Your stress is high. You are pulled in many directions. Your coach has a hard workout but you still have one last Target run for Billy’s toy dump truck you hope is still there. You will likely indulge in a couple pieces of dessert. You will also want to sleep in.
All of the above for a triathlete will drive the anxiety to a 10.
Here are four tips that we find work the best for navigating the holiday season!
1) Have Fun!
This is a very special time of the year and you don’t want to be hiding from your family so you can train. Its okay to eat a tad more than you are used to. Its fine to stay up late to listen to Aunt Sue’s stories. It’s ok to miss some training sessions because you are having fun with your sugar filled kids. Having one week of training that isn’t “perfect” will not effect your 2024 season.
2) Be Kind to Yourself
Don’t punish yourself mentally for eating a piece of dessert. Don’t talk negatively for sleeping in and missing a training session. Reduce your expectation for training and you will be a much happier person. Talk with your coach and have a flexible training plan in place for you to be successful.
3) Train Early
This is a must. The later you push your training into the day, the less likely it will happen. I don’t know of many families who’s social obligations begin before 8am. Wake up early and get your training done. If the turkey is late by one hour because you had to do your hill repeats at noon, your family won’t be happy. You will feel better and will be a happier human to be around. Get the work done early!
4) Adjust for Stress
If you are someone who prepares a lot of the Thanksgiving and Christmas food, than you should front load the week to get your key sessions in, and then leave the easier Z1/2 sessions for the stressful days. Stress is stress and your mind will be on wrapping presents or cooking a turkey, or building that barbie house more than it will be on your threshold bike workout. If you are simply not motivated to train hard, “Zone 1 it”.
The top priority for training during the holidays is to come out of the holidays ready to train. If you come out of the holidays totally exhausted and unmotivated, you did it wrong.
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If you’re interested in a FREE Coaching Consultation where we will talk through your goals and how to set up your training this off season, for Madison and Remote (non Madison based), reach out here!
Did you know that our head coach Cindi coached at the London Olympics? Coach Jess is an IRONMAN Wisconsin Age Group Champion! Coach Steve guided the 2019 IRONMAN Wisconsin Overall Age Group Female Champion? Check out our awesome coaches here!