End of June already?! Seems like the perfect time to do a check in those goals I made way back at the beginning of the year. My goals stemmed from my word of the year: Focus. Specifically, I wanted to focus on improving my times in the sprint distance triathlon races. Let’s take a look at how that’s going so far with my Half Yearly Goals Check In.
Half Yearly Goals Check In
Focus
In years past, I really had a hard time resisting the urge to sign up for “all the races”. I get serious FOMO and I want to do everything that all of my friends are doing. This year I was determined to focus on my big goal: improving my sprint triathlon time and not signing up for races that did not help me work towards this goal. Grade: A
I have spent the last 6 months solely focusing on swimming, biking and running shorter distances. So how is that working out for me? My 2x a week swimming, 3 times a week biking and 2-3 times a week running have paid off. I improved both my swim and bike time significantly on my first tri, run time stayed about the same. Finished with an 8 minute PR for my sprint distance races.
My second tri race, on a more challenging bike and run course was, well more challenging. I had my best swim time and bike time on that course. I had one of my worst run times. It’s pretty clear as to why this happened. I’ve spent a lot more of focus on swimming and biking and less on running. I wanted to work on my weaknesses.
Swimming– I have made a ton of progress on my swim times and hit all of my planned workouts. I have grown to enjoy swimming so much more and look forward to those workouts. I still have way more room to improve my technique. I am giving myself a Grade of B+
Biking-I have completely stepped out of my comfort zone on the bike. Joining in on a pretty tough group ride a number of times has helped to dramatically improve my confidence and skill on the bike. Again giving myself a B+ I know I can still do better on the bike.
Running-My running performance has suffered the past few months. Running fewer days and doing shorter runs was my plan to keep off the symptoms of Plantar Fasciitus. The PF is feeling better however my run times are much slower. Although I stuck to my plan, I am giving myself a C+ for running. Hello fall goals!
Strength training-I have kept up my strength training 2x week with my trainer and brought more focus to those workouts as well. Grade A- (always room for improvement).
So that’s my progress report for the first half of the year. With one more sprint tri on my calendar, I will stick to my current plan through July then make some changes.
Program note: don’t miss the July Ultimate Coffee Date this Saturday.
Thanks for sticking with me on this long Half Yearly Goals check in! How’s your year going so far?
Linking up with Erika, Marcia, Patti, Suz, Deb, Lora, Rachel, AnnMarie, Nicole, Jen
You’ve been doing great this year! I think with the running you were smart to change your approach and give the PF a chance to clear up. Now you will have the chance to train hard for fall races!
That will be my plan! thanks
Remember that you can’t improve on everything all at once! I think your goals are going great–you are improving your weaknesses!
Thanks that is true just did not think my running would backslide at the same time 🙂
Hard to believe it’s almost July! Looks like you had a great first half of the year. I didn’t have any “specific” goals but this is a great reminder to focus on achieving a specific goal for the remainder of 2017!
I enjoyed having a specific goal for the summer to keep me motivated. It is always nice to see that you hard work pays off at some point
I definitely understand what you mean about signing up for all the races. I have seriously scaled back my races this year and sometimes I have FOMO, but I know I am making the right decision.
You’ve had an awesome first half of the year and you are so smart for scaling back the running in order to help your PF. The worse thing is trying to run/train through an injury!
Definitely true! Thanks
Your swimming progress has been amazing! I wonder if you loving it has helped you improve? It makes sense, if you think about it…
Great work!
I totally agree! For me I have to enjoy what I am doing otherwise what’s the point?
You’ve had a great year so far! Sorry about the PF again. I have it creeping in too- booooooooooo
It does have the tendency to do that. I have to be vigilant to keep it at bay too
I think there is always room for improvement but you have started this year off really strong!!!! Kudos my friend !
Thanks! I am in a running funk at the moment but this too shall pass
Love that you set these goals and are checking in… and it’s a good reminder for me to check in for this year as well.
Yes I do think it helps to look back on what you said you wanted to accomplish. How is your tri training going?
Feeling a little better about the ocean swim… but still not sure how it will go or whether I can definitely do it… less than 2 weeks to go, so we’ll see.. but at least I’m trying (tri-ing)
I know you can do it! Your marathons are way harder than the tri race. Can’t wait to hear about it
Sounds like you’re totally kicking some butt this year!! Biking terrifies me ever since this one occurrence years ago! LOL!
I used to be afraid on the bike but I have gotten much more comfortable.
I’ve enjoyed reading your tri recaps and seeing the big improvements you made. All that focus definitely paid off! I’m sure your running times will go back up in the fall!
