Annual Training Plan Part #1: Setting Goals

How will you know if you've had a successful season?

That is the fundamental question to ask yourself when setting your annual goals for the next season.  Setting a goal of "Winning the expert category in my mountain bike races" or "Winning Iceman in my division" are not really good goals to set.  To set proper goals, they should meet the following criteria:

Criteria #1: Can it be measured?

There has to be a means to measure your progress.  One of my goals is to finish Iceman in 1:50:00.  That is a measurable goal.

Criteria #2: Is it under your control?

Having a goal of winning Reeds Lake Triathlon for my age group is not a very good goal.  Why?  Because there are elements outside of my control.  What if the national champion for my age group shows up?   My goal is no longer under my control.

Criteria #3: Does it stretch you?

This is the obvious one, but also important.  The goal must push your limits.  Finishing Iceman in 1:50:00 is just under 15 minutes faster than my previous attempts.  Shaving 15 minutes is very difficult to do and will require a commitment to training on my part.

Criteria #4: Is the goal positive?

Having a goal this states:  "No DNF's during the year" is negative attitude goal.  That may be a valid goal, but you need to word it in the positive.  This means looking at your limiters that may have caused a previous DNF and targeting those for your goal.