The OutSeason is Over – Now What?

150 150 Patrick McCrann
Fourteen weeks of grit. Fourteen weeks of pushing limits. Fourteen weeks of showing up, even on the days you didn’t want to. If you just wrapped up your OutSeason, congratulations! Whether it was your first or your fifteenth, you’ve built a foundation that will fuel your season ahead.
Now, the next step isn’t more training—it’s strategic recovery. Let’s talk about why rest is essential, how to do it right, and what’s coming next for your endurance journey.

The Power of Rest

I get it. You’ve been hammering workouts, chasing FTP gains, and feeling unstoppable. The idea of taking a break might make you nervous. But here’s the deal: fitness isn’t built during training—it’s built during recovery.
Why You Need a Reset:
  • Absorb the Gains: Your body adapts during rest, not during the workouts themselves.
  • Avoid Burnout: Overtraining is real. Pushing too hard now can derail your season later.
  • Stay Injury-Free: A well-timed recovery phase can prevent those sneaky overuse injuries.
  • Mentally Recharge: Training isn’t just physical—your brain needs a break, too.

How to Recover Like a Pro

So, what should this recovery phase look like? The length of your break depends on your race calendar, but here’s a roadmap:

1. Take 1-2 Weeks of Active Recovery

  • Keep moving, but dial it WAY back. Think easy swims, light spins, relaxed jogs, or even walks.
  • No structured intensity. Let your body tell you when it’s ready to start working again.

2. Focus on Mobility & Strength

  • Use this time to work on mobility, flexibility, and functional strength.
  • Foam roll, stretch, and hit those neglected core exercises.

3. Catch Up on Sleep

  • Training stress = higher sleep needs. Aim for 8+ hours a night to fully recharge.
  • Power naps? Approved.

4. Fuel for Recovery

  • Keep hydration, protein, and micronutrients dialed in.
  • Don’t under-eat! Your body still needs fuel to repair and strengthen.

What’s Next?

After a quality recovery phase, it’s time to start planning the next block of training. Here’s how:
  • Fine-tune your 2024 race calendar. Are you racing early or late in the season? Adjust your training accordingly.
  • Build back smarter. Don’t rush back into intensity—gradual progression wins every time.
  • Join the conversation. Whether you’re in the community or on social, let’s map out what’s next for you.

Final Thoughts

Recovery isn’t just a “pause” between training cycles—it’s an essential part of leveling up. If you trust the process and let your body reset, you’ll come back stronger, faster, and ready to crush whatever 2024 throws your way.
What’s your next big goal? Drop it in the comments and let’s get after it together!
#EnduranceNation #TriLife #RecoveryIsTraining #NextLevel
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