Triathlon Trainer in Washington, DC

When you put in months of training for a triathlon, you may not necessarily be thinking ahead to the freezing cold months of winter where your training schedule will need to shift dramatically. In fact, while your training could be going very well, it is not uncommon to hit a slump during winter where you training feels stagnant or you feel like you are not getting the most out of it. When this is the case, there are many things you can avoid during training and many things you can adjust to ensure you are getting the most from your workouts no matter what time of year it is. So, if you want to combat the winter blues and improve your training before the weather gets warmer, read the tips below!

Tip #1. Buy the Right Gear. This can depend on how serious of a competitor you are, but if you want to train in the off-season and go outside to do your work you need to buy the right gear. Training outside even in the winter can add value to your workouts when you do not feel like bad weather has forced you to remain inside. A few things to buy that will make your winter workouts easier:

• Extra lighting so you can see better and so others can see you.
• Cycling shoe covers for better grip and warmth.
• Insulating wet weather gear.

Tip #2. Review Your Overall Goal And Set Smaller Ones.  When you hit the off-season, do not hesitate in reassessing your goals and seeing what you were successful at and what you need to keep practicing. Is there one big goal in your training you want to achieve when warmer weather hits and you are closer to your triathlon? Have you been keeping up with the right sleep patterns and nutritional guidelines? Reassess, rework, and revise until it’s right.

Tip #3. Gather Your Support Network. The winter can be a time when workouts and nutrition slide. A support network not only keeps you accountable but it makes reaching your goal that much sweeter. When you have a friend who will run with you or train with you on a cold Saturday morning or you have planned group meetings every week for the biking portion, people expect you to show up. This is a great way to stay on track.

Tip #4. Turn Your Strength Into a Weakness. Let the off-season be a time you tackle your weakness and come out on top. Add a few extra reps into your weekly workouts to improve your stroke in the pool or bike up a hill without getting too winded. Come warmer weather, you’ll be glad you did.

Tip #5. Work On Your Injuries. You are as great as your weakness. If you are training with an injury, it likely won’t get better as you pile on the training. Book time to see a doctor or a chiropractor to help with your injuries and avoid future injuries so they do not mess up future training.

For more information on training for your next triathlon during the off-season, call a triathlon team, like a triathlon trainer in Washington, DC, today.

Check out Tri Team Z for more information on triathlon training.