back inaction (sic)

This was a scene from my last round out at Heron before the Christmas break.  I was the only one out because of the heavy rains throughout the day, but it was worth it for this kind of view!

I just made it back to Portland and was planning on heading straight out to the course, but instead I think there will be a bit of inaction before putting my head to the grindstone again.  Some times it’s best to formulate a good plan rather than jump head first into the water and now is one of those times.

My brother gave me a cold for Christmas, and of course it didn’t hit until the day I was supposed to fly back across the country..  But, I think it’s for the best because I get the chance to sit down today and write out all of my goals for 2011.  I’ve decided to split up the year into 12 week periods, loosely based on the seasons and then set my goals for those.  I have three types of goals: the minimum, goal, and stretch.  On minimums, I’ve set the bar high enough to where I still need to really focus my energies, but to the level I feel that I can comfortably achieve by the end of March.  My goal is what I will achieve if everything goes to plan without any major interruptions or injuries and my stretch is where I would ideally be by the end of the winter.  I’m going to do all I can to reach my stretch goals, too.

I’m also looking at the year as a whole and setting goals for that.  Basically, I’ve decided that without clear goals it’s very easy to waste a lot of training hours, and that’s time I do not have.  I’ve got to utilize every instant that I have.  And, along with that thought, I need to spend more time doing what I’m doing today, planning and contemplating my path.  I liken this journey to floating across the Pacific.  Land left my site a few months back and now I risk the current taking me in circles.  Alas!  I cannot float aimless, it’s time to pick a star and follow it’s path!