Creating a Training Program

Part 1 – Goal Setting

You’re preparing for a competition, it doesn’t really matter if it’s your first, a regional, the nationals or a world gliding championships. The plan may cover just one season or many seasons over many sites and continents. Regardless, it’s done in 3 stages, Planning, Practice and Implementation – lets step straight into the planning stage!
 

Start with your goal

Write it down, have it visible to you in the house, workplace, etc.  Intermediate goals, you are sure to have them, write them down too, in any way that makes sense to you. Then work backwards from the end game, add to it, one by one, until you get to today.  Can you complete the goal in the required time frame?  Maybe you need to change it to meet the time and your goals, maybe you have not given yourself enough to do!  Did you put any goals in there that put placings as part of the process, if so, this will give you something to review and modify as the times go on.  However, I suggest using caution with these placing goals, they can cause you to freeze up, make you unhappy when they are not achieved.   Try to use goals that have a pull focus, so they naturally help you, bring you enjoyment to your daily flights and competitions. This makes it easier

I spoke about some time ago, that gliding is a process. It is crucial to realize that it is not the final goals that you need to put your focus into, but the process. What is the process again? The skills and factors necessary to achieve those goals.   Making a good start, taking a good first line, understanding the day's meteorology situation, entering and leaving climbs, final glide, recovery after a flight, after a save, after some adrenaline!

If you put maximum effort into these factors, you have the hunger to succeed, the innate abilities, I put money on it, you will realize your goals.

The real world outside of gliding will be affected too, keep that in the picture and give it consideration too.  I once gave up gliding effectively for 6 years while I established my career, without the required money, it’s much harder – my career is secure now, so I’m able to do all the gliding I have ever desired.  You may need to shift your goals further into the future to concentrate on a personal partnership, securing your career, etc.  The most important thing – make a plan, set those goals!

 Adam Woolley was born into the gliding world, being the 3rd generation in his family. Going solo at 15, his thirst for efficiency in soaring flight & quest for a world championship title to his name has never wavered. One big passion is sharing his experiences & joy with other glider pilots all around the world. Adam is an airline pilot in Japan on the B767 & spends his off time chasing summer around the globe. He has now won 7 national Championships & represented Australia at 5 WGC's & 1 EGC.