Be the Beast Triathlon Coaching

In order to perform well in a triathlon, taking a break in the off season is essential. The off-season can be an especially difficult time for some athletes who never want a break (but need to take one), and for others who are on the verge of burnout and are struggling to stay motivated (taking an extended break from routine tri training is particularly important if you fall in this later category). Here are a few tips for triathlon training during the off-season.

1. Set specific goals: Having a clear idea of what you want to achieve during the off-season can help you stay focused and motivated. Consider setting goals for each individual discipline, as well as overall fitness and endurance. For example, if your swim times are slower than you’d like, set a goal to improve your swim time by a certain percentage. Or if you struggle with endurance on the bike, set a goal to increase the distance you can comfortably ride.
2. Create a training plan: Having a structured training plan can help you stay on track and make the most of your off-season training. Make sure to include a mix of endurance, strength, and flexibility training. Endurance training should make up the bulk of your training, but don’t neglect strength and flexibility. Stronger muscles and increased flexibility can help prevent injuries and improve performance.
3. Focus on technique: The off-season is a great time to work on improving your technique in each of the three disciplines. Consider hiring a coach or taking a clinic to help you refine your technique and become a more efficient triathlete. A coach can provide you with specific feedback and help you identify areas for improvement. Additionally, clinics can offer insights on training and racing strategies that you may not have considered.
4. Incorporate cross-training: Mixing up your training can help keep things interesting and prevent burnout. Consider incorporating other activities like yoga, weightlifting, or even rock climbing into your training plan. These activities can help build strength, improve flexibility and balance, and provide an enjoyable change of pace.
5. Stay engaged with the triathlon community: Staying connected with other triathletes can help keep you motivated and inspired. Join a local triathlon club, attend training camps, or participate in virtual events. The triathlon community is a great resource for training tips, advice, and motivation. Additionally, training with others can help keep you accountable and on track to achieving your goals.
6. Listen to your body: Off season is the time to rest and recover, so make sure you don’t overdo it and listen to your body. Overtraining can lead to burnout and injury. Incorporate rest and recovery into your training plan by scheduling regular rest days, or active recovery days where you do low intensity workouts. Additionally, make sure you’re getting adequate sleep, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress.

The off-season is an important time for triathletes to focus on recovery, strength, mobility, and fun. As you get back into more structured training in January and February, consider more of a focus on technique and incorporating cross-training, staying engaged with the triathlon community, and listening to your body. Remember to enjoy the journey, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t reach your goals immediately. Progress takes time and consistent effort.