Offseason Goals
Most triathlete’s seasons are coming to and end and they are often confused as to what they should do next. The offseason is a great time to focus on your weaknesses and many people choose to implement a swim, bike, or run focus, which is a great idea, but not where you should start. I would argue that your number 1 offseason priority should be to simply have fun!
You’ve been training for months on end working towards a single goal. Maybe it was your first triathlon, maybe it was an Ironman triathlon. Regardless, you need to take a break! The offseason is a great chance to branch out and try new things. Don’t worry about power, training hours, etc. Just go out and have fun! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Ride Gravel
Scott would be the first to tell you that I am biased when it comes to gravel, but I can’t help it. I think it’s the most fun you can have on a bike.
As triathletes we all too often become fixated on long outdoor rides in the aero position staring 6 feet ahead of us on the road, focusing on our power numbers, and rarely take the time to enjoy being outdoors. Some of that is required because of the need to be hyper-aware of what’s going on around us while sharing the road with cars.
Gravel roads, on the other hand, allow for a little more freedom to enjoy your surroundings. The pace is a little slower, there is next to no traffic, you can ride with friends, and even take some time to enjoy the beautiful scenery. I suggest going out without a plan or route… just get lost and have a great time!
Mountain Bike
Another favorite of mine is to go out and ride some single-track. I’m terrible at it, but make up for my lack of technical skill with enthusiasm. Sure, you’ll probably crash a few times, but it doesn’t matter! Most of my crashes involve trying to grind up a steep hill or a tight turn covered with tree roots so I’m going slow. I’ve literally fallen hundreds of times while riding my mountain bike and I have yet to be seriously hurt.
Like gravel, mountain biking gets you outside and gives you a chance to truly appreciate the world around us. Many trails have natural stopping points that allow you to regroup with friends so it’s another opportunity to get out and be social. After all, most of you are like me and probably started riding bikes as a way to get outside and hang out with friends.
Obstacle Race
I’m not much of a runner, but after watching my wife and sister at a muddy 5k obstacle course even I was tempted to lace up my running shoes! Many people think of races like the Spartan Race or Warrior Dash, but those can be the more extreme end of the obstacle race spectrum. My sister found a local race put on by a church and they had an absolute blast. At times they were out of sight but I could hear them laughing a half mile away so I always knew where they were. Get your family out with you!
Color Run / Fun Run
Not everything has to be serious. Instead of worrying about setting a PR, get the family to enter a color run or a fun run.
This is a pretty short list, but the point was just to give you a few ideas of things you can be doing at the start of the offseason. Not everything needs to be structured. Go out, get lost, do something with your family, but most important, HAVE FUN!
