"Focus Daniel-Son"

As I move into off season training, I will be looking to next year's goals.  You must have goals...it's a necessity for us triathletes.  It's easy to lose sight of why we do triathlons...is it about the new bike or race wheels...hmmm?  If we focus too much on the external aspects of the sport, we can lose sight of the more meaningful reasons we participate.  So set your goals and start tracking towards them today (as I'm looking into the mirror).  There are seven type of goals, specifically to triathlons, that I will be using for my training program.

1. Long-term - the ultimate achievement, i.e. Ironman Championship Race in Hawaii

2. Yearly - what do you want to achieve this year, i.e. certain race times, race placement

3. Race - how do you want to perform in next year's competitions

4. Feeling - how do you want to feel in a race, i.e. finish strong

5. Training - what you need to do physically, technically, tactically, and mentally to achieve your competitive goals

6. Lifestyle - what you need to do in your lifestyle, i.e. sleep, diet, work

7. Fulfillment - what do you want to get out of triathlons, i.e. improved health, fitness, friendships

So pen out your thoughts and then sit down with your coach to refine them into your training plan.