Let’s capitalize on the excitement and novelty of the New Year to achieve our cycling fitness goals for 2014! We know that the novelty and energy will carry us through February and even possibly into March. This entry is all about staying motivated and focused past March and into the rest of the year.
What happens when we get away from the buzz of the Holidays and into our old routines? We forget about our goals. I have a few tips that have worked for me over the years and am happy to share my secrets.
- Break your goal into smaller chunks – When I was training for my first 100 mile century ride, the mileage seemed impossible. How could I ride 100 miles all at the same time? – Impossible. It was important for me to set myself up for success by setting up smaller, supported rides, to keep the inner torch burning bright. Success creates momentum.
- Celebrate small victories – Did you just ride your first 25 mile fun ride? Be proud of it! Share it with your friends and family. Reward yourself with some new gloves or socks. It may sound childish but if you make a big deal out of small things, we’re more likely to continue down the right path.
- Build a social network – These days it’s easy to build a network. Share your goal with your friends on Facebook. This will hold you accountable to continue your training. And to make the training easier and more fun, find other twisted people in your community who like riding too. You could either persuade them into joining you on your adventure or just ride with them for as long as they’re willing.
- Set weekly mileage goals – Power meter track mileage and can help you make a game of it. Can I break 100 miles this week? Use iBike’s Isaac ride analysis software to share your progress on Twitter and Facebook. Go ahead – talk a little smack! It’s good for the soul and keeps you committed by forcing you to back your smack!
- Forgive yourself – We all fall off the wagon! EVERYONE does it. Know that going in and forgive yourself in advance. A winning streak starts with one game and a routine starts with one day. So what if you blew your nutrition or your workout! Pick up right where you left off. That’s what makes a champion.
The biggest thing to staying motivated is to go back to the start. Why did you set this goal in the first place? What is your why? Can you feel it, see it, taste it, smell it? Once you can get yourself back to the place where you felt strongly about your goal, you can succeed. Set up anchors and queues to constantly remind you of your why.
Would you like to know more about nutrition, weight loss, or training? I can help. Contact me at iBikeBlog. Thank you and Happy New Year!
