2014 Athletic Goal Reached...

In 2013 I set a goal of cycling 5,000 miles, which I hit on the last day of the year.  I originally bumped that up to 7,000 miles for 2014, but had to dial it back after taking a month off to help my coach on the Race Across America and another month was eaten up in preparing for and moving to the east coast - I had to be realistic after losing about 8-weeks of cycling time that 7,000 was a bridge too far and so I backed my goal down to 6,000 - still a nice increase over 2013...

I reached 6,003 miles cycled as of last night, and I should end the year around 6,200. 1,200 more than last year, a 24% improvement. S

While I am slightly disappointed that I had to back down from my original goal, I also recognize that it is up from exactly ZERO miles cycled 3 years ago...  

For 2015 I'm planning to get more into Endurance Racing.  I have 4 12-hour time trial races on the schedule and 6-8 100 mile rides & races in the plans - roughly one race of at least 100 miles each month of the year, except January.  

Hope everybody has a great holiday and you set some big goals for next year!

-Tom

You're a rockstar!!!

As are you!

Way to go Tom!   I hope in 2015 I can get myself on the exercise train.  You are inspiration to all of us!

Merry Christmas-

Nancy

My best advice (and it won't work for everyone, of course) is to do an "event"  - a run/walk/ride/mudder/etc - and focus on that - really train for it.  Better yet, find a group of friends or workmates to do it together.  Maybe even raise money for a charity from people that want to see you succeed (or humiliate yourself!)  Almost all of us need a push, and events push and pull us along - doing things in a group of like minded people helps a lot as well.  I find it beats going to the gym with no goal to work toward.

For me, it's been addicting.  I propel myself forward athletically using an event at at time...

All I can say is WOW! What accomplishments, and I have no doubt you will meet all your goals this time aroumd.

Congrats!  That is awesome!  

I hope to be able to get back on my bike soon.  I never thought to add all the miles and set a goal.  You have inspired me!  

There are a bunch of great websites (most of which have "free" versions) for tracking cycling - Mapmyride.com has a good phone app and website for tracking things, as well as for making maps of where you rode/planning where you're going to ride.

So, you reached your goal, and there is a week left in the year. Are you just going to sit on your ass all week? You could do another 1,000.

You are like a machine, Tom. I have no doubt you will have long term success. It's great to have you around.

Thanks Grim!  I actually debated that - my wife is heading back to Minneapolis for the week between Christmas and New Years, but I have a few other things I'd like to do :)  But you never know, I might hop on the bike and not get off.