Happy Sunday High Performance Humans,
Earlier this week I asked whether you had an end of season recovery, and if so what it looked like. I got some great responses on my Facebook page (feel free to add yours if you haven't already).
One thing I have learned is that in order to maintain the enthusiasm for activity for many years, you have to take time off occasionally. Whether that's a few weeks at the end of the summer or a few days here or there through the year. Judging by the responses to my last article, most people tend to ease back a bit for a few weeks and in a variety of ways. I think this is a great approach because it plays into that notion that we should all find what works for us.
From a coaching perspective, I do think it is important to have both a mental and physical break before starting your preparations for next season. Part of this is physical. Most athletes I know have some chronic aches and niggles which will clear up with a bit of rest. That doesn't necessarily mean stopping, but it does mean ease back. There's also the psychological element. If you have been 'on it' for 10-11 months training for an event, that will have required a certain amount of discipline and focus. It's hard to keep that going indefinitely from 1 year to the next. I've observed many athletes who tried to keep their fitness after a big race and carry it through to the next season without a break. Inevitably, they had some sort of breakdown during the winter. A big injury, prolonged illness, or a complete loss of mojo and an extended period of time without any training.
The list below is a compilation of the most common responses from readers sharing how they take a break:
- Time with family
- Reflecting, learning and growing
- Staying active but just having fun
- Unstructured activities with no gadgets
- Keeping moving & doing more strength work
- Trying new or different activities
In case you were wondering, the above list is very closely aligned with what I would recommend as a coach and what I do myself!
If you'd like to receive a FREE 4 or 6 week end of season recovery programme, please click one of the links below.
4 week end of season recovery plan
6 week end of season recovery plan
This weeks episode is a cracker as I chat to Paul Robinson who is currently attempting to complete "The World's Hardest Triathlon". In fact, as I write this on Saturday afternoon, Paul is 3/4 of the way across the English Channel as he aims to get to France. Once he reaches dry land he has just the small matter of 181 miles to cycle to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. If you want to follow Paul's progress, you can track him HERE.
This isn't just a big challenge. Paul is also raising money for Sam Perkins' Stand Against MND charity. You might remember that Sam was a previous guest on the podcast. Sam was diagnosed with MND at the age of 37 only 2 years after completing the Outlaw Full. It's a sad story but Sam has set up his own charity to help others with the disease.
Please take time to listen to both podcasts not only to get a flavour of this challenge but also to hear Sam's story.
You can find this episode on all of the major podcasts hosts, including Apple iTunes and Spotify.
P.S. Loving these emails and podcasts? Feel free to buy me a coffee.
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I really appreciate you being a part of my tribe.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Simon Ward
Health, Wellness & Performance Coach
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