The off-season or off season should be a time of lower intensity training , but for many triathletes it becomes a factor that generates a considerable level of stress. It can be difficult after a year of intense training to adjust to a somewhat more relaxed and not as active routine, but this should not cause you anxiety.
For all you athletes, nothing happens! On the contrary, you should congratulate yourself on all the achievements made during the year. Maybe you didn’t achieve all of the goals on your list, but for now that you don’t have any events on your calendar, it’s time to sit back and relax.
But don’t think that being in the off-season means completely stopping your training and being lazy, that’s far from the truth. Find out what exactly the triathlon low season consists of and what activities you can do during this period.
What is the low season?
The offseason means different things to different people, but the most widely used and average approach for triathlon athletes is a time to work the sport in which you feel less strong. This approach is not necessarily bad, but this does not mean that if you are a weak swimmer, you need to spend the next three months just swimming.
Working in your weakest sport means that you need to have specific training to get better performance in that discipline that is not your strong suit. For example, in long distance running there is an important factor which is the endurance of the athlete . If you have weaknesses in this discipline and want to improve, you should focus your training on strength exercises that meet the demands of this sport.
What many athletes do not understand or acknowledge is that sometimes varying training in the offseason can have far more benefits than consistently performing specific exercises in the discipline they master.
Why do some triathletes not stop training in the off-season?
Many athletes do not experience the off-season or rest season because when the time approaches, they do not know what other options they can have apart from exercising. There are even athletes who lose a considerable amount of weight in the off-season because they do not have a solid support system.
How long is the low season?
At a minimum, the low season should last two to three weeks , but its duration always depends on the date that is your first competition in the active season. If, as an athlete, you don’t have an upcoming competition on your calendar, the offseason may be a bit longer, but remember, this does not mean leaving your routine behind. More than a low or rest season, it is a period of transition .
What activities can I do in the triathlon low season?
A varied workout can include sports like rock climbing (which actually helps swimming), cross country skiing , or even water polo .
Coed training means finding sports that give you a mental break from swimming, cycling, and running, without stopping you from staying in shape.
However, we know that intense and constant training can also cause a bit of stress. If you want to find a slightly less intense and more relaxed activity, you can try walking , yoga , swimming or a light workout in the open air. Another good option is to relax and think about what your goals and objectives are for your next season.
Another activity of great importance is to reconnect with your partner or loved ones . Remember that they are your greatest support when you want to completely stop your training during the high season. Family plays a great role when training starts again, so constantly appreciating support will bring positive results to your relationship.
Therefore, surround yourself with family and friends who will make you rest your mind and distract you, so your off-season will be a real rest.
It is possible that this is one of the activities of greater weight and importance that without a doubt, should be on your list of “things to do” during this period.
Conclution
An athlete has to remember that when we want to rest from all the workouts and competitions of our regular season it is not just about letting the body recover, we must also let the mind rest from the intense pace and workouts.
Therefore, work on your weaknesses in an objective way, vary your training and above all, have fun! Give thanks to those in your life who make these activities possible for you and remember once again why you fell in love with your discipline and remember it to start your next season 100% motivated.
References:
- Alan Kipping-Ruane. How to Create the Most Useful Triathlon Off-Season. To: breakingmuscle [Revised December 2015]
