11/24/09
Defeating the Off-Season Doldrums
Up at 5 am for an early morning swim, drive to work, run. And repeat - except the next day it is a brick. Followed by the long weekend ride and run. And repeat again the next week. All for that pinnacle race. One month later, however, the race – in which you did amazing - is over. And then all of a sudden it hits you. The season is over?!
Category: Training
Posted by: editor
You have nothing to train for, nothing to do, the holidays are here and your family wants you back. You are feeling depressed and everyone just keeps shoving homemade cookies and pies in your face. What should one do to defeat the dreaded doldrums? Let’s face it, all of us have had that post-race depression. We snap out of it because there is another race or challenge on the horizon. But when the season is over and the weather turns cold, it is hard to find that motivation to train every day.
Here are some simple things you can do to keep yourself motivated and fresh for next year:
Relax by doing something fun. During the season we may not have the chance to go on that mountain bike ride or something else that would take away from training. Mountain biking is a great way to stay in shape while taking in the fall foliage and having fun with family or friends. If skiing or snowboarding is your thing, then hit the slopes and let it fly - just not too fast as you don’t want to break a leg.
There are Turkey Trots, Reindeer Runs and Snowman Series in every just about every city. Sign up for some of these low-key races and just have fun. There’s no pressure. Just smile and have fun. Volunteering at a few of the local races is a great way to give back while getting out.
Start planning for next year. Look at different races and try some you have never done. Get together with friends and see if you can plan a few of your races together. More importantly, include your family in your planning - it will help you out next season and they would love to have input.
No matter what you do this off-season - honing your swim stroke, biking on the Computrainer, running on the trails, hunting, fishing, reading, writing or rebuilding your bike - make sure that above all else you are having fun. Try to work out 3 to 4 times a week to ensure you maintain a base fitness level but have fun with it and don’t be afraid to take the occasional break.
Are you noticing a trend? Try to have fun all year round. Training can be hard and time-consuming sometimes, so cherish the moments when you can relax and feel no pressure whatsoever.
Have fun this off-season and if you need some inspiration you can email me at anthony.lee@ironguides.net
Anthony Lee, Certified ironguides Coach – Washington, DC
http://www.ironguides.net
* * * Your best is our business.™ * * *
Here are some simple things you can do to keep yourself motivated and fresh for next year:
Relax by doing something fun. During the season we may not have the chance to go on that mountain bike ride or something else that would take away from training. Mountain biking is a great way to stay in shape while taking in the fall foliage and having fun with family or friends. If skiing or snowboarding is your thing, then hit the slopes and let it fly - just not too fast as you don’t want to break a leg.
There are Turkey Trots, Reindeer Runs and Snowman Series in every just about every city. Sign up for some of these low-key races and just have fun. There’s no pressure. Just smile and have fun. Volunteering at a few of the local races is a great way to give back while getting out.
Start planning for next year. Look at different races and try some you have never done. Get together with friends and see if you can plan a few of your races together. More importantly, include your family in your planning - it will help you out next season and they would love to have input.
No matter what you do this off-season - honing your swim stroke, biking on the Computrainer, running on the trails, hunting, fishing, reading, writing or rebuilding your bike - make sure that above all else you are having fun. Try to work out 3 to 4 times a week to ensure you maintain a base fitness level but have fun with it and don’t be afraid to take the occasional break.
Are you noticing a trend? Try to have fun all year round. Training can be hard and time-consuming sometimes, so cherish the moments when you can relax and feel no pressure whatsoever.
Have fun this off-season and if you need some inspiration you can email me at anthony.lee@ironguides.net
Anthony Lee, Certified ironguides Coach – Washington, DChttp://www.ironguides.net
* * * Your best is our business.™ * * *