Here we are, now collectively venturing into 2020 with great ambition individually and collectively as a team.  I thought I would use this first real Coach’s Bulletin of the year to outline a few key thoughts as we begin the build phase of training.  We are setting up the resilience and fitness that we live off for the entire season, as well as continued focus on technical development and strength and conditioning.  At this time of the year there is so much to think about, especially as many are in the midst of habit formation in one way or another, so let me boil down your lens and set the path ahead.  As I write in January, here is your little success guide:

1. Let the Fitness Creep Up, Not Surge.  Many are excited at this time of the season and head in guns-blazing as the search for breakthrough performance is front of mind.  Layer, don’t dump, when it comes to fitness progression. I like athletes three steps back from the line of caution in the initial six-weeks -- so that we can layer tissue health and fitness carefully.
2. Seriously.  Make this central to mindset and approach.  Dial in your strength work and commit to it.  I do think Michael Olzinski’s session on the build phase and approach is high value -- so enjoy it HERE.
3. Fuel Following Workouts.  I know. I'm like a broken record, but this is my number one habit and must permeate across all training as the load will begin to creep.
4. Don’t Judge Performance.  There is a likelihood, no expectation, that your fitness is not high at the moment.  Don’t drive yourself crazy judging power, pace, feeling, etc. Focus on creating consistency and layering weeks following each other.  Rather than analyzing power files and asking why you are not producing enough power, simply reserve judgment and have a review on March 1st.  This is when you can begin to pay more attention.
5. Keep it Fun.  The new year brings crowded gyms and short-term spikes in performance junkies.  You are in it for the long-term, and we seek behavior change. Longevity doesn’t thrive with furrowed brows and a deadly serious mindset with every session.  Remember to enjoy it -- and that it is a hobby.