Consistency & Interruptions

I say it all the time, like almost all good coaches, and endurance sports athletes who’ve been at their sport for more than a season or two.  That’s because its true:  staying consistent in training for endurance sports is your best ally.  The flip side to maintaining that valuable consistency is moderation in nearly every aspect of your training.

So what about when you’re forced to miss a chunk of training? First, don’t fret.  I’ve recently had athletes miss small to larger blocks of training for various reasons: injury, vacation, work & life obligations, equipment issues, etc. The reason really is not the most important thing.  Even if its injury, you can manage it.  You can fix gear, you can cross-train at other activities when you’re forced to stop one sport.  For example, if you can’t run or swim, you can do something entirely different.  If you can’t run, then you can walk, hike or even get on the elliptical (though I’m not a fan as a substitute for running).  If you can’t swim, then you can strength train, spin, or do yoga, or all of those. The point is to maintain some basic level of aerobic activity and strength as best you can at the time.

The most important thing to keep in mind through a down period is that you probably won’t lose as much fitness as you think you will, and that you will get back at it!  It’ll be there for you when you’re ready.