With setting cycling goals what do you do?
Do you wing it?
Or do you craft a detailed training plan?
Whichever method you prefer, and whether you’re a new cyclist or a veteran, you’ll learn 3 specific ways to help you reach your cycling goals.
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What were your proudest moments?
Imagine this.
Your training plan asks for one hour of intervals. But it’s been a day jam-packed with meetings, errands, and well, life.
But you hop on the bike for 30-minutes anyway, instead of a full hour.
What do you remember?
That you did half of your scheduled ride? Or that you rode anyway, despite little time?
If you remember that you only did half, then you’re not alone.
We remember things we didn’t do rather than things we did.
We remember criticisms more than compliments.
Mistakes stand out more than accomplishments.
You’ve achieved more than you think this year. Remember your most confidence-boosting moments and highlight your successes. This is the secret that drives your progress.
What did you learn?
Now that your season’s over, it’s your chance to look objectively at last season’s training.
What were your struggles? What can you learn from them to use next season?
- Did you fade on long rides?
- Struggle on hills?
- Did you get frustrated by your cycling goals last year? If you did, there’s one important trick you need to know about cycling goals here.
- Bonk? If you’ve been getting the miles in and your training volume isn’t the problem, inspect your nutrition. You’ll find specific information on what to eat and drink here. (Though this information is backed by research, it’s not a substitute for medical and professional nutrition advice. If you have specific medical conditions, see a doctor.)
- Did you burn out or overtrain? How to spot the early warning signs of cycling burnout and learn how to recover from it.
- Did you get derailed by negativity? Did you know that cycling mantras help you ride longer, faster, and with more power? Learn how to harness the power of mantras on your next ride.
- Too busy to ride? If your schedule is often packed, these 3 reliable ways will help you find time to ride.
- Lose your passion to ride? You can get it back. Here you’ll find 2 ways to help you reclaim your enjoyment of riding again.
How do you want to crush next season?
What habits and skills will you have to change or refine to grow as a cyclist?
What do you want to do?
Does your endurance or speed need improvements?
Will you need to refine your self-talk?
Do your cycling goals fit into your life? This might help.
Need cycling goal ideas? A few cycling goal examples to help you attack the new year:
- Improve your cycling speed (track your performance with this piece of gear)
- Go on a few group rides
- Get better at cycling up hills
- Ride a century
- Do a race: pre-race cycling routine
- Ride more miles
- Improve FTP (this is a great resource if you’re training with power, coupled with a power meter)
- Join a cycling team
- Zwift twice a week
- Increase cadence
- Train for a long bike ride (Don’t think you have enough time? Try these tips.)
Remember this when you’re setting cycling goals
Setting cycling goals doesn’t have to be complicated.
Look back on everything you’ve accomplished this past year.
Learn from your struggles.
Then decide. Where and how do you want to grow as a cyclist?
Do those 3 things and you’re positioned for a great season.