If you are a triathlete who lives in a cold climate, then this time of year can be pretty tough. It’s tough on your body because you simply are not training and racing at the same intensity and duration you would be during a warmer time of the year. Less physical effort means less calories burned, and your body weight and body fat can increase.
Increase body fat isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Off-season body fat gain can actually help during in-season training. So, don’t worry too much about it if you are going into a 2014 training season in a couple of weeks or months.
Let’s look at what most any triathlete can do to stay on top of her game in the off-season:
Bike Maintenance
- Clean off the mixture of caked on sport drink, chain lube, energy gel, mud, and sweat! Make sure to lube the crank, chain, stem, and anything else that has been creaking and groaning.
- True the wheels. The beating those expensive carbon fiber race wheels took a beating during the season, and can knock them out of alignment. This is not an expensive service , and can be provided at your local bike store.
- Get a professional fitting. Having your bike set up to your body statue by the pro at your local bike shop can save you much pain from those long rides.
Swim Tune Up
- Off-season is the time to get in the pool with your coach to work on form, technique, and efficiency. All three components can save you precious time and effort come race day.
- Check out the local tri group swim or individual classes with a certified, respected swim coach.
Run Maintenance
Running lends itself to any weather, any time, anywhere, but be prepared with the right clothing and gear.
- Strap on traction devices are readily available so ice and snow cause you to miss a workout.
- Polyester clothing is perfect because of its wicking quality to help keep you warm.
- Stay hydrated! Just because its cold out doesn’t mean you will not sweat. Loss of body fluid means decreased performance.
- Too cold out to run? Then find a treadmill to do those intervals on. While a treadmill can be boring, it is well-suited for doing excellent, well-controlled speed and interval reps. Our Non-competitive training plan contains treadmill-run speed workouts.
Cold weather-dwelling triathletes no longer have an excuse to slack off during the off-season. You can enjoy it, rest, and recuperate, but use this time of year to keep your gear, and yourself ready to rock ‘n roll when the new race season hits.
The off-season training plan allows you to do your training indoors (except for the swim). This is a 10 week training plan that allows you to condition and maintain your base level fitness during the cold season.
All the best in your 2014 Training Season.
Live life without limit.
Coach JD
Triathlon Geek
www.TriathlonGeek.com
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