photo credit: Duncanh1
photo credit: joaquinuy
photo credit: davedehetre

I know, it's only Feb. 1st but I feel the excitement of Spring being on it's way.  The long hard month of January is over and we are on a downhill swing towards spring.  Our days will become longer and the temperatures slowly rise.

With that being said, have you been keeping up with your new 2010 goals?  I know it's only been a month but my goals are still being kept up with.  Here are the goals that I set-

1.  Loose Weight-I actually started this goal July 2009 and have lost 50 lbs. so far.

2.  Once at my projected weight, I order a new bike.

3.  Take part in a triathlon.  This could be either the whole event or find 2 other friends to do part of the event.  I'm starting with a shared event.

4.  Workout with friend and trainer at least 3 times a week.

5. Plan rides early with my friends. It always seems when we wait and try to organize attendance for a ride, everyone already has plans. We are organizing early!

6.  On my off days, do a workout at home.  One of my favorites is the KettleworX,  it's fun, doesn't take alot of time and the results are remarkable!

With just alittle planning and goal setting I am looking forward to a great 2010 cycling season!

photo credit: joebeone

So what are your goals for 2009?  Well I have set mine and would like to work on them with you.   So having set mine, I find that to achieve them I need to invest in a heart rate monitor.

Cycling heart rate monitors are staple of cyclist's everywhere. There are so many things you can find out with a heart monitor. You can find out what your average heart rate is and what it has been. This is great for you so...you can see how you have improved or how closer your goal is. It sure makes your day when you look back over your average heart rates and realize you have improved greatly.

I have invested in a wireless monitor so I do not have to deal with the wires.

Your heart rate monitor gives you essential feedback to your training regime. It also helps you to not over do your training and cause more harm.

An element to all successful training regimes is variety!

Your monitor will help you in this regard by giving you a guideline to follow. It will tell you when to take it easy and when to give it your all. Monitors give you different options such as tempo, interval and endurance training. This variety will make you a better/stronger rider. After using a monitor you see how beneficial they really are. They will help you to see how...your training can improve. From improving your training you can start to see noticeable and measurable results.

A good heart rate monitor will provide you appropriate feedback. So you can train at the correct intensity for your current level to get to the level you desire. You can take those weaknesses you want to get rid of...and turn them into strengths. New heart monitors are like a coach right there with you. Giving you all the feedback you need. Let us all go out and do something to improve our training regimes!