I think most triathletes struggle with the concept of taking time off, at least taking time off from meticulously structured training. I am without a doubt guilty of this. Knowing that my next real build is going to be focused on Ironman Coeur d’Alene – I’m determined to define an offseason, to spend more time with my Wife, and to be completely OK with skipping a workout or eating an extra piece of pizza.
With that said, I know I’m going to keep training, and I know that I’m not going to let myself gain more than a couple of pounds – so what is going to be different about ‘offseason’ compared to ‘in-season’?
- I am going to spend more time with my beautiful bride. This is going to be a great chance to spend extra time with her, take care of some house projects, and to enjoy dating each other.
- I am going to prioritize family, and practice flexibility with training. If I want to get my typical 2 workouts in for the day, but we have plans to meet up with family for dinner – I’m going to need to be running/swimming/biking before This is going to be good practice; I know I’ll have more than my share of morning workouts come January.
- I’m going to focus on my weaknesses. I have proven that I’m able to run competitively in distances up to 70.3, I’ve also demonstrated a lot of opportunity on both the swim and the bike. Upping the swim volume is going to be easy once the rainy weather returns to Portland. I have also joined Trainerroad and will begin my first bike training block at the beginning of October. I am going to be spending a lot of time in the pain cave this winter, and am so motivated to make big gains on the bike.
- I’m going to read. I’ve purchased books by Matt Dixon as well as Joe Friel – I’ve already read one and have made a big dent in the 2nd.
- I’m going to have fun! I LOVE to run and there are days where I’d rather run than swim/bike but the schedule says to swim/bike so that’s what I do. For the next couple of months, if I want to run, or if I want to lift weights – that’s what I’m going to do.
- I’m going to write more. I really enjoy having this blog, even though I only have a few people that read it. I’m going to make it a point to write on a more routine cadence – about a lot of the things I’ve mentioned above, and surely other content as well.
This list will continue to evolve, but this is how I’m viewing the ‘offseason’ today.
I think you absolutely nailed the purpose of an off season here. Looking forward to following your progress through CdA!
-Trevor from TrainerRoad
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Thanks, Trevor! I appreciate the comment and am excited to use TrainerRoad this coming season!
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