Off season / time off???

I typically take of at least 6-8 weeks entirely. As in no swimming biking or running.

I will start jogging again in November (mid- to late-). I get back on the trainer in December-January or so. I get back in the pool in February.

I took off about 8 weeks last year to recover from nagging ITBS injury that I had on/off all season. Lesson learned: I was really depressed in how much fitness I had lost. Unless you really don't mind seeing much of your fitness go, I reccomend scaling back, but not elliminating training all together. Liek you I did a HIM in November. I went from a long run of 13-15 miles to starting at 3 miles. Don't get me started on my Bike and Swim losses.

I started way back from where I wanted to come February. I am just about back to where I was and I thought after my rookie year of Tri's that I would see huge improvements. I have improved, but I think it is due to experience rather than big increase in fitness.

All that said, I think you should slow down since you have trained hard for 7-8 months. I just wouldn't go cold turkey. If you keep running fitness and do a short bike swim 2x a week, I think you will be much happier when you start another training plan.

2 cents.

Off season? What is that?

This is the second year I've taken 4 weeks off with no swim, bike and running. It is mentally refreshing, allows my body to fully recover and time away makes things fresh, I come back with more enthusiasm and mentally on.

Both my coaches have recommended having a complete time away for a month. Most age groupers don't maybe because lots of us are a little to much type A.

Long run I think it is good to do..most pros do it.

I am taking time off now not due to choice but because of an acute knee injury. I HATE IT!!!!! Given the choice I would NEVER take a complete break from S/B/R.