Quality Over Quantity
While I’ve never been someone who chooses a word of the year, I find myself entering 2026 with a definitive motto for my workouts: quality over quantity.
This phrase just sort of popped into my head the moment I decided to stop chasing miles on my bike. For the past couple of years, I’ve been driven by the odometer until I finally realized that I’m far too obsessive and competitive with myself.
A Shift in Fitness Focus
If you’ve been following my journey over the last year, you know that 2025 was defined by a big number: 6,000 miles of cycling. I chased that goal with everything I had, and while I’m incredibly proud of hitting it, the process reminded me of an important lesson about the difference between being busy on the bike and being better on the bike.
This mindset isn’t new to me. As a former marathoner, I spent years chasing mileage as a way of life. For a long time, the weekly tally was the only metric that mattered, and that marathon mentality followed me from the pavement to the pedals. But as I look ahead to 2026, I’m making a radical change.
The Problem with Junk Miles
In my quest to hit high mileage targets, I often found myself pedaling just for the sake of the odometer. These are what I call junk miles—rides where I wasn’t particularly challenged, wasn’t improving my fitness, and often wasn’t even enjoying the scenery because I was inside on my spin bike. I had become obsessive about total miles.
By removing the distance pressure of a year-end distance goal, I’m shifting my approach toward quality and enjoyment. I want every session to have a purpose, whether it’s a high-intensity interval workout or a ride taken simply for the joy of being outside.
I’m officially retiring the mileage goal and embracing quality over quantity!
Questions
- • Do you ever feel like you’re chasing junk miles or steps just to satisfy a fitness tracker? ~ yes
- • Have you found that shorter, high-intensity workouts are more effective for you than long, steady workouts?
- • Have you recently changed up your workout habits, and if so, did that work for you?
This is such a refreshing perspective, Debbie!
Focusing on quality over quantity is a great way to keep the joy in exercise. I’ve found a similar rhythm in my own running lately. I used to chase junk miles, but now, I don’t set a specific number. Instead, I just focus on following my plan, and the distance seems to come together naturally. It’s much less stressful and far more rewarding.
Wishing you a wonderful, purposeful 2026 on the bike!
Thanks, Catrina!
I like your purposeful focus on quality instead of numbers for numbers sake – I’m sure this shift in perspective will bring a new energy to your rides.
Cheers to a great 2026!
Cheers, Michelle!
Well- I think either quality or quantity can work. It seems like you enjoyed chasing those mileage goals the last couple years. BUT, from a health perspective, I think shorter, more intense workouts are more effective. Anyway, it’s nice to shake things up, so I think your motto for the year is a good one!
Quantity (as in miles) is quality work when you’re training for a distance event, but I don’t do that anymore (unless I decide to train for a century ride). I got caught up in chasing miles simply for the sake of reaching a number and I didn’t feel that was contributing to my fitness goals.
At 65 yrs old, I totally understand quality vs quantity, I’m a lifetime Equestrian and marathoner and I also bike, hike and do Pilates. I’ve learned to only focus on the quality no matter if it’s running, biking or riding my horses. When I’m riding my horses, I focus on maneuvers for the classes I’m going to show them in instead of riding around for a hour just for the sake of riding, also I no longer run marathons, I’ve shorten it up to a half marathon’s which is very doable. This works for me♀️ I love your blog!
Wishing you great success in your fitness endeavors, Suzie! And thanks for visiting my blog!
This is a great way of looking at your output! While I do like to rack up numbers, I can totally see how junk miles take away from the overall goals. For me… the time outdoors really does wonders for my mentality and emotional state, so no miles are crappy, but if I was chasing some quantitative goals, I could see how I might need to switch my focus to quality.
Oh believe, me I love seeing those numbers add up when I’m training for something where I need to increase my endurance. I just feel that at this point in my life shorter more focused workouts serve me better. Now if I do another century ride this summer you’ll see my distances increasing as I train for it.
I definitely don’t chase any numbers. I don’t care about pace and number of miles. I don’t even wear a watch unless I’m racing.
I’m happy to stay active.
My goal this year to run or walk everyday. We’ll see how that goes.
Running or taking a recovery walk every day sounds delightful, especially if those miles are outside.