The triathlon season has a natural cycle to it.
The obvious and compelling is when attention turns to race specific training and preparation. Usually this is most intensive during the summer as we get to events.
However, less obvious perhaps, is the foundation phase of autumn.
During this phase we layer and build on general fitness, particularly endurance (aerobic) and invest in longer term changes. These investments can be in technique with run or swim movement or the migration to a new TT position.
It’s a fantastic window to use for those training elements that we want to invest in without undue time pressure. Potentially it may feel like we take a step backwards initially, however it can open the door to into new levels.
It’s also a period of “layering”. This means reflecting on what’s worked well for you in the last season or beyond. What do you want to keep? What do you want to change? How far have you progressed? What have you enjoyed? What’s been a frustration? All of this provides us with another layer of experience that we can build upon as we establish the best pattern for the next iteration.
Autumn can be the time to invest in relationships and adjust the balance a little. Often in peak periods or racing we can be pushing the envelope pretty hard, sometimes dipping over into finding the overtraining point then pulling back but always getting close to maximal potential. During autumn this is the ideal time to achieve consistency through a more conservative approach. Have patience. Bank frequency in your training. If in doubt ease off the intensity or duration. This approach will allow you to achieve successful days, leading to positive weeks and before you know it you’ll have banked large consistent blocks.
Autumn allows you to experiment and explore with curiosity. Maybe trying some new locations for those longer runs. Swapping out a session on a wet day for a bike mechanical practice. Try mountain biking session to improve bike handling technique and downhills. Take a long hike in the countryside instead of a long ride or run. Enter a event without performance pressure. Maybe a winter cycle sportive, a cross country run, an obstacle course or set some individual DIY challenges.
For mental refreshment, it’s easier to see sunrise and sunset or see the change in colours in nature.
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and refresh my soul”. https://youtu.be/Ai-9GSFmNpo
Actions:
Take 15 minutes to create some quiet time. Explore what makes you smile and what you enjoy in training. Autumn is an amazing window to reflect, invest in yourself and those around you.
Planting – This weekend do something with those in your close relationships that invests in those relationships.
Layering – choose 1 item to continue from this season and one new item or change to add this period.
Feel free to share with the group, 121 with me or keep as personal.