Down-time is difficult for triathletes. There is always a sense of guilt, like some activity should always take precedence over whatever cerebral moment is underway. We get itchy, ready for action of any kind even though no one is checking on our progress, no one is checking on our numbers today. But if it is not measured, does it really exist? Did it really happen? How can it be tracked, and diagrammed, and noted and split apart and then added back together at the end of the week? It cannot.

Something has to click in the brain for off-season to truly take place. The counter must go back to zero. Niggling injuries must be addressed, missing pieces of kit must be sourced and made part of the every-day, long-term goals must be questioned and re-established. Big races for the following season must be researched, scheduled against existing or possibly existing family events, and then planned. Individual planning is nice, but these often also involve family planning, meaning making sure that the race location is going to be fun and interesting for everyone. This takes patience.

Off-season is the time to go on long, rambling bike rides without constantly checking the Garmin for power readings and following “the plan”. Time for leisurely swims at the beach wearing more than speedos, time for runs with your significant other that do not involve wearing a heartrate monitor. If there is one already in your watch, ok, but that is as far as it should go. Try to leave all the team paraphernalia behind. Smile and enjoy the ride.