Short term goals

In my speaking career I always talk about "my jumpers" and the difference they make.  Let me explain.  When I was a kid I'd spend hours kicking a ball up and down a field either on my own or with a friend.  But it became much more interesting when we put a couple of jumpers/sweaters down as that way we knew when we put the ball between the jumpers, we'd scored a goal.  Without those targets we had nothing to measure our progress.
I was reminded of this during a turbo session this week - in fact I had 3 turbo sessions this week.  Most people, my self included know the benefits of turbo training but it's also a mental work out as it can be extremely boring.  Until this year my "jumpers" were my heart rate and cadence but this year I can now include watts/power.  What a game changer that is.  My coach sets up the sessions and this includes time and power output targets eg 5x1min @170 watts with 5 x 140 watts recovery in between.  The whole session is measured out this way which makes an otherwise tedious 45 min session fly by.  My eyes are fixed on my garmin making sure I am delivering against the targets set.  I know I will see the benefits come through in time with my fitness improving which will help my running.  Turbo sessions allow a much more focused training session as the elements are controllable but if I want to get fit to ride the bike outdoors then there is no substitute for getting out on the road.  That's unlikely to be happening before next spring but I'm looking forward to it.
As we enter into winter training and have no races to look forward to we need something to focus on and that's our training.  Break every session down with your "jumpers" so you get a quality session in, every time.  Train with your pals, if it's safe, but remember what you are training for and don't compromise.  Include your "jumpers" in every training session as short term goals lead to you achieving what you are aiming for.  Most of all, enjoy it.  We're so lucky to be fit and well and able to take part in our training.  Sometime you only appreciate this when your injured.  Take care out there.