Goals
With the season really starting to ramp up, now is a good time to start thinking about your goals for the year. Having one or more goals helps give a little more purpose to each practice, and also creates a positive mindset throughout the year. Creating goals and meeting them is always rewarding, and our job as a coaching staff is to help you achieve those goals.
As you think of your goals for the year, remember that we're not only here to help you with your paddling goals. Space has always been a supportive family and we will do everything we can to help you with your non paddling goals as well, whether it's training for spartan races, triathlons, or even just living a healthier lifestyle. Remember, working towards your goal is always easier with a support group, and Space is just about one of the best support groups out there. Don't be afraid to talk to us about what you want to achieve, and we'll do our best to help you get there!
As for paddling, there will always be so many different goals that individuals can focus on, whether it's getting a smoother/faster time trial, improving technique, or even just being able to get through practice a little better than the last time. For us coaches, one of our goals is to always promote healthy improvement, not just at an individual level, but especially at a team level. So even as we focus on our own individual training and goals, it's important to remember that we do this as a team. We strive to have that "team first" mentality because that's what helps us strive and push ourselves to our goals. That team perspective is what makes Space such an amazing team. Everyone does what they can to help out. We're lucky to be in an environment that is so supportive and everyone wants the best for everyone. Sure there can be some friendly competition and individual training, but at the end of the day it's all about how we can bring each other up as a team. So just remember, whatever boat you paddle on, the important part is that we're part of the same team. Boat color is irrelevant because we're all one family.
Training
Always going hand in hand with creating goals is, of course, training for them! Once you've come up with your own goals, sometimes it's hard to think about how to proceed from there. However, that's exactly why having this huge support group of Space Dragons comes in handy. There are so many different people on the team that are willing to help you reach or even exceed your goals!
Our practices always have a specific purpose to help you train for races, but we also have resources to help you off the water as well! This includes the land/core training after practices, and soon to be starting up SDWW's! Working out together makes training a lot more enjoyable, so don't be afraid to ask if anyone wants to train with you. Like I said before, it's a big part of who we are as a family. Starting up working out might seem pretty daunting, especially if you try it alone. The team is spread out in so many areas, that there's bound to be someone in your area that will work out with you!
Time Trials
As many of you know, time trials are a great way to measure yourself throughout the year, and a good way to learn more about yourself and how you paddle. It's also part of how we get you prepared for race day, but more on that later.
For those of you that have been asking and waiting for it, here are the current dates for the time trials! Once our mid and end of year races are determined, we'll come out with the dates for those time trials.
Baby LB: April 2
Mid Year: TBD
Big LB: July 2
End of Year: TBD
The first race of the year is coming up quick, which means the first time trial is coming up even quicker! So remember to start thinking about your goals and how you want to change throughout the season!