Goal Setting

Whether you are a new athlete or an athlete starting a new season, one question we need to think about is …

What are you hoping to achieve this year?

When thinking about this, here are some questions for you to think about.

Goals For The Year

Are your goals for the year race time based?

I want to race Ironman in sub-11 hours or I want to break four hours for the marathon, for example.

Are they event based?

I want to complete my first Middle Distance triathlon or I want to swim Lake Coniston.

Are they training / process-based?

I want to train an average of 10 hours per week or I want to reduce my stroke count to 16 strokes per length or I want to do at least 7 sessions per week.

Or perhaps they are a little more vague?

I want to enjoy training. I want to race in cool places. I want to spend time with my race / training buddies. I want to ride a nice bike.

All perfectly acceptable goals. Some come with more pressure than others. Some require more sacrifice. But all give you a sense of purpose and something to focus on for the year ahead.

Goal Setting

Are you an athlete who likes to share your goals, tell your friends, your family, your Instagram followers? Allow others to get excited with you and share your journey? Or do you prefer to keep them to yourself and appreciate your own journey.

When thinking about your race goals, perhaps think a little deeper.

“My goal is Ironman Copenhagen.”

That’s the race.

• Is your goal to complete Ironman Copenhagen?
• Is it to set a new personal best?
• Is it to break 12 hours / 11 hours / 10 hours?
• Is it to execute the race better than previous races, so you finish strong?

Again, all great goals.

You (and your coach) need to be clear on what it is you want to achieve from the race.

Here is an article I wrote a while ago about Ironman race goals – but is pretty much applicable for all races.