As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to reflect on our journeys and set performance goals that will shape our year. Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or just beginning your endurance journey, having clear and actionable goals can significantly enhance your training and performance. To be honest, I’ve been taking my time this year deciding on my 2025 racing schedule. Reflecting on what I learned in 2024 has been incredibly valuable, and I’m determined to use those lessons to design a more performance worthy season ahead. For 2025, I’m focusing on qualifying again for USAT Nationals, tackling 1-2 70.3 events, an international race, and a range of local triathlons and running races. Here’s how I plan to make it all happen: several sprint and Olympic-distance triathlons will serve as B races to fine-tune my training and racing strategies. My A races? Likely either IRONMAN 70.3 Eagleman or Ohio—and maybe even both—along with North Carolina 70.3 later in the season.
But before we dive into my goals and strategies, let’s talk about how to set and evaluate your own goals and figure out the best races for you.
The Art of Goal-Setting
Setting goals isn’t just about dreaming big—it’s about aligning your goals with your abilities, your schedule, and what excites you most. For me, this year is about building on last season’s successes, continuing to grow as an athlete, and challenging myself with longer distances and new experiences.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned triathlete, here are a few things to consider when setting your goals:
- Be Specific: Instead of saying, “I want to get faster,” choose something measurable, like improving your 10K time or increasing your swim pace by 10 seconds per 100 meters.
- Be Realistic: Ambition is great, but biting off more than you can chew can lead to burnout or injury. Balance your aspirations with your available training time and current fitness level.
- Find Your “Why”: Understanding what motivates you—whether it’s crossing the finish line of your first race, beating your PR, or just having fun—will keep you focused during tough training days.
A, B, and C Races: What They Are and Why They Matter
As a triathlon coach, I encourage athletes to categorize their races as A, B, or C races to manage energy, expectations, and training effectively.
- A Races: These are your most important events of the season—the ones you structure your entire training plan around. For me, 70.3 Eagleman, Ohio, and North Carolina fall into this category. A races require peak fitness and tapering to perform your best.
- B Races: These are lower-priority races that serve as tune-ups for A races. I’ll use sprint and Olympic-distance triathlons as opportunities to test my pacing, nutrition, and transitions. While I’ll push myself, these races aren’t about achieving peak performance.
- C Races: These are essentially glorified training days. You might enter a local 5K, a swim meet, or a bike time trial with no taper, using it as part of your regular training schedule. They’re low-stakes but can be incredibly valuable for building confidence and fitness.
Choosing the Right Races for You
When deciding on races, think about:
- Logistics: How far are you willing to travel? What’s your budget?
- Timing: Do the race dates fit your schedule and allow for proper training and recovery?
- The Course: Flat and fast, or hilly and challenging? Choose what excites you—and what plays to your strengths.
- Personal Goals: If a certain race sparks your enthusiasm or aligns with a milestone you want to achieve, that’s a strong indicator it belongs on your calendar.
Training Goals for 2025
To nail my A races, my training plan will include focused goals for each triathlon discipline, along with strength and cross-training to round things out.
Swim
Goal: Increase efficiency and endurance.
Plan: Incorporate open-water swims early in the season, focusing on sighting and pacing. Pool sessions will include a mix of endurance sets, technique drills, and speed intervals.
Bike
Goal: Build power for long, steady efforts.
Plan: Long rides on the weekends, paired with shorter interval sessions during the week, will develop both endurance and speed. I’ll also include some technical rides on rolling hills to simulate race conditions.
Run
Goal: Improve pacing and durability off the bike.
Plan: Key workouts include brick sessions, tempo runs, and strides to work on turnover. I’ll also integrate strength-building hill repeats.
Strength Training
Goal: Prevent injury and build functional strength.
Plan: Twice-weekly sessions will focus on compound movements (squats, deadlifts, and presses), core stability, and single-leg exercises to mimic the demands of triathlon.
Cross-Training
Goal: Stay active and have fun.
Plan: Mixing it up with rowing, hiking, paddleboarding, and rucking will keep things fresh while providing low-impact aerobic benefits and building strength.
Use Training Days and Local Events Wisely
Not every day on the calendar needs to be a big race. Incorporating local events, like swim meets or community fun runs, as C races—or simply scheduling structured training days where you simulate race conditions—can be a game-changer. These allow you to practice transitions, fine-tune your gear, and identify areas for improvement without the pressure of competition.
Reflecting on Your Season
As the season progresses, revisit your goals and adjust as needed. Maybe a race doesn’t go as planned, or you surprise yourself with a breakthrough performance. Use each experience as a learning opportunity to keep improving.
A Year of Growth and Achievement
Setting performance goals for 2025 is an exciting endeavor. By reflecting on past lessons, embracing local races, and challenging myself in various disciplines, I’m ready to tackle the year ahead.
For me, 2025 will be about embracing the challenge, staying consistent, and having fun. Whether you’re planning your first sprint or tackling a new longer distance race, remember: the journey is just as important as the destination.
Now, it’s your turn—what goals are you setting this year? Let’s make it your best season yet and cross some new finish lines!