Embracing the Off Season and Setting Yourself Up For Success

Training Babble: Off-Road Insights for Mountain Bike and Gravel Cycling

Summary

In this episode of the Training Babble podcast, host Dave Schell discusses the importance of the off-season for athletes. He emphasizes the need for physical and mental recovery, the significance of reflecting on the past season, and the necessity of setting realistic goals for the upcoming season. Dave also highlights the importance of flexibility in training schedules and the need for regular check-ins to ensure athletes remain aligned with their goals throughout the year.

Takeaways

• Taking time off after the season is crucial for recovery.
• Mental refreshment is as important as physical recovery.
• Willpower is a finite resource; manage it wisely.
• Use the off-season to explore different activities.
• Reflect on the past season to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Set specific A races for the upcoming season.
• Avoid over-scheduling races to prevent burnout.
• Flexibility in training is essential, especially during holidays.
• Focus on strength training and mobility during the off-season.
• Regular check-ins with athletes help align goals and expectations.