Goal Setting 2012


Being a goal setter, I like to have a good idea what my goals are for the upcoming year before it gets here.  Specifically have in mind for triathlon this year to focus on 3 events, Rev3 Olympic distance race in Knoxville in May, Rev3 ½ Ironman distance Wisconsin Dells in August and Rev3 ½ Ironman distance in Venice Florida in October.  They are fairly well spaced out which may be good is some respects, but does kind of preclude me from being in peak shape for one big event.  I’ve also not completed two ½ Ironman distances in the same year, so that will be a challenge.  Just thinking about two of those will make for maybe more of a mental challenge than a physical one.

I also have several non-triathlon specific goals, trying not to put everything in one basket.  One of my highlights this year was going on two short-term mission trips, one to Haiti, and one to Berlin Germany.   Those trips were just so rewarding.  Just traveling in general this past year I probably went more places than I ever have in 1 year.  Even better I didn’t have to travel alone for any of them.  I’m blessed to have a great family and group of friends that make life so rewarding.  Have no idea what opportunities will be for 2012, but I hope they can come close to how it worked out this year. 

For triathlon specifically I’m really working toward a more long-term goal of being about to race an Ironman 70.3 event in 5 hours flat by the time I reach 55.  This year I finished Ironman 70.3 Muncie in 5 hours 18 minutes.  My goal for 2012 is 5:09 for that same distance.  Thinking that if I can cut 3 minutes off my swim, bike and run time I’ll be right in the mix.  Easier said than done, but I certainly think it’s possible.  It really begins with having a good coach to keep the workouts focused toward your goal.  I have that with Daniel Bretscher and it keeps my focus really straightforward.  Working with Daniel and the team is very motivating and accountable as well.  Couple of minor changes I plan to make is focusing on swimming smoother and with more volume.  I also plan to do more group rides this year than I did last year.  The J’s Bike team is really focused and tight group and just tagging along with them should be a real benefit to me.   

For missions work I really don’t have any preconceived notions about what opportunities will present themselves.   Last year I had the Haiti trip in mind, but didn’t have a clue that I would be visiting Berlin.  Have the idea in the back of my mind that I would like to lead a group to a mission we support that we have never visited in the past.  Maybe I’ll also get the chance to revisit Haiti or Berlin again.  Whichever way it works out, I plan to be ready and available. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Rev3 Knoxville & the JumboTron

Image
Rev3 put on a good show at Knoxville Olympic Distance Triathlon May 9th (.9 mile swim, 25.8 mile ride, 6.2 mile run). I drove down Saturday and got there just before packet pickup and the transition area closed. Having visited the Worlds Fair way back when I immediately recognized the park downtown, very nice place. Liked having all the personalization like your name on your race number and your transition spot. Race morning I stayed in the room till the last minute so as to not be cold hanging around for the start. Got my stuff set, put on the wetsuit and still had to wait a long time for the last wave to go. The swim was 400 meters or so back into the current in the Tennessee River, take a right turn around a large buoy then a straight shot to the dock at the end. All went smooth till the end where I tried to pull myself out of the water without any steps. A volunteer grabbed my arm and pulled me straight up onto the dock. It was like the hand of God reaching down. Needless
Read more

Top 10 Tips for a Sprint Triathlon

Talked to a friend doing her first triathlon and what few tips I could offer in a few minutes at the side of the pool yesterday.  Thinking about it a bit more here is my top 10 tips for a sprint triathlon: 1       Relax in the swim and just enjoy it.  If it’s a pool swim or a wetsuit swim you have nothing to worry about.  In a pool if you get tight just stop for a second, stand up or grab the lane line.  In an open water swim with a wetsuit just stop and let the suit hold you up and float.  Biggest problem with the swim is just getting overly worked up about it.  By the way, get a wetsuit made specifically for triathlon that fits you.  Worth their weight in gold they are. 2       Practice transitions several times before the race.  The key to good transition from swim to bike and bike to run is simplicity.  Do as little as possible with an absolute minimum of equipment.  Run from the swim to the bike don’t just jog.  Have your helmet and sunglasses on top of the handlebars an
Read more

A Visit with ISU Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab

Image
This year the Forward Motion Athletics triathlon team is being sponsored by the Indiana State University Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation Clinic.  We have had the pleasure of visiting a couple of times already this year.  The first visit to the clinic was focused on using foam rollers and specific exercises to reduce and repair overuse injuries.   Very worthwhile visit and they also spent some time with each of us in testing for strengths and weaknesses.  Needless to say I have a few weaknesses they gave me some tips on improving. The second visit was a bit more interesting, especially for me.  The first part was to introduce resistance band exercises and show us how to use them.  We also did some knee and back strengthening work.  Now the fun part began.  After the clinic they asked if anyone needed some specific work, and they were offering to do some Graston Technique on us if we wanted to.  I’ve read and heard a fair amount about Graston, but have never had it don
Read more