Now that most of us have had time to look back on last season, have a mental/physical break & eat treats that we wouldn't otherwise touch during the race season (ok, during MOST of the season), the question you begin to ask yourself is this: when should my training begin in earnest? Answer: NOW!! Not next week, or for your New Year's resolution, or when things "slow down." Start. Right. Now. It's easy to look at your upcoming season with ambitious goals. In fact, most of u

Alright, the 3rd installment of the off-season talk. We've already discussed what the purpose of the off-season is, as well as the fact that there really is no off-season (that is, if your goal is improvement!). This next blog answers the question: what should you be doing to help get better for next year? Last week I ended by informing you I'd let you in on a little secret that most endurance athletes don't prioritize...but they should. The answer: STRENGTH. For more spe

Last week I went over some of the objectives you should accomplish while enjoying your off-season break from racing. I followed that up by telling you that there really isn't an off-season. Confusing? Let me explain. First of all, ask yourself the question: why am I doing this sport? It could be anything from personal satisfaction to fitness to lifestyle to taking on a bet from a buddy. Inevitably it can be traced back to one recurring theme: I want to improve, whatever

Here we are in late November, our racing season complete, the off-season has begun. Finally. A time to sit back, put the feet up, watch every second of every Oilers game, completely relax. Or is it? The off-season means different things to different people, as it should. But what is the goal of it anyway? Why not keep pushing forward in hopes of making further cardiovascular & strength gains? In no particular order of importance, here are the 4 main objectives of your p