Motivation & Goal Setting
Sources of motivation are as different as athletes are. It's different for me than some because of my competitive nature. I really have learned to enjoy the entire experience of a race weekend (a benefit of the aging process no doubt). But, the race is still my competitive point of focus. For me that point becomes what I feel, how I interpret the race, that makes or breaks it. I do feel energy from spectators, but their cheers and support aren't my main source of energy. To a greater degree, I feel the energy between racers when we know/respect each other; that's a great vibe! And I feel a spiritual uplifting of sorts (highest energy) when I'm purely racing on instinct, with people I respect, in a race that I have a chance of winning. That "chance of winning" doesn't work for WORS (Wisconsin Off Road Series) Elite racing as well because the "Pros" overshadow what us older amateurs are doing. For me, the "chance of winning" happens more so in a age-group-based Criterium and/or Cyclocross race.
All these factors go into my Goal Setting process for 2010. I'm highly motivated by a good challenge against like competitors in a mentally/physically taxing (but doable) sport. WORS has always been a good fit, CX better, and Crit/TT races are somewhere in between. I love TT racing because it motivates me to train "that way" on a weekly basis. "That way" of training is a positive factor in preparing the body and mind for all of the other types of racing. TT bike setup and ride analysis also taps into my Engineering/Analytical related talent. I became a Quality Engineer due to being able to apply my natural strengths (God given talent if you will) to something I am passionate about. I still love my MTB (bike and experience) the most; but WORS racing doesn't always do it for me. I think it's because on my best day I'm still 8 minutes behind the winner, and 10th on the podium. Takes away from the experience in some way (for me). Especially when I consider the amount of effort a hard MTB race takes. That is the "signing-up" part that I'm struggling with a little bit in 2010.
I do get that people's motivations are different. What motivates you? And, have you adequately considered that in your 2010 Goal Setting?
All these factors go into my Goal Setting process for 2010. I'm highly motivated by a good challenge against like competitors in a mentally/physically taxing (but doable) sport. WORS has always been a good fit, CX better, and Crit/TT races are somewhere in between. I love TT racing because it motivates me to train "that way" on a weekly basis. "That way" of training is a positive factor in preparing the body and mind for all of the other types of racing. TT bike setup and ride analysis also taps into my Engineering/Analytical related talent. I became a Quality Engineer due to being able to apply my natural strengths (God given talent if you will) to something I am passionate about. I still love my MTB (bike and experience) the most; but WORS racing doesn't always do it for me. I think it's because on my best day I'm still 8 minutes behind the winner, and 10th on the podium. Takes away from the experience in some way (for me). Especially when I consider the amount of effort a hard MTB race takes. That is the "signing-up" part that I'm struggling with a little bit in 2010.
I do get that people's motivations are different. What motivates you? And, have you adequately considered that in your 2010 Goal Setting?
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