<\/a>For years, magazines and forum denizens have discussed and advocated the concept of the “off season” for competitive cyclists. \u00a0While the idea of sitting around and drinking beer on the sofