<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Goal Setting for Nordic Skiing 2019-2020</b></u></span>

1. Find a goal that slightly stretches your envelope – something that, with consistent effort will be manageable. If you pick a failed goal from last year, think about what it was that kept you from achieving it. Take time to find a personal goal that isn’t the same as 20 other people! Make it meaningful to you. If you have achieved this same goal in the last several years, find something more "stretchy".  If you can achieve your goal early in the season, pick something more challenging.

2. Your goal must be clear and measurable. <strong>It can not include vague words such as “better”, “more” or “improve”.  It cannot be a destination goal unless you quantify the location with other factors.  (for example "ski to the fire tower" is no longer allowed.  But ski there anyway!)
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3. Quantify your goal with dates, places, times, speeds, placings, etc.

4. A goal can be an achievement goal, or <strong>a process goal</strong>.  Be careful of race goals.  Avoid aiming to win your age group unless you  are a full time skier, and know every single competitor's ability. Aiming for a specific time is also tricky as snow conditions are out of your control.  Instead aim  improve to your age group placing, or aim to simply participate in a race you have never before tried.  If you have participated in the same race for the last several years, perhaps it's time for a new goal.

5. <strong>Map out exactly how, where or when you will work toward your goal.  This is more important than the final achievement and will ensure progress toward your goal.
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6. It might be a good idea to pick a second goal in case of poor snow conditions – but be sure to work towards both of them. Only one needs to count.

<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><b>Some Random Examples: (but better to make up your own)</b></u></span>

a. To one-skate from _______ to _______ in a comfortable zone 2 without stopping by March 1 2019.

b. To improve my time in the 50K Classic Loppet

c. To take part in 2 time trials

d. To attend all weekly Friday sessions unless I am ill.

e. To ski 4 (or 3 or 6) times every week, thus increasing my experience in varied snow conditions

f. To grip wax my own skis before each classic ski and to arrive with waxed skis.

g. To ski somewhere different each week. (Keep track !)

h. To ski without poles for 10 (or 30) minutes of every ski in November and December.

I. To be able to double pole from ____ to ____.

J. To take part in 15 Sunday (or Saturday, or Wednesday or whatever) trail runs and group skis.

K. To join a weekly spin class (or run class, or strength class) to increase my general fitness.

L. To eliminate sugary desserts allowing only one a week

M. To ski alone at least once a week, so that I can focus on feel and technique without distractions.

N. Ski ski at least once a week with slower skiers, to rest and savour zone 1

O. To ski at least once a week with faster skiers, to push me out of my comfort zone.

P. To ski further than I have skied before (you will need numbers for this goal. What is the furthest you have skied?)

Q. To take part in the Canadian Ski Marathon as a Coureur de Bois (or tourer – how many sections?)

<i>There are so many possibilities - use your imagination!</i>