Goal Setting and Reflection to Prepare For The Season.

Key themes included:

  • Reflecting on the past year to identify lessons learned.

  • Aligning training plans with life events, schedules, and motivations.

  • Setting realistic, actionable goals for the upcoming season.

  • Staying connected to personal motivators throughout the year.

Key Discussion Points

  1. Post-Holiday Reset

    • It’s normal to feel exhausted after the holiday season rather than refreshed.

    • Many people regain focus and energy toward the end of January or February, making this the ideal time to regroup and start planning.

  2. Reflection & Lessons Learned

    • Take time to review the past year in your training log or journal.

    • Identify two main lessons or insights from 2024.

    • Consider both successes and areas for improvement.

  3. Goal Setting for 2025

    • Determine your primary focus for the year. This could be:

      • A key event or race.

      • A period of peak fitness.

      • Progressive improvement over time.

    • Goals should be athlete-driven, igniting excitement and motivation.

  4. Planning Your Season

    • Structure the year by identifying key periods:

      • Training blocks.

      • Target races or events.

      • Rest and recovery phases.

    • Periodization ensures training is paced effectively and aligns with your life circumstances.

  5. Considerations for Event Selection

    • Choose events or goals that align with your personal interests and life schedule.

    • Plan ahead for travel, family commitments, or work-related challenges.

  6. The Importance of Debriefing

    • Reflect on processes, not just outcomes. Ask:

      • What went well?

      • What didn’t work, and why?

    • Learn from mistakes to avoid repeating them.

PlanningMarilyn Chychota