FEATURES

Making the Most of Winter Training...

Saturday, 17 December 2016 23:10

By DANIEL SCAGNELLI (usatriathlon.org)

It's back … that time of year when you're packing on pounds as fast as you were slamming gels during the peak of race season several months ago. Days are shorter, colder and snow has covered the ground in many areas of the country. This is a tough time of year to stay motivated and get in quality training time.

winter runningWhile it’s great to taper back the volume and intensity of your training, reducing the pressure on yourself to perform at peak levels, it is still important to have a plan for the offseason and preseason just like you do for the rest of the year. With some simple planning you will not only maintain your fitness; you’ll make positive progress positioning you for a great season this year....

From planning to have your winter gear ready and accessible to targeting two to three SMART goals you can work toward during the winter offseason, you can get through the winter blues and have a successful training experience.

Here are three simple, effective tips that will help you make the most of your winter training time.

Hit the trails. Trail running and mountain biking are great activities for a variety of reasons. Trail running helps you build strength, balance and dexterity. Mountain biking also builds strength, particularly in the core, and builds strong bike handling skills. Both can be higher in intensity than running or riding on the road, allowing you to squeeze in a great workout in less time. You can run or ride safely in the dark or low light hours with headlamps/lights and some reflective gear, allowing you to get outside before and after work.