Embrace it

For those of you that go for a run the day after an Ironman, this post is for you.
For those of you that haven't been embracing an off-season, this post is for you.

I finished Ironman Arizona two weeks ago. The day after the race, Chris was using the gym at the resort we were staying at and started talking to a few athletes that had done the race as well. The "Ironmen" were working out. The day after the race. It blew my mind. You couldn't offer me $100 to run the day after an Ironman.

One thing I didn't do enough of in 2009 was recover. After Kona this year, I promised myself to make some changes. Taking a break and enjoying a true "off-season" was on the top of my list.

Why take the break and embrace the off-season? Well, obviously there has been some physical damage, but there is also metabolic distress, mental exhaustion, and let's not forget those that sacrifice to make Ironman racing possible... your family. Time for a pay-back.

So, what does an "off-season" entail for Linsey Corbin?

Physically:
Week 1 - No working out. I will do a bit of physical activity like float around in the pool, walk to a coffee or go for a little stroll with the pup. My heart rate doesn't go above zone two. Oh yeah, no HR monitors/GPS/apparatuses allowed!
Week 2 - Start some physical movement. My HR still doesn't go above zone 2. No swims longer than 2k, no runs more than 2 miles, easy and high cadence rides of an hour or so. I try to do some physical activities that don't involve swimbikerun.
Week 3 - Start easing back into a routine - but nothing hard yet.

Mentally:
Week 1 - Try really really really really hard not to think about triathlon. Celebrate and embrace 2009 for one last week.
Week 2 - Time to read a new book, spend some time doing non-triathlon things, and put 2009 to rest. Time to move on and look ahead.
Week 3 - Start formulating a plan of attack for 2010.

Socially:
Week 1 - Sleep in, eat a lot (anything goes this week, hee hee) , spend lots of time with my family.
Week 2 - Socialize (emphasis here), bake a bit, clean the house, stay up past 9pm. Still on a triathlon holiday.
Week 3 - More of the above - in moderation.

I encourage everyone to take a true off-season. It gives you longevity in Sport while providing a fresh mind and body. Embrace it.