Off Season

Come Fall all northeast athletes have logged lots of miles in the pool, on their saddle and in their shoes, likely having started in January for their first "A" race. Most of us have gone straight for 10 months, with races having started as early as nine months ago. Physically and mentally we all need to take a break from our highly structured training schedule. This is the same reason that rest days into a week of training and training programs follow a three week build one week rest format. An athlete's body and mind also need to take a longer rest phase within their yearly training cycle, to properly recover from the accumulated wear-and-tear of in-season training and racing. The length of this off season is dependent on a number of factors including age, and the distance race you completed last season. Having done an Ironman last season, I had decided to not follow much structure for a few months, because I could barely look at my bike the weeks after.


This transition period is your "off-season." Just as other athletes take a break from their regimen, triathletes, need some down time, too. Pitchers and catchers are off from October until February. This break will give your body a chance to rest and repair following the racing season. By changing gears (slowing down) and trying different activities, you can still maintain a level of fitness without putting the stress of structured training on your body. But don't ignore taking total rest days (no physical activity), as well.
A day or two in a vegetative state (think of how nice a weekend without a long run or ride will be!) is a great way to say, "I care" to your body. Take a vacation that is not surrounded by a race. Find and work on some hobbies you enjoy outside of multi-sport. So, here's my transition period to-do list (can't quite get away from keeping lists), which I share with you in hopes that you too will enjoy an off season and recharge for 2008:

Lose the log and relax! Throw in a day or two or three of complete rest. Do not plan. Stay off the road bike and hit the trails on the mountain bike. Stay off the roads and hit the running trails. Lock up the heart rate monitor and go by feel. Try something different like yoga or Pilate's. Take long walks with the family and dogs. Take the kayaks for an easy paddle. Stay away from the master's swim group and don't count the yardage. Snow shoe, cross country ski. Play a game of tag with the neighborhood kids. Sleep in. Sleep in. Sleep in.
Finally, I try and enjoy tailgating for football games and spending time with the family, and remember how important they are to you and your training.