THE BALANCED APPROACH TO GOAL SETTING AND PLANNING AHEAD
By Marni Sumbal, USA Triathlon
Level I Certified Coach
W
ith the triathlon offseason in full swing, it is likely that your athletes are (anxiously) relaxing and have
registered for a few “A” races in anticipation for the upcoming season. As a coach, it is important to consider a few key issues when planning the upcoming season and helping your athletes set attainable, personal goals. Far too often, athletes set unspecified
goals such as “don’t get injured, place top 10 or stay healthy.” Additionally, there are the athletes who set goals that do not validate physiological improvements such as “placing top five in every race.” Or, an event, that is not best suited for your athlete, is picked on behalf of the local tri club. As a coach, you have a major influence
on the success of your athlete, long before you write his training plan. In order to decrease risk for injury and/or burnout and to encourage consistent performance gains, it is suggested that you not only help your
athlete plan his racing season, but play an active role in helping your athlete set realistic goals. In the impending 2012 racing season, it is important that you closely work with your athletes and address personal strengths and weaknesses (both in life and sport) in order to allow for a consistent and quality racing season. It isn’t until realistic goals are in place that a balanced training plan can follow.
The necessary components of a balanced training plan include:
1. An emphasis on quality training over quantity training (it’s not about the miles) 2. A wholesome, plant-based diet prioritizing fruits and veggies, alongside quality lean/ low fat protein, heart-healthy fats and whole grains 3. An emphasis on intervals, periodized training and recovery days
4. Flexibility, mental toughness and continual work on “trusting the plan” 5. A trusting and healthy athlete/coach relationship 6. An ability to respect, listen and honor the body
It’s important to remind your athlete
that with realistic goals and the above components in mind, performance goals can be achieved through a balanced training plan. As a coach, don’t be afraid to trust your
training plan. Remind your athlete that success is not always about the time on the finishing clock but more so, about the journey. If an athlete has a job requiring 50 hours
of work per week, has a family and enjoys socializing on the weekends, it is up to you to help this athlete find balance with
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