Bobby McGee working with a group at the D3 Technique Clinic
Planning Early
Continued from page one
is not just a great break
from the rigors of a tough
training program; it allows us
to catch up on other daily
needs in our busy lives.
Problem is, that one day turns
into two, and then three, and
so on. Plan active recovery
post season, go for hikes, adventuring, camping,
rollerblading or different
aerobic activities. Use this
time to toss around ideas of
goals for next year, and plan
out which months or races
you would like to compile into
your 2005 season. While not
set in stone, once you have
your key races down on paper
(or computer), work with a
coach to optimize your
approach. From tweaking
your current program to
totally revamping everything
to trying a new approach-start
now. A little planning now
will pay dividends in your
2005 season.
|
D3 Multisport
2005 Triathlon
Clinics & Camps
We had a fantastic, energetic series of D3 Clinics in '04 and the feedback was so absolutely positive; that we welcome your inner athlete to come alive in 2005! Look for the upcoming schedule and early bird discounts in next month's newsletter!
D3 Technique Camp
Testimonial: |
Goal Setting
by USAT Level II Coach Mike Ricci
Setting goals for your triathlon season is important if you want to
improve . Let's look at a few simple ideas when goal setting.
One of the most important aspects of goal setting is making your
goals measurable. Your goal could be to 'run a 28:00 minute 5k' but
it shouldn't be to 'get faster'. We all want to get faster in a relative
sense, but we should put ourselves out there and 'say what we
mean, and mean what we say'.
Another important aspect is making the goal challenging and also,
realistic and attainable. Say for example, your current fitness level
allows you to run a 40:00 10k off the bike; the chances of you
running 33:00 is not very likely in a season's time. You shouldn’t
limit your goals, but they have to be realistic. One of the strategies I
follow when goal setting, is to set myself up for a few slam dunks
along the way. Currently my fitness level tells me I can swim a 14:10
for 1,000 yards. My first swim goal of the new season will be to
swim 14:00 for 1,000 yards by December 1st. If you can't reach the
first set of goals, how will you ever reach the harder ones?
Setting and achieving goals needs to be under your control.
Sometimes there are other factors that affect your goals such as the
course or who your competitors are you are racing. Your goal may
be to 'Finish in the Top 10' but if you have no idea who will be
racing that day; that may be unrealistic. This is where a time goal is
a good objective.
Another factor that may be out of your control is the weather or
the course. You may want to average a certain MPH on the bike,
but if the course is very hilly, this may not happen. Or if the wind or
heat is playing a factor in the race, times may be slower.
You are more likely to achieve your goals if you write them down.
Another idea would be tell some of your close friends what your
goals are. It is my opinion that if you step up and say your goals out
loud, they are likely to come true. The more you hear them and see
them, the more attainable they become.
Lastly, and this is an obvious one, but your goals HAVE to be
positive! Your goal should be to finish the race in this 'x' time, but it
shouldn't be 'not to be last'. Always think of goals in the positive: “I
will run the whole run” or “I will not miss more then 2 days of
training per month.”
Here is an example set of season swim goals for an athlete:
To re-cap, goals must be:
Michael Ricci is a USAT certified coach. He can be reached for personal coaching at
mike@d3multisport.com.