Spring may still feel like a distant dream for those of us on the East Coast, but across the endurance world, the seasons are changing, and athletes are gearing up for big races ahead. Whether it’s gravel rides, ultra marathons, or early-season triathlons, the action is heating up. Now is the perfect time to focus on race execution, testing, and making sure your training is setting you up for success.
A Look at What’s Happening Inside the Team
While some of us are still bundling up for chilly rides, our teammates in warmer climates are already making the most of the changing season.
- Gravel Riding on the West Coast – Athletes are taking advantage of prime conditions, spending hours on the bike, and embracing the freedom that comes with riding off-road. Gravel riding is an incredible way to build strength and endurance while mixing up your training.
- Grandmaster Ultras and Pushing Limits – Scott Inlay recently took on the challenge of an ultra event, battling through the last five miles in a sleep-deprived state. Seeing him push through adversity is a testament to the mental and physical strength required for endurance racing.
- Huffmaster Gravel Success – Sheila and Tom Laird tackled Huffmaster, a race that last year was a muddy mess. This time around, dry conditions made for a different but equally tough experience. Seeing athletes out there pushing limits, especially in gravel events, reminds us that endurance training isn’t just about race day—it’s about embracing the journey.
Spring Classics, Race Prep, and the Art of Execution
Spring racing is in full swing, with professional cyclists hitting the roads in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the Belgian Waffle Ride Arizona. One of the biggest talking points? The winner of Omloop Het Nieuwsblad raced in leg warmers and toe covers—not because of the cold, but because he hadn’t shaved his legs. That’s a level of confidence and practicality we can all appreciate.
As these events unfold, it’s a reminder that race-day execution is everything. Fitness alone doesn’t guarantee success—smart pacing, strategy, and adaptability are what separate great performances from missed opportunities.
As these events unfold, it’s a reminder that race-day execution is everything. Fitness alone doesn’t guarantee success—smart pacing, strategy, and adaptability are what separate great performances from missed opportunities.
The Transition to Race Season: What You Need to Do Now
Many of our team members are moving into Week 9 of the OutSeason, just one week away from a critical test and rest period. Others are eyeing their first big races of the year in April, including Oceanside 70.3 and Galveston 70.3.
This is the time to shift focus from simply building fitness to refining execution. Here’s what that looks like:
- Complete Your Sweat Test – Understanding your hydration needs is crucial for race-day performance. If you haven’t done your sweat test yet, now is the time. This data will help you optimize your fueling plan so you don’t fade late in the race.
- Benchmark Your Fitness – Whether it’s a 5K run test, a 20-minute power test on the bike, or a key long workout, use these markers to gauge where your fitness is relative to your race goals.
- Dial in Race Execution – Fitness is only half the equation. Start thinking about pacing strategies, heart rate and power management, and how to sustain performance across a long-course event. Early-season races will expose weaknesses, so use them as learning opportunities.
Looking Ahead: Big Events on the Horizon
Beyond the April races, athletes are preparing for longer-term goals, including Ironman Texas, Unbound Gravel, and other endurance challenges. If you haven’t already mapped out your season, now is the time to finalize your race plan and make sure your training aligns with your key events.
If you’re looking for guidance, check out the Endurance Nation Resources Area, where you’ll find race execution plans, nutrition guidance, and strategies to help you make the most of your training.
Final Thoughts
Winter training builds the foundation, but execution makes the difference on race day. Whether you’re gearing up for your first race of the year or fine-tuning for a major event, now is the time to get serious about testing, nutrition, and pacing strategies.
Winter training builds the foundation, but execution makes the difference on race day. Whether you’re gearing up for your first race of the year or fine-tuning for a major event, now is the time to get serious about testing, nutrition, and pacing strategies.
Spring is coming—are you ready?
