‘Off season’ is not a time to hibernate

Words of wisdom by Coach Pam Semanik

With this past week of sunny, summer-like days, it’s hard to believe that we will soon be moving much of our training indoors. As invigorating and life-affirming as it is to ride in wintry weather, at some point you will prefer not to be outside in the cold and dark with snow blowing sideways and your eyeballs frozen shut. But that doesn’t mean you can stop riding all winter.   

We are at the start of what we like to call the ‘off season’ in terms of racing and training, but that really is a misnomer. Just because our racing and event season is coming to a close (or has been shut down entirely due to circumstances beyond our control), this time of the year doesn’t mean we get to slack off. This is no time to hibernate!

Now is the time to set our sights on next year. How we train right now and over the next few months has a significant effect on our next race and event season.

After a break for recovery and transition, it’s time again to get back to the basics. The prep and base phases of the training year are all about establishing a firm foundation of skills, strength (force), and aerobic endurance.  That means that training plans will include a lot of weight training and muscle building,  high cadence work, and longer rides at fitness-building training zones.

So pump up those tires on your fat bike or get your indoor trainer set up. Find your cold weather riding gear and renew your subscription to Zwift. And dust off those dumbbells – it’s time to get to work!