Are you looking to get fit and reach your health and fitness goals? Setting and achieving bicycling goals can be a great way to stay motivated, improve your physical fitness, and enjoy the many benefits of cycling. Whether you're a seasoned rider looking to take your training to the next level or a beginner just starting out, setting and achieving cycling goals can help you get the most out of your rides. We bring you to a collection of well-thought tips and strategies that help you remain on track with your cycling goals. Goals give clear direction and help to focus on achieving the things that are most important to you in your life. Keep on reading to find out how you can remain diligent and motivated to get to your GOALS!
Never forget your ‘WHY’
Goals must have a benefit for you in order to stay committed to them. Before you get started, it's important to choose a goal that is both challenging and achievable. For example, if you're new to cycling, setting a goal to ride a century (100 miles) in your first year might be too ambitious. On the other hand, if you're an experienced rider, setting a goal to ride just a few miles per week might not be challenging enough.
Once you've chosen a goal, it's important to break it down into smaller, more achievable milestones. This can help you stay motivated and track your progress along the way. For example, if your goal is to ride a century, you might set a goal to ride 25 miles per week for the first month, 50 miles per week for the second month, and so on. You should always keep in mind that the time you spend pedaling that bicycle is much more meaningful than the mere ride itself. That workout or ride you completed allows you to feel like showing up for your friends, your family, your kids, your clients — it makes you a healthier and happier person who's capable of doing anything. It makes you believe that you are a strong, independent person who is capable of achieving huge milestones.
Make your training a priority.
Instead of workout or exercise to talk about your regular fitness goals, be more serious about them and refer to them as ‘TRAINING’. Training - implies that you have a plan in place and are working towards a specific goal. Each training session gets your closer towards your particular goal.
What is the hardest part of training, getting started. Start by getting organized
- Do you have one easy spot where all of your electronics (bike computer, lights, electronic shifting) gets charged?
- Are your jerseys and bibs easily accessible? Try setting them out the night before you plan to ride.
- Do you have one space that stores your snacks, drink mix, water bottles, multi-tools and pumps?
We completely agree getting ready to do something is often the most toughest part so taking extra care to be organized so it is seamless to go for a ride makes it doable session after session. In short, make the process of getting on the bike as easy and seamless as possible.
Incorporate affirmative self-talk in your life.
One cannot stress enough the significance of motivating yourself through self-talk. You have to experience that massive uplift in your mood and energy by positively reminding yourself that you have to get that job done. Saying, “I get to do a 90 minute ride today vs. I have do get a training session in today.” This matters the most if you are working your way up in any level of athletics, according to psychology experts.
Consistency is the key.
Believe us when we say that you cannot magically become faster on your bike in a split second. If you are inclined towards true progress, you should be ready for consistent training sessions and practice. Be easy on yourself, and be ready to adjust if the plan is accidentally too much of a struggle for you. A practical, suitable cycling plan is one that incorporates smoothly within your life and serves as a source of pleasure and fun, instead of being overwhelming and burdensome.
Learn to follow the schedule.
Carve out the blocks of time in your calendar and schedule sessions during the day for cycling training. Scheduling makes you more likely to show up and do the work. Make a deal with yourself – if you skip a training session, make a list of alternate chores to do instead of your training session – like clean the bathroom. If you skip a training session, you can't spend it binge watching TV or scrolling social media. Suddenly, the bike will look much more appealing.
Take time to reflect back on your goals.
After your training session, sit back, relax and ponder over what you were most grateful for and make notes on your session. It could be the pleasure of the weather or the strength you feel in your legs during that last break. These little things such as reflection and gratitude make the most impact on training, adjust as needed and celebrate the wins. Regularly reflecting on your training and how it moves you towards your goals make it more likely that you will create the habit and stick to it! Your training plan is a simple road map to your final goal. Sure, there will be bumps and detours as you progress, but find alternate routes to reach your destination.
In Conclusion
Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your training to the next level, setting and achieving your bicycling goals can help you get the most out of your rides. By following these tips, you see how simple it is to pursue your ambitious goals. Begin with a positive mindset, follow your steps in the plan consistently and always remember to cherish your progress and celebrate your wins.
