Subject: RE: Off Season Goals? What is the goal of off-season workouts? >>> 1st of all in the 'off-season' you should let your mind recover (mental rest) from all the structured training of the racing season. IOW, while you still train the approach is more relaxed; rigid goals are not as important as just doing the work. The goal of the training during this pahse is to work proactively on your limiters.
My next tri is in May. Until then, should I just be trying to do volume and distance? >>> depends on where you are fitness-wise today. it is not a volume vs intensity approach, it is about doing flexible work targeting your weaknesess.
Enjoy the offseason, etc? >>> Definitely enjoy the off-season hence my point above the mental rest. Since training is not as rigid and regimented you can also work on your fitness while having fun and catching up on different aspects of your life.
My current thinking is to simply put on as much volume as I can into biking and running, then when the winter truly sets in, run 3-4 days a week, swim 2-3 times a week, do some weight lifting once or twice a week and maybe do a spin class. Is that what I should be aiming for? >>> again this depends, the goal of riding/running as much as you can before the winter hits sounds good and fun. Maybe it is a good time to hook up with friends, riding in group, try new routes etc. Also you need to evaluate what needs the most focus in your triathlon traiing and work on that. If your swim is a limiter you can devote a 4-6 week cycle swimming more and doing a bit less bike/run or your run is a limiter you can run more and do a bit of swim/bike or if cycling power is your limiter you can focus on doing more intensity or...
Key points: 1. Get a mental break (this doesn't mean let your fitness go into the drain; rest/recover is not the same as detraining ) 2. training should be flexible and not as draining (mentally ) as specific training 3. focus on your limiters (i.e. swim technique, run endurnce, cycling power ) 4. try new stuff 5. catch on with life and have fun |