HOW NOT TO WRECK YOUR SEASON

Hit a mid-season lull and struggling to stick to your goals? Training being derailed by constant curveballs? You're not alone! Multi-world-champs-winning athlete Spencer Smith has the solutions to ensure you stay strong and focused to the 2024 finish line...

I was going to start this article with an inspirational quote about how planning for success is vital, and in some regards it absolutely is. But what happens when the best-laid plans get altered, or, in some cases, dashed completely?

Throughout the season it’s rare that everything goes exactly to plan. I was an athlete that thrived on planning my season. It was extremely motivating to have these lofty goals set before me as the dark winter nights dragged on relentlessly, and yet very rarely did my season happen quite as smoothly as putting pen to paper. What I’ve learned from experience is that a plan, overview, target, ‘A’ race – dress it up as you wish – is absolutely necessary, but the need to be flexible within that big picture is just as important.

Without getting too dramatic, life gets in the way sometimes, whether it be family commitments, health, work, injuries – the number of different curveballs that can strike you during the race season is numerous. What’s more important is firstly to address them, not just sweep them under the carpet. Secondly, find the best solution to address the problem. And thirdly, implement a plan. So let’s dive into a few of these curveballs and address them head-on. Because with over 20 years of racing as a pro, I’ve had more than my fair share!

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

With the payment made and the race date set in stone, it’s difficult not to get carried away right off the bat. I think most athletes should, and do need some lofty goals, but as a coach, I draw the line when expectation doesn’t meet reality.