It's the end of the season. What do I do now???

I know a lot of you still have big races coming up, so save this for later. For those of you who have finished your season, I know it's hard to figure out what to do next. Here are my post-season recommendations:

1) Celebrate. You have spent a long time training and working hard to reach your goals. Be proud of what you have accomplished.

2) Take a break. Use this time to re-group. You can still exercise during this time, but spend some time without a training schedule. Try new sports. Have some fun. This means that it's time to have a different kind of fun (not that triathlon isn't fun because it is an awesome sport). It's just a good idea to switch things up from time to time. Once you get really tired of all of the other fun (plus a couple extra weeks just to make sure), it's time to start off-season again!

3) This is an extension of the re-grouping phase. Take care of any nagging injuries. Don't carry over aches and strains into your training plan for next year. Take some time to get the necessary rest and treatment that you need in order to have a strong off-season.

4) Reflect on your season and talk to your coach! Try to take an objective look at your last season. What went well? Where can you improve?

5) Start forming your race schedule and goals for next year.

6) Time to start off-season training! Start building at a reasonable pace. Don't jump back in and expect to be at race-pace your first week of off-season. This is the time for building strength.

7) Have fun and good luck on your next season!