When the season comes to an end, the most strategic part of the year begins: figuring out how to set up the next one. Analyse, plan, define clear and realistic goals. Here are a few suggestions for you.
Analyse the past season to build the next one
Before setting new goals, it is essential to look back. Every season brings valuable lessons — even the ones that did not go as planned. Analysing past performances helps you understand what worked, what held back progression and which areas deserve more attention.
This can involve objective elements — such as load management, training frequency or recovery capacity — but also less measurable factors like motivation or mental response during tough moments. Looking at the season with clarity helps you spot patterns: were there periods when fitness improved quickly? Which training or race choices delivered the best results?
The 2PEAK statistics page can help you turn these reflections into concrete data: volume, intensity, fitness trends and consistency. But the real value lies in the interpretation — in understanding what those numbers reveal and how to turn them into better decisions for the next season.
SMART goals
A goal truly works when it is SMART:
- Specific: precise and clear (“bring FTP to 280 W by June”, not just “get better on the bike”).
- Measurable: trackable through collected data.
- Achievable: within reach, but still challenging.
- Relevant: realistic, aligned with your personal and sporting priorities.
- Time-bound: with a deadline that helps structure the path.
A simple approach is turning a vague idea into something concrete. For example, instead of “getting stronger on the bike”, you can aim for something like:
“Finish my local June race with an average of 5 W/kg on the key segments.”
A goal like this gives you a precise target and makes every session part of a clear path.
The same goes for anyone who is not competitive. You do not need a race or podium to set a direction. A recreational trail runner, for example, could define a goal like:
“Complete the panoramic 15 km loop by the end of August without walking breaks.”
This works the same way: it is specific, measurable, realistic, relevant to your motivation and tied to a date.
The logic of racing
For anyone taking part in races, choosing events carefully according to set goals matters. Priorities are key, because the training plan will focus fitness development and load progressions around the main race. Here is how 2PEAK structures race categories:
- Goal Race: the main target of the season, the peak.
- B Race: preparation events, ideal for testing condition and pacing.
- Training races: secondary or training-focused events, useful to maintain rhythm and motivation.
The 2PEAK race calendar offers useful inspiration to pick your next goals and give your season direction.
More information on season planning in 2PEAK
Forecasts: planning with real life in mind
A good plan considers not only sporting goals but everything happening outside of sport. Holidays, travel, intense work or study periods, holidays: these all influence consistency and should be anticipated.
In 2PEAK, these periods can be managed directly in My Training Plan > Adjust Schedule. Here you can:
- define a specific week with adjusted loads, or
- set a temporary load reduction to handle demanding weeks with balance.
When planned well, these moments become opportunities to recharge body and mind. Adding them to the plan helps maintain consistency and avoid unnecessary overload. Naturally, not everything is predictable: flexibility remains the most important quality. Adjusting the plan when needed is a sign of intelligence, not weakness.
Review, adapt, grow
The best goals do not stay fixed for twelve months. Every 4–6 weeks, it is worth checking progress and evaluating whether the direction is right. Sometimes you need to push more, sometimes to ease off.
Setting SMART goals, planning races with logic and integrating real life into your training plan allows you to experience a complete, sustainable and motivating season. With 2PEAK’s tools — calendar, statistics and plan update features — every athlete can build a season that truly fits.