The “Off season” - what I define as the time period from when one triathlon racing season ends to the next year’s season begins - is inappropriately named.

“How so?” you may ask.

Because there truly is no season of doing “nothing” which is what the name “off season” implies. Yes, there should be some off time of doing much of nothing but probably not more than a few weeks. I think a better term might be the “Transition Season.”

The Transition Season is about transition. It’s about winding down one season and getting ready for the next. It’s a good time to go on unstructured training for a while - swim, bike, run, walk, hike, roller blade, dance, etc. when and if you feel like it. Motion is good but it should be fun and without any real purpose other to hold on to some aerobic fitness and keep the body limber.

I like to use this time period - typically October through January (although it started for me this year in September after Vineman in August) - to accomplish the following:

1. Recharge my mental batteries. Training and racing all summer is demanding both physically and mentally.
2. Work on skills. This is a great time to work on swim stroke, bike pedal stroke and running form.
3. Heal from any nagging injuries from the previous year - best to start each season healthy.
4. Start planning for next year - goals, races, big training weeks, etc.

Bottom line - next year will be a new adventure that I’ll be able to face with a fresh outlook and a positive attitude!

BTW, here’s a photo of Lucky, Sam and Princess’ new brother - he’s a scruffly little guy with a “happy-go-lucky” personality and likes to chase tennis balls.

Cheers,

David

—-

David B. Glover
Experiential Writer, Elite Athlete, Coach and Race Director
Author of Full Time and Sub-Nine
Personal Web: www.davidglover.net
Business Web: www.enduranceworks.net

©2006 David B. Glover