As I pedaled through my first indoor trainer ride of the season this morning, my bike saddle and I were not agreeing. After suffering for a few minutes, I dismounted and checked out the seat’s alignment. It was rotated about two degrees to the right. I straightened it out. Then, because my knees had informed me that it was about 1/3 cm too far back, I moved it that small amount forward and hopped back on the bike.

Two degrees and 1/3 of a centimeter. Very small changes and yet they made all the difference. I was able to ride for 90 minutes and get day #2 of my 2020 preparation back into drive.

My plan to get back into racing fitness will require many, many small steps. This past year, I put training near the bottom of my priority list as I started a new business, pursued some other projects and recovered from my 14-year push to finish Kona as a Legacy Athlete last year. I am currently in the worst shape of my life. It is time to begin the comeback. But if I try to tackle it in large leaps, my body will rebel either physically or emotionally. Instead, I need to take small steps each day towards my 2020 goals. Focusing on consistency. Trusting the process of getting someone into shape that I know so well.

Small changes matter. Heading to bed 10 minutes earlier. Setting an appointment each day to train. Employing friends to meet for workouts. Adding more vegetables throughout the day. Committing to strength training. Remembering mobility work. Including progressive training within all of the energy systems. Believing. I’ve guided this process for hundreds of athletes and seen their successes. Now it is time for me.

As you plan for big 2020 goals, remember that most of the battle is just showing up each day. Build your training plan to be full of small steps and tiny changes. This is where you will find your magic. Let’s go!