Assess 2008, Launch 2009 with a Heart Rate Monitor

Posted 29 December 2008

The beginning of a new year encourages us to start over or make anew. Starting over or creating new ideas allows us to dream and aspire to new and different heights. Dreams are good. Gloria Steinem helps us capture why we need to dream in her quote “Without leaps of imagination or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.”

I recently completed this “dream” exercise with my clients. I would like to share it with you as you approach ’09. Give yourself credit for small accomplishments as well as big leaps.

Before we dream, let’s assess. Answer these questions for your 2008 year.

1. What were your fitness successes in 2008?
2. What was your “personal best” in 2008?
3. If you could have done one thing differently with your fitness this year, what would it be?

Here are examples from a few of my clients. Each answer is personal, without judgment, and a reflection of their journey of fitness and training. Use these examples to prompt your assessment.

Susie relates: “My fitness success in ’08 was staying on my training plan for 2 straight months. I used my heart rate monitor for the first time and learned to run by training with zones. During these two months, I realized I need a specific plan to keep me on track.”

Bobby: “My personal best in ’08 was cycling 156 miles in one day. My heart rate monitor was key to going the distance within my ability.”

Shelia: “I ran my first half marathon. Truly it was a dream come true. Now, I’m ready for a marathon. Admittedly, without the heart rate monitor to assure my confidence, I would have given up.”

John: “The one thing I would have done differently is sleep more. I know my lack of rest is negatively affecting my ability to accomplish better training. I need to sleep more and not push every ride.”

Now, on to 2009.

1. Identify 3 things you want to implement in your training in 2009. Here are a few suggestions-log your workouts; use your heart rate monitor to benchmark the changes in your fitness- a recovery heart rate is a good start; attend a seminar; include a multi day ride in your training schedule; hire a coach.

2. Identify 3 things you want to personally improve in your life this year. How do your fitness and training plans fit into your personal improvement dreams?
Here’s Connie’s example: “My husband and I need to spend more time together. I’m fit and he isn’t. This year we are planning a 2 day easy bicycle trip on the Greenbrier River Trail- plenty of talk time and a new adventure for us as a couple.”

Jim: “I need to find new family activities that spend less money. My kid’s ages are 6, 9, and 12. For years, they have watched me compete in races and runs. This year I’m going to introduce them to running and hiking. We’ll make a special day and buy running shoes. In 2009, I’m going to include a few runs that feature youth participation.”

Lynn: “I work too much. My personal fitness suffers. I will prioritize my responsibilities and say “no” when scheduling more than 10 hours of work per day.”

3. Find a quiet moment. Write a personal affirmation about you. Include a time table and methods to accomplish your goals. Don’t overload yourself. What resources can you include to help you accomplish these goals?

As a coach and athlete, I encourage you to look forward to new possibilities, opportunities, and solutions. We don’t have an eternity to realize our dreams, only the moments that fleet quickly before us today. Seize your dream.

Happy New Year.
Coach Alinda
ZoneX™ Sensible Heart Rate Training

Copyright 2009 ZoneX™ Sensible Heart Rate Training
For the most comfortable and accurate heart rate monitoring try NuMetrex. NuMetrex heart monitoring apparel provides a comfortable alternative to the traditional heart monitoring strap. The seamless NuMetrex heart sensing garments have sensors knit directly into the fabric. A small transmitter snaps into the front of the garment, captures your data and sends it to your watch or cardio equipment. Heart rate is a great motivator that enables you to monitor your fitness goals and calories burned.

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