Ironman Florida takes place this weekend,
marking the end of most triathletes’ racing seasons. It is now time to take a
break. Yes, you; the triathlete who spends more time exercising in a week than
most people do in a month (or a year). You need to relax for a bit.
This time of year is called the “Transition
Period.” It typically runs from a couple of weeks after your last race to the
beginning of your Prep Period, the time when you start getting ready to build
up your aerobic base for the upcoming season.
The Transition Period usually comes at a
good time. While you may be riding high after your last race-you are probably
the fittest you’ve been all year-you may be a bit mentally and physically
fatigued and not even realize it. I’m always surprised by how late I stay up
when I take a break after my last race. Multisporters become accustomed to
constant fatigue and aches and pains. These are not normal feelings. Rest and
recovery are needed so your body can recharge and repair.
(St. Teresa Beach, where I spent my first post-race weekend)
As I’ve mentioned in previous articles, use
some of this time to evaluate how your triathlon season went while it’s still
fresh in your mind. Also begin to plan your next season, at least the first
part of it. If you’re thinking about hiring a coach, now’s the time to do your
research and interviews. Don’t wait until January when they’re getting
overloaded with requests and might not have any room.
The Transition Period is not intended to
turn you into a couch potato. Don’t use it as an excuse to overindulge in junk
food and adult beverages. But don’t beat yourself up if you relax on the diet a
bit. This is the time to do it.
The activities you do in the Transition
Period should be for fun rather than fitness. If you happen to miss a day or
two of exercise, don’t sweat it. However, do something to stay active on most
days. Take your kids and dog out for a hike at one of our local parks. Run with
your spouse or friend, running their pace, not yours. Try a yoga or Pilates
class. Give Stand Up Paddleboarding or kayaking a try.
Also use this time to catch up with friends
and family. Instead of heading out for an early morning run, make breakfast for
your family. How about running a race with your child, instead of using it as a
training session? Consider volunteering at one of our local road races. You’ll
gain a new appreciation for how much work goes into putting on a race after
you’ve volunteered for one.
Don’t let yourself get distracted by your
training partners and competitors who may be hammering their workouts right
now. You’re not trying to be a “January Champion.” You can’t go hard all the
time. Let these winter warriors burn themselves out while it’s cold outside.
You’ll be the one who’s ready to tackle the challenging workouts when they
count.
I like going cold turkey from swimming,
biking, and running for two weeks after my last race. I start my Transition
Period after that, implementing one workout a day of low intensity aerobic
exercise. Yes, you will lose fitness during this time. You may even gain a
couple of pounds. But you will regain your fitness and lose the pounds once you
start training again. After a few weeks of unstructured easy training, you’ll
be motivated and refreshed and ready for the next season.