The end of one year and the start of the next can feel heavy as an athlete.

There’s pressure to reset.

To recommit.

To decide right now what kind of season this is going to be.

Speaking for myself, I’m midst of planning and plotting next year’s races — entering race lotteries—creating training plans.

For some athletes, goal setting feels motivating. For others, it brings anxiety, self-doubt, or a quiet sense of dread, especially if you’re coming off injury, burnout, or a season that didn’t unfold the way you hoped.

If that’s you, it’s often not a motivation issue. It’s a sign that goal setting is missing context.

This is a different way to start the year.
One that keeps ambition intact while reducing unnecessary pressure.