Click here for this months training tip

MARCH TRAINING TIP.

With the new season here for some or about to start for others you should have a pretty good idea of what you want to achieve this year. If not its time that you did

Goal setting is what we are talking about. Its another word for setting yourself a target you want to complete or achieve and its a great motivator in a race or when your tired and not wanting to train.

A Goal can be anything from a personal best time, to a race position, to just aiming to complete an event. All these are worthwhile achieving and irrespective of who you are will give you satisfaction and pride in what you have achieved.

What are goals then?

Firstly they need to be Specific, to finish in the top 20, or to win a race.
Then they need to be Measurable, If you want to gauge progress you will need something to compare against.
You have to Agree that the goal you are setting yourself is Realistic. This is particularly important in order to avoid disappointing yourself. What is the point of setting yourself goals that perhaps because of factors outside your control you fail to achieve.
Some goals will take a while to achieve and so you should give yourself Time in which to achieve them.
Every goal should be Exciting. The more exciting to you the more likely you are to stick with it when the going gets tough.
Finally Record your goals so that they are there to remind you or to encourage you.

There are different types of goals. We’ve really been talking about Outcome Goals. Along the way there will be whats known as Process Goals, especially if your ultimate goal will take a while to achieve. For instance your Outcome goal may be to complete a 100km reliability ride. The Process goals in this case would be your first 25km ride, then your first 50km ride.

So get thinking and next month I will talk about how these goals shape your season and your training.