Setting Goals

In an earlier post I talked about the importance of using the knowledge gained from last year to develop an effective training plan for next year. By now you should have downloaded the Annual Training plan worksheet. The first thing you need to do with this worksheet is identify your season goals. Your goals could be to upgrade to a higher category or podium at an important race. A good goal will stretch you to the limits, and may require you to take some risks, but can be accomplished within the next season. According to Joe Friel, your racing-oriented goals should follow four principles:

1. Your goal must be measurable.
2. Your goal must be under your control.
3. Your goal must stretch you.
4. Whatever your goals, state them in the positive.

Once you have identified 1-3 goals for the next year, write them at the top of your Annual Training Plan. Everything you do from here on out should be deliberately done to achieve these goals.