It’s been about 3 months since I published my last goal matrix (https://pdcaendurance.com/my-current-goal-matrix/) meaning it’s time for a spring refresh. After completing the marathon, it looks a bit more typical, but it’s still important to remember everybody is different and I’ve been at this for years so yours should not be the same. Most of my goals have stayed on track, I’ve done some pivoting and added some cycling after completing the BEST ride training program.
| Priority | ||||
| A – Critical | B – Important | C -Optional | ||
| Time Scope | Long-Term(3+ Years) | Weight < 200 LbsIronman | Hike Grand Canyon R2R | Hike Havasupai Falls |
| Medium-Term(6 Months – 3 Years) | Weight < 250 LbsLong Course TriOlympic TriSub 6 Hour MarathonMetric CenturyCentury | Crown King Scramble Flatiron HikeHumphrey’s PeakPhoenix Summit Challenge | Across the YearsTour de ZonaPAC Tour Camps | |
| Short-Term(0 – 6 Months) | Weight < 300 LbsWeekly RoutineDevelop Seasonal Plan | September 11 Stair ClimbOWS + Cycle/Hike | 48 Mile Bike RideUnofficial Metric Century | |
Long-Term A Goals
No changes, I would still like to see what I look like at 200 pounds and complete an Ironman triathlon.
Long-Term B Goals
No changes, I am still very interested in hiking the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim, I’d love to have a couple nights at the bottom to rest and explore.
Long-Term C Goals
No changes, I would love to see Havasu Falls.
Medium-Term A Goals
My weight goal is at 250 pounds for this term, I’ve gotten closer and moved my 300 pound goal to the short term. I would like to complete both a Long Course (~1/2 Ironman) and Standard (Olympic) distance triathlon. I still would like to complete a ‘normal’ marathon. Many marathons have a 6-7 hour cutoff, so a sub 6 hour marathon would be great, this will likely in Mesa, but I will leave that open ended for now. I’ve added the cycling challenges of a Metric Century (November 2025) and a Century (November 2026) to this list after I started getting more interested in cycling with a successful work through the BEST training program.
Medium-Term B Goals
I’ve flushed this out a bit more, the primary thing here is the Crown King Scramble (50k Race) (moved from Medium-Term C goal). Because of the trail nature and elevation gain here, it got me pulling back other hikes I was interested in in the past, Flatiron (often considered the hardest hike in the Phoenix area), Humphrey’s Peak (highest point in Arizona) and the Phoenix Summit Challenge (something I’ve dabbled in in the past). The Phoenix Summit Challenge ends up being 7 hikes totalling ~24 miles, and nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain.
Medium-Term C Goals
This has also been updated to include more cycling. The Tour de Zona and PAC Tour Camps are both different multiday cycling events that I am interested in looking more into, at least after I get the century ride under my belt. I also put Across the Years here, I’m not sure what goals exactly, but I would like to continue to participate in some capacity,
Short-Term A Goals
I am within striking distance of my 300 pound weight goal, based on the last year, it could take ~150 days. Once I get there, I’ll look harder at the Standard/Olympic distance Triathlon (August or October 2026). I need to continue to maintain my weekly routine. I also want to develop a stronger seasonal plan where I can balance all my sports but make the most of the weather. This likely means more technique and speed in the summer, more endurance in the winter with transitions and events in the Spring and Fall.
Short-Term B Goals
The September 11th memorial stair climb moved down into my short-term goals. I would also like to get back to open water swimming. I am planning on those days to incorporate some cycling, especially hill training since that can be done at the same places as open water swimming.
Short-Term C Goals
My short term C goals have to do with longer cycling rides, they may have to wait until next winter if the heat holds up, we already hit 104 degrees this week. Hopefully we’ll get another bit of a cool spell before we’re in summer temperatures for real. A 48 mile bike ride is one of the prerequisites I’ve given myself before the Standard/Olympic triathlon. I’ve ridden up to 43, so it’s not too far off. An unofficial metric century ride would be nice too if it stays cool, that would be one less thing to prove to myself before November when I attempt it with lots of elevation gain.