How to Set Triathlon Goals for the New Season

There’s something magical about the off-season. The pressure fades, the training shifts, and suddenly—there’s space to think again. After an intense 2025 filled with highs, lows, surprise races, and big lessons learned, I’m finally sitting down to plan my 2026 race season.

If you're planning your own upcoming season, here’s how I’m structuring my 2026 goals—and how you can build yours with purpose, confidence, and clarity.

Why Goal Setting Matters for Triathletes

You don’t want to drift through without structure. There’s always another race, another training cycle, another excuse to just “figure it out as you go.”

But clear goals do three important things:

✔️ Give your training direction

✔️ Keep you motivated through the grind

✔️ Help you measure progress beyond PRs

Goals are your compass, not your finish line.

Step 1: Reflect on Last Season (The Good and the Hard)

Before looking ahead, I always take a moment to look back.

2025 had it all—huge breakthrough moments, unexpected challenges, and some tough races that forced me to grow. I learned that:

• Extreme conditions require flexible expectations

• Hydration in heat is non-negotiable

• I perform my best when I'm having fun, not forcing pressure

• Last-minute opportunities (like the Sun Devil Classic!) sometimes bring the biggest rewards

  
  

These reflections shape the goals I set moving forward. Your reflections should shape yours, too.

Ask yourself:

What made me proud this year? What held me back? What do I want to carry into next season—and what do I want to leave behind?

Step 2: Choose Goals That Truly Excite You

If a goal doesn’t spark something inside you, it’s the wrong goal.

Instead of thinking only about finish times, consider goals that touch every part of the sport:

🟦 Performance Goals

These involve speed, power, or race results.

• Improving bike power on key intervals

• Aiming for a certain position in your age group

• Getting stronger on hills

  
  

🟩 Process Goals

These build consistency and habits.

• Strength training 2–3 times per week

• Nailing long rides with proper fueling

• Practicing open-water swims monthly

  
  

🟧 Education Goals

Triathlon is complex—learning matters too.

• Getting comfortable with draft-legal racing

• Taking a bike handling class

• Working on optimist run posture

  
  

🟨 Joy Goals

Yes, these count!

• Picking one “fun” race purely for the experience or being somewhere fun

• Training with new people

• Building a routine that doesn’t burn you out

  
  

When your goals blend together, your season becomes more balanced, sustainable, and much more enjoyable.

Step 3: Set Both Short-Term and Long-Term Goals

Think of your season like a staircase:

Long-term goals are the landing at the top.

Short-term goals are the steps that get you there.

Long-Term (Season) Goals

These shape the big picture.

• Qualifying for a national or world event

• Building stronger bike power heading into late-season races

• Staying consistent with strength work to stay injury-free

  
  

Short-Term (Monthly or Training Block) Goals

These keep you accountable along the way.

• Hitting weekly swim volume

• Dialing in fueling on long rides

• Completing a 6–8 week strength progression

  
  

Smaller goals are where real progress is built.

Step 4: Plan Your Race Calendar with Intention

2026 will be a mix of familiar races and new challenges. I’m choosing races based on:

• Timing (naturally building fitness toward key events)

• Course style (fast? hilly? technical?)

• Travel demands (especially after this year’s big trips!)

• Where I want to push myself

  
  

I’m also leaving room for flexibility—because if 2025 taught me anything, it’s that unexpected opportunities can change everything.

See my prior blog post on factors to look out for when choosing races for a helpful reference!

Step 5: Build Accountability That Works for You

Accountability doesn’t have to mean pressure. For me, it means clarity.

Try one of these strategies:

✔️ Share your goals with a training buddy

✔️ Track your weekly sessions (Strava, Garmin, paper journal)

✔️ Do monthly check-ins with yourself

✔️ Celebrate the small wins

Accountability is not about “doing everything perfectly”—it’s about staying aligned with your vision.

Step 6: Make Space for Life Outside of Triathlon

This is often the part athletes forget.

Your goals should support your life—not take it over.

Ask yourself:

• How much training volume can I realistically maintain?

• How can I balance work, travel, and personal time?

• What boundaries will protect my mental health?

  
  

This ensures your season is strong and sustainable.

My 2026 Focus: Strength, Fun, and Smart Racing

As I map out my season, I’m focusing on:

• Getting stronger in the gym during off-season

• Choosing races that excite me

• Staying consistent while keeping space for joy

• Applying the lessons from a very big 2025

• Arriving at key races mentally confident and ready

  
  

I want 2026 to be my strongest and most intentional year yet—and goal setting is the first step.

Ready to Set Your Own Triathlon Goals?

You don't need a rigid plan.

You don’t even need a finish time goal.

You just need goals that:

✨ inspire you

✨ challenge you

✨ support your growth

✨ align with your life

Start with reflection, build from excitement, and leave room for joy.

Your best season starts with the goals you set now.