It’s almost the end of March (how has this first quarter of the year felt like a decade and also like only a few days) and that means a few things: Cyclists are starting to get their bikes off the trainer and outside, many of us are shifting out of base building mode and into race prep, and some of us are due to reevaluate where we’re at with our 2026 athletic goals.
So, consider the spring equinox your check-in reminder. A few things you can do:
Check on your goals
For example, I had this built-out plan for working on my mental fitness this year, after narrowly missing a couple of course records last year. When you’re off the mark by .001 percent (seriously, 2 minutes off of a 12 hour record), every tiny thing you can do is going to make a potential difference. How much am I adhering to it? (Actually, I’m doing surprisingly well—even jumped into a “short” 50K race already this year to get some start line practice and put myself deeper in the pain cave. So, look back at what you put on your 2026 list. How’s it going? Have you forgotten about anything you should re-introduce, or is there something you should tweak so it feels more attainable? There’s no shame in making a shift in your goal to fit where you are now—that’s way better than just dropping it altogether because it’s now impossible!
Spring clean your gear
You know I’ve written about this one before, but it stands repeating: This is a great change to spring clean your gear, as you put away some of the ultra-cold weather stuff and pull out your summer jerseys. What’s torn, too smelly, too small, too uncomfortable? Chuck or donate. Check expiration dates on gels and sunscreen. Give your bike some TLC. (Find the full to do list here.)
Audit your training plan
Does it still fit the races or rides you have on the calendar? Have you added in work trips, vacations, etc.?
Ask: Am I missing anything that would bring me more joy?
Look, times are tough right now. Your training and racing should push you, not punish you, and there should be fun and enjoyment in there too. Are there things you wish you were doing—more runs with friends even if they’re slower paced or not perfectly in your mileage goals, a yoga class you used to love, a type of race you really enjoy even though you’re admittedly terrible, even simply a little more time doing easy training because everything else is feeling stressful—that you’re currently not? Remember, while it’s good to push yourself, we do this because we love it!
Ask: What would make Q2 (or the racing season) a success?
This is especially good to ask if you set more sweeping 2026 goals, or you didn’t set goals at all yet. Personally, I’m trying to have a few different buckets when it comes to my goals. I have my performance goals around things like Sulphur Springs 100 and what my racing can look like, but I also have some personal goals that relate more to community and cross-training. Honestly, the goals may not even perfectly align — my personal goals absolutely are a bit counter to what would be the more optimized run in to Sulphur Springs, but the joy factor really needs to stay in there for me.
Happy spring!
