The Transition Season: What To Do Now

 As the days grow shorter and cooler, and the leaves start to drop, most of our competitive seasons have come to a close for 2010. While a few late season marathons or warm-weather triathlons remain, most of you have recently completed your last target race of the year. After a full year of training and racing, you likely have some of your best fitness, but you may be mentally burnt out and 2011 is just too far off to start training for. So what to do now?

Rest

You have likely been pounding away hammer and thongs all season. At some point, your body and mind are going to need a break. Better to take that break on your terms than waiting until your body tells you to shut it down. My rule of thumb: Do no training for at least 7-10 days. When you feel like you are going to wriggle out of your skin if you don't get in a workout, take THREE MORE DAYS OFF :)

Look Back

Take a few minutes to review your 2010 season. If you are utilizing a coach, be sure to share this analysis with him/her.

• Highlight the highest and lowest points in your season. What circumstances lead to those points?
• Make a list of the things you did very well and things that you fell short of your best. Put action to improving those shortcomings in 2011.

Look Forward

• Analyze your current skills and decide what improvements you want to make for the next season. Put together a plan of action to improve those skills/fitness for 2011.
• Target some events in 2011. Plan your training to meet the demands of those events. Also, take note if these are events that will fill up and register ahead of time.

Take a Test

This the perfect time to undergo phsyiological testing. You are as fit as you will be all year, so you can identify your high water mark and then put a plan in place to beat those numbers by next Spring.

Strength and Skills

Start training those things that we naturally stop doing when races are looming.

• Strength Training. See CL coach Steve Dolge's blog on strength training at this time of year.
• Technique/Skill Development. Swimming, Cycling and Running all require significant skill to be done well. Practice drills and mindful workouts to improve shortcomings in your technique in order raise your efficiency.

Have Fun

• You are in great shape. Do something fun with it! Go rafting or hiking. Try cyclocross, mountain biking or trail running.
• Do a short running race just for fun. Leave your watch/HRM/GPS at home and just goof around.
• Spend time with your family and friends without having to worry how early you have to get up the next morning to knock out your weekly long ride.
• Lighten up! You fitness will bounce back quickly and your focused training will be in full swing soon enough. Put a basket and a bell on your bike. Ring it often! Stop to smell the flowers. Enjoy the ride.