The 'Off' Season

I just returned from a fantastic hike up to Looking Glass in the Pisgah National Forest. Beautiful, sunny day, awesome trail, and had the wife and dog with me. The interesting thing about cycling is that if you're serious, there really isn't an off-season anymore. Most riders can train year-round and some even seem to peak during the winter or for the early season (training) races, only to burn out by Summer - or even Spring! One of the great things about Asheville is that there is a variety of off-season activities to partake in that aren't actually cycling, yet provide some great workouts. Hiking, snowhoeing, skiing, mountain biking, etc.

Really the off-season should be, in my opinion, about mental freshness, more than taking a break from training. I can't tell you how hard it is to not ride when it's 70 degrees out in December, but I'm trying to build 'mental equity' as I prepare for the intense early season indoor training session that will get my mind and body ready for the real racing in late Spring and Summer. I really screwed up my timing last year and feel that I peaked too early and was basically clinging to some remaining fitness into Nationals, which definitely hurt me. This year I'm adjusting my training and am excited to see how it works out!

I hope everyone is enjoying your off-season and making the most of it on every level. Enjoy the Holiday Season!

The Darkness

"I've been sleeping a lot lately." That was my response last night during yoga to the question of how we are each dealing with the winter, the darkness, etc. This year I've decided to take my 'break' during the holiday season and have been focusing on healing and recovering, while doing some cross-training, hikes, strength work, etc. It's been great, and while work as slowed a bit, I've taken the opportunity to sleep in 'til 8AM on a Thursday for instance! The trouble is that once I'm fully rested I can't sleep, so I was up at 4AM today! Oh well, that's a good sign right?

After racing again for a couple of years I've changed my philosophy on training and how I believe that a 'working man' can train and complete at the elite level. I think that once you're comfortable with where you're racing (category, etc.) that the mental aspect of training is the most important component. Most of us can train long and hard, it's really focusing and putting our efforts in at the RIGHT times that make the most difference at the Masters/Cat. 2 level (I believe). So in this vein, I'm enjoying this 'Period of Darkness' before the Winter Solstice, Christmas, and the New Year and can't wait to re-focus my energy for next season and beyond.

I wish everyone a Happy Winter Solstice, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!