There's something I love about November. I'm a big fan of the Fall, the thought of nordic skiing, and the fact I start my preparation for the next cycling season. Now some athletes get all hussy about hearing other athletes starting so early, but for me it's a great way to keep relatively fit and my weight down throughout the Winter months. I also have my methods for preventing burnout.
For starters, I DO NOT COMPETE in the off season. I like watching cyclocross, but you won't find me toeing the line at the beginning of a 1-hour sufferfest. I actually don't do much intensity in my training in the winter, but I usually learn a new sport - or focus on getting better at another sport outside of cycling - which is intensely hard in another way. Last year I started skate skiing, which turned into one of my favorite activities. This year I started swimming, which is turning into another favorite activity. I think the main reason I love doing these other sports is that it challenges you as an athlete in a way you don't often get challenged when all you do is the sport that you're professional in. Nordic skiing and swimming have completely humbled me, (as cycling often does) and they kick my ass every time I go. For that reason alone, I love the those sports.
I also love the fact that when I do switch into high gear, I'm not starting from such a hole. I can often get right into intervals and the harder riding without the amount of pain I used to feel coming off 3 months of rest. Add the fact that I had to sit out - and by that I mean, lay down on the ground - for 3 months of the season this year, I'd say I'm ready to hit the physical activity again.
With that said, everyone is different and prepares differently. I know people do what works for them and that's what they should stick to. For me, I'll be working on my freestyle swimming technique as well as learning how to go down hill on xc skis - not something a long-time snowboarded knows a lot about.
For starters, I DO NOT COMPETE in the off season. I like watching cyclocross, but you won't find me toeing the line at the beginning of a 1-hour sufferfest. I actually don't do much intensity in my training in the winter, but I usually learn a new sport - or focus on getting better at another sport outside of cycling - which is intensely hard in another way. Last year I started skate skiing, which turned into one of my favorite activities. This year I started swimming, which is turning into another favorite activity. I think the main reason I love doing these other sports is that it challenges you as an athlete in a way you don't often get challenged when all you do is the sport that you're professional in. Nordic skiing and swimming have completely humbled me, (as cycling often does) and they kick my ass every time I go. For that reason alone, I love the those sports.
I also love the fact that when I do switch into high gear, I'm not starting from such a hole. I can often get right into intervals and the harder riding without the amount of pain I used to feel coming off 3 months of rest. Add the fact that I had to sit out - and by that I mean, lay down on the ground - for 3 months of the season this year, I'd say I'm ready to hit the physical activity again.
With that said, everyone is different and prepares differently. I know people do what works for them and that's what they should stick to. For me, I'll be working on my freestyle swimming technique as well as learning how to go down hill on xc skis - not something a long-time snowboarded knows a lot about.
