2021: Goals

Before we can lay out the new goals for 2021, let’s take a look back at my 2020 goals:

GOAL #1 : Continued focus on maintenance and recovery.

For the first time in a long time I finished the year without a significant injury. I believe that a lot of this has to do with a focus on recovery (rolling, stretching, mobility, bi-weekly appointments with specialists). I have hopefully developed a habit of taking care of my body and what seems like the small stuff. I used to train a lot and “try” to make time for recovery. Like many of us, we think resting is just enough for recovery. I have tried to adapt to making recovery and strength training just as important as the activities itself though this does require a lot more time, I am finally seeing the benefits that it provides. Aside from finishing the year pain free, taking a look at my Strava stats, not only was this my most consistent year of training I have had, I also logged the most mileage in all three disciplines (bike, run, swim* tied with the pools being closed for about 4 months). I’m actually super happy looking at the year in review and surprised at the numbers. They are very encouraging and I’m excited to jump into 2021. Hopefully I can continue with my level of training moving forward as I have to keep my lofty goals in check and not rush into them, remember that the progress is in the process to slowly keep pushing forward everyday.

2020 Race Goals:

April - 10k race (sub 40 PB)

June - Try-a-tri

July/ August - Try-a-tri #2?

October - Half Marathon

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Actual Results:

5K - April 18 - 18:32 (18:23)

Ironman VR races

Durham Epic

Fall Epic 8hr - 10 laps

Nov - Half 1:32

Though looking at my 2020 goals, it looks like I didn’t achieve what I set out to do. My 5k PB was awesome but wasn’t what I initially set out to do. When covid hit, I like many others took some time off and when I finally had a virtual race on tap I wasn’t able to get enough training in for a 10k. Nonetheless I am still happy with my result.

During the summer, jumping into Ironman VR races was fun as it kept me focused on some weekly goals. Though pools were still not open, it was more of a weekly duathlon which was encouraging to look at how I compared to other athletes around the world.

The Durham Epic and Fall Epic 8 were great ways for me to focus on my mountain biking throughout the summer. You can see my previous posts to find out more how those events went.

My final challenge of 2020 happened late Fall with the Team Nuun Virtual Half Marathon. Throughout the Epic 8 build, I put running on hold for a few weeks and had to pick it back up for a quick six week build. My focus of the race was to just run as smooth and consistent as possible and not worry about pace. I managed to run very well and only a few seconds off my PB. More importantly I felt strong throughout the run and was happy with my running progress II made over the past few years.

Though 2020 was not a year for racing, it allowed me to continue to focus on my consistent training. I also probably logged the most hours in YouTube as well this year as watching weekly vlogs, training videos, etc has entertained and kept me motivated throughout all my training.

2021 Goals

Looking ahead, the future seems a bit uncertain with races yet to be confirmed. However setting goals is what we do as athletes as it gives us a reason to continue working and progressing.

Process Goals

• Continue focused on rehab, mobility, recovery (the little things that I know are keeping me healthy and injury free) and starting yoga as a regular practice

• Increase my FTP to 4.5w/kg (310W - *415 on the ramp test)

Race Goals

March - 10K

May - Spring Epic 8

Summer - try-a-tri?

July - Summer Epic 8

September - Fall Epic 8

Spring 10K

This tune up run is giving something for me to focus on during the upcoming months. Though motivation has been pretty high right now, it is inevitable that a slow down is on the rise. Having a short term running goal to keep me focused on during the winter months will be helpful.

Try-a-Tri

This was a main goal last year and hopefully I will be able to follow through with it this year. Covid took any chance of away of races last summer, so hopefully I will be able to give it go this summer.

3 - Epic 8 hour

So as of now I have only completed 3 Epic 8 hour races. So why would I want to do another 3 in one year? Well my long term goal is to qualify for Leadville 100MTB so I know I need to get my MTB marathon fitness up and consistent. This will allow me to work out nutrition issues and consistency on the bike. Something I know will be needed moving forward.

Nov - Half Marathon PB

As of now, my running goal is to focus on a half marathon PB. I would like to break the 1:30 barrier later in the year and running a spring race would allow my body to gain some necessary fitness and hopefully carry that throughout the summer. Finally after all the cycling is complete, it would be time to gear up and focus on a Fall PB.

So that’s what I have planned for the next twelve months ahead. Hoping to make 2021 my best year yet and continue pushing forward.