End Of Season Reflections: How and Why?

As the race season winds down, many of us can’t help but jump straight into planning for next season. We grab the early bird registration slots, request vacation time, and give our loved ones a heads up. This happens quite a bit but the end of race season should be about reflection so we can benefit in the future.

I caught myself with it recently as I excitedly yelled my spouse’s name and said “Hey! Can you take off of work these days in March? I need you as my number one support crew!” *cue the momentary silence and the thought of ‘really? Her season just ended!’*

Why Reflection Matters for Athletes

But before we jump into next season planning (a feel good activity, for real), it’s important to take a moment and pause. The end of the season offers a unique opportunity for reflection and growth. Reflection on a race season is not just about reminiscing; the benefits we get are an important step in our development as athletes. By taking the time to review the highs and lows while the experiences are still fresh, we can identify valuable insights and lessons learned to inform our next season.

Lessons from Success and Setbacks

As a sport psychologist, I cannot overstate the benefits of reflection this time of year. Reflection provides us with the chance to identify our strengths and weaknesses as athletes (AND as humans!), which can inform future approaches to racing and training. Understanding what went well and where improvements are needed is vital. Additionally, acknowledging your successes, no matter how small, can significantly boost confidence and motivation. (Anecdotally, I’ve lost track of the athletes I’ve worked with who conveniently dismiss all of their accomplishments and instead focus only on the goals they didn’t yet meet. Take credit where credit is due!)  Reflection also opens up the door for us to learn from mistakes, which can help us prevent similar issues from popping up in the future. Finally, it helps us set realistic goals for the next season while also helping with improved focus and resilience.

When reflecting on your race season, several areas are worth highlighting. Start by evaluating whether you met your goals for the season and whether your performances brought a sense of achievement and satisfaction. Identify the highlights and low points of your season, and reflect on the lessons learned from these experiences. Consider the effectiveness of your training plan and whether your coaching approach was a good fit for you. Reflect on your interactions with teammates, coaches, and community members to assess whether your community supported and motivated you. Finally, think about the reasons behind your continued participation in endurance sports. What exactly drives your passion and commitment?

ADVERTISEMENT

Journaling: Your Secret Weapon

Journaling is a practical tool for organizing thoughts and identifying areas for improvement. Here are some reflection questions to get you started:

1. What were my primary goals for this season, and to what extent did I achieve them?
2. What were the most memorable moments, both positive and negative?
3. How did my training plan contribute to my performance?
4. What changes, if any, would I make to my training or racing schedule?
5. How effective was my coaching or my training plan, and what could be improved?
6. In what ways did my sense of community affect my season?
7. What were the biggest challenges I faced, and how did I overcome them?
8. What motivated me to keep going during tough times?
9. How did I manage race day anxiety and the challenges of endurance?
10. What are my goals for the next season, and how can I prepare for them in the off season?

Though some athletes may not love the prospect of journaling, it can offer several benefits for those wanting to improve their performance. Writing down your thoughts provides clarity and insight into your experiences. It holds you accountable for your goals and actions. By reflecting on your entries over time, you can also identify progress and areas of growth that you may have otherwise overlooked. Had a particularly brutal day? Journaling also serves as a therapeutic outlet for processing emotions and reducing stress! (Why do you think many of us had a diary back in our teens?! We had to get those emotions OUT!)

Celebrate Your Wins (Big and Small)

Reflections after the race season are an under-appreciated tool in the endurance athlete toolbox but they provide a lot of benefits. It allows us to celebrate our successes, learn from our mistakes, and set new goals that will fill our bucket. By considering various aspects of your season and using journaling as a tool, you can often come across those coveted “ah-ha!” moments that ultimately enhance our self-awareness, our performance, and our enjoyment in sport. Take the time to reflect as you wind down for the season, and you’ll be better prepared to tackle the challenges and opportunities of the next season. Happy reflecting!

ADVERTISEMENT