When Does Next Season Begin?
by Andrew Nelson for www.getfitnyc.com
andy@getfitnyc.com
A few words about the transition phase of training.
You may know what it feels like as you cross the finish line of the last race of the season. The exhilaration of a race trained for and run, the feeling of a job well done, the feeling of achieving a goal, and eventually the feeling of “what now?”. A coach will put an athlete through different phases and modes of exercise to keep them healthy, injury free and fit. This allows athletes to achieve an optimal level of fitness on race day. Remember: You cannot be “race ready” all the time. This can certainly lead to injury or worse- Burn out.
For some the end of triathlon season is a good time to do a few running races, race cyclo-cross, do some mountain biking, or focus your training for a long event like a marathon or century bike ride. Others are happy to check triathlon off of their Bucket List and never swim another lap, never touch a bike again. For those who caught the triathlon bug there is the desire to start training for next season. Here is where I try to tap the brakes a little.
It is great to think about next season when the weather starts to turn colder (How am I going to train in the cold?) and the last season is still fresh in our minds. For some races the registration opens in Nov or Dec and the excitement begins for next season. You will want to go jump in the pool and start your early season base training but now is the time for less structured fun. Get your skis out, take a kickboxing class, do some weight training or hit the trails for a run or mountain bike. Definitely make contact with your friends and family again. Take a mental breather from triathlon, it can be all consuming.
As you transition from one triathlon season to the next remember to address any pains that may have caused missed workout days. If not addressed they will surely come back to visit during next season. Go to a doctor for any pains that have not gone away. Spend a little extra time strengthening your muscles for the rigors of the next season of training, seek out a personal trainer or a coach for guidance on proper strength training. Use strength training to enhance movement patterns don’t just pick a machine in the gym because you like how it looks. Find a friend to work out with who knows their way around the weight room a little better than you.
Take some time at the end of the season to remember who you are. Although we may call ourselves triathletes, cyclists or runners, it is not all that we are. We are sisters, brothers, husbands, wives, parents, and children. Take the time between seasons to be there for your support crew. I can tell you from experience: Crossing the finish line and having someone there is more fun than finishing without it, regardless of the event.
Go have some fun for a month or so, only think about triathlon as you sign up for next season’s races. If you want to do a race during the off season then go ahead. if you wake up on race morning and you don’t feel like racing in the cold, then pull the sheets back over your head and go back to sleep, this is supposed to be fun after all.
Coach Andy.
