself why you are training so hard.

There is an endless amount of goals you can set in your triathlon training.  Pick the ones that are most important to you, the ones you feel need the most work and the ones you think will get you your desired results.  You and your coach can set out goals that are realistic and attainable and together strategize the best way to get you to a breakthrough season.

LifeSport triathlon coach Jessica Adam has been a coach in Victoria, Vancouver and now resides in the Toronto area. She loves to share her years of experience with beginner triathletes and also experienced triathletes that are trying new distances like ½ IM or IM for the first time. She coaches athletes online all across the country.

If you are interested in working with Jess, write Jess@LifeSportCoaching.com