2021 was the year that we finally got back to racing after an almost non-existent season in 2020. It felt good, didn’t it?! So, as this season draws to a close, it’s worth considering how to refresh, reset and re-engage effectively ready for your training. Here are our top tips to do just that.

1. Don’t be scared to take a complete break from the sport. We advise most of our athletes to take two or three weeks off at this time of year. Not only does this facilitate a much-needed physical recovery following race season, but it also provides a vital mental break. Spend quality time with family and friends or head off on holiday. We know (from experience!) that you’ll want to stay relatively active so why not try something a little less strenuous such as hiking or paddle boarding – anything but swimming, cycling or running!
    
2. Now is the ideal time to continue (or even begin) some strength and conditioning (S&C) activities. S&C is the fourth discipline in our sport, and it is all too often overlooked because we simply don’t have the time or energy. Change that for good by implementing an S&C plan that focuses on improving your core stability/movement efficiency. You will reap the benefits come race season.
    
3. Take a look at yourself and your performance this year and consider any weaknesses you may have. And be brutally honest! Think about improving your technique through a professional swim and/or run analysis. However good a triathlete you are, there is always room for improvement and addressing any issues with technique will help prevent future injury and could result in you achieving a PB next year.
    
4. Evaluate your targets for the coming season. Analyse each of the races you completed this year. What went well? What didn’t go well? Did you swim too far because your sighting was off? Did you lose time in transition because you couldn’t remove your wetsuit quickly? Did you struggle to fuel properly whilst on the bike and run? If so, practice makes perfect so plan to include working on this over winter and you’ll go a long way to hitting your targets next year.
    
5. Treat yourself to a pair of off-road trainers or an MTB or gravel bike and give yourself something to look forward to after you’ve completed your refresh. Many people lose their motivation in the autumn and winter months, so one solution is to mix things up a bit. If you usually run on the road, head off-road once a week instead. Same applies for cycling. Hit the trails, there are plenty around, and experience the thrill of mountain or gravel biking where you don’t have to worry about cars or traffic lights. Have some fun!