Let’s hope so!
I think you’ve made great progress! When you run, do you have at least one quality workout per week? Maybe you can stick with less running but add one fast day per week to get your pace up.
I am trying to do that by my fast days are few are far between at the moment. I think my summer running just may be like that
It is hard to believe it is the end of June already! Where did the first half go? I think you have done really well… love your IG pics and posts and reading about how you are crushing your goals. Cheers to the 2nd half!
Thanks so much! Happy summer to you too
Awesome update! You’re killing it! Keep it up 🙂
Thanks so much have a great Wednesday
Wow! I am still in the FOMO stage of wanting to sign up for everything! I AM trying to focus on marathon training this year…of course I am only 4 days in, so we will see. I tend to be disciplined for the first month or two and then let life get in the way. Setting a full year goal and revisiting it from time to time is such a great idea! Awesome job and hitting your targets!
Life sure does get in the way for all of us! I still have FOMO all the time
keep up the good work Deb! I hope you are back to your normal running schedule soon.
Thanks Mary! Great to hear from you hope all is well on your end
Yay for you!! It’s been fun following your progress (especially in the water, because I have no interest in diving in LOL)
Thanks! Ha ha you always make me smile
I think you’re being too hard on yourself about the running. It was truly necessary to dial it back, and of course you’ll lose some fitness when you do, but it will come back.
Not to mention all that cross training helps so much with injury prevention!
You’ve really had a great year so far. Here’s to an even better second half!
Thanks Judy! I can certainly be my own worst enemy at times appreciate that
I like this idea of a mid-year goal check. It’s a great way to evaluate where you are, what’s been falling behind, and revamp for the second half of the year. Congrats on your progress!!
Thanks so much! It is fun to look at your goals and see how it’s going
You are doing great!
My sister swears tri training is the best cross training for her all around, after reading your thoughts I think you’re both onto something.
I have a lap pool sitting right out my kitchen window and I keep thinking I should go swim laps at night before bed.. I really should try it, sounds like it really will be great health benefits!
Great job on all your goal checkings, no wonder you’re active and PR awesome this year!!!
Drop everything and go for a swim right now! Not only is it great cross training but it feels amazing after a hot run 🙂
Way to go! My big goal by this point in the year was to have done at least one tri, which I did two weeks ago. I hadn’t done one since my son was born two years ago so I was excited to get back into that.
They are a great way to stay in shape aren’t they?!
Hoping your PF gets better for fall!
Yes me too thanks!
I love that you made a focus on one thing and worked your butt off for it. Small steps lead to larger victories!
I hope so! Thanks
You’ve accomplished so much! Seriously crushing it!
I feel like my goals have shifted and been all over the place going with the flow of life but doing as much as I can.
You have to adapt all the time right and going with the flow is a great skill to have as a mom.
A on Focus! That’s awesome! I know my one focus this year is to make a habit of meditation and I’ve been successful with it. I love that you grade your goals for the year. This way you can see progress.
I aspire to be someone who can benefit from meditation. I need to try it again
Great job focusing on your goals and getting your strength training in, that is awesome! Once I feel better, I am going to also narrow my focus for my fall goals and kick some butt again 😛
I know you will! Hope you are feeling better this week
Congrats on the milestone! Keep up the hard work
Thanks so much!
You’re such an inspiration Deborah. I loved reading how much you have accomplished in past 6 months. I bet you’ll have amazing next half year 🙂
You are really sweet Natalie thanks friend
Great job on your goals. Making improvements is rough and when we focus less on one thing sometimes it suffers, I am sure you will get back into your groove.
I hope so!
I too have been focused on running fewer races. FOMO will never go away, but learning to better handle how to respond to it shows just how mentally strong we’re able to be.
That’s a great point!
I can’t believe it’s time for the half year check-in! Great job with your goals!
It sure is crazy how time flies!
PF is tough. Good for you for not pushing too hard.
I’m really trying to get rid of it for good it’s a rough one
Sounds like you are on track! Good for you. I have been so intently focused on improving times, PRing etc for the first part of the year. For the second half, with my marathon training, I am really trying to focus on running for fun. I will race but I will strive for Type A- instead of Type A
I like that approach! It is supposed to be fun after all
You’ve done a great job with your goals! It’s great that you’ve come to enjoy swimming so much more – I’m sure that has helped you improve.
I have really come to enjoy it quite a bit
I think you should get an A for your cycling. Not only joining a tough group, which could be very intimidating but sticking with it and improving your times and your confidence, sounds like an A in my book!
Thanks Deb I am pretty hard on myself sometimes