Measuring progress

Another 5.40am start on the bike - the best part of the day.  During my 90 minute ride you get time to think about what ever comes into your head.  My thoughts turned to measuring progress because the previous night a friend had said how fast my time was in the Etape race (81 miles in 4hrs 58 mins).  I was pleased with my time but didn't think it was fast as I was 1.5 hours behind the winner and came 2,263 out of  3,616 cyclists!  But it did make me reflect that results are relative to where you are and where you set the bar.
12 months ago I took part in a 50 mile race and came off walking like John Wayne.  I did think at the time, how was I going to manage 2.4 mile swim before the bike, add another 62 miles onto my 50 and then run a marathon?  As I am 72 days away from Ironman I do believe that all the training will pay off because the structured build up of training has raised my levels of fitness and therefore my expectations.  On 13 June I will find out how my progress is going as I compete in the Bala half Ironman.
I'll leave you with the thought that a goal without a plan is just a wish - why not get some goals written down that you would like to achieve and make a start?  These light mornings are worth getting up for.