how to avoid the expectation pitfall

So how do we avoid the pitfalls and traps of expectations.

I think we satrt by how we set our goals. We have to make sure that when an athlete is setting goals they start by setting a goal that while the think they can achieve, it would be a reach. That ensures that we do not convert our goals into expectations during the season. Also, we have to be sure that the athlete believes they can achieve the goal. Otherwise, it becomes a negative feedback loop. If they think they cannot do it, then they are having that belief reinforced when they do not.

Also, be careful not to have to workouts crossover to closely with the goals. In other words, while split times are important in workout, the effort is much more inportant. We have to make sure that we are committed to the training not to the measuring stick. Otherwise, athletes will ammend their effort to reach their goal times, instead of making the effort and the workout the goal. Avoid mid-week measurements. They more often than not will be viewed in the wrong light.

FInally, remeber that competition is fun. No matter what level you race on and why you are there, the competition is the culmination of your work. Siri Lindley, a former World Champion triathlete, would tell herself and her athletes to go out and celebrate your work in a race. That is the point. You have put all this into it, go see what happens. No matter what the outsome you will be re-evalutaing at the conclusion anyway. Race at your best effort and you and your coaches will have data to go forward with.