Whether training for triathlon, running, or life, many people enter to fall season with two objectives - get back into a steady routine of training or get back to training to address their perceived weaknesses.

When it comes training for health and performance what you do consistently now sets you up your results in the future. Thinking in terms of weeks and months from a goal performance is a flawed model. 

I can't tell you the number of times I have heard this comment - "Well I still have X days until my event/goal. Lots of time". So are you making an excuse for not getting the most out of your training today? 

I challenge you to look at this in another way. 

Today IS the most important day in your journey towards a goal.

What do you want to accomplish today?  How is what you are doing today moving you closer to your goal? 

One of the biggest mistakes I see athletes (athletes refers to anyone who trains) make is doing what is most comfortable repeatedly year after year and expecting a different result. They go back into the same training schedule and do the same sets year after year without progressing effort, intensity, volume, or type of training. 

Now, I am a fan of repetition in the context of comparing your progress over time, and also for skill development. However, repeating similar training patterns because it feels most comfortable is missing a huge opportunity to progress. 

The definition of insanity is doing something over and over again and expecting a different result - Albert Einstein 

One of the things I do especially this time of year is have a focus on playful movement. Move my body in ways outside of the usual linear forward direction of swim, bike, run. I climb, squat, crawl, pull up, hang, jump, balance, etc. Triathlon, running, and life require all of these skills. This helps develop strong and stable movement patterns which will support performance in sport and life. The same reason I incorporate many of these movement skills in the training I prescribe to my athletes. 

The other great part of practicing these movement skills is it means playtime with Isabella :).

So my question to you is this:

How can you challenge yourself in a different way which will help you move closer to your goal?

Remember, today IS the most important day in your journey towards a goal.

Keep it fun and #MakeTodayMatter.

Your Coach, 

Patrick

P.S. What do you need to move better, increase your strength, and perform at your best and achieve optimal health? Email me at patrick@endurancejourney.com or send me a note on facebook and let's chat. Our Group Training, Nutrition and Coaching Programs provide the support and guidance you need to help you achieve your ideal health and performance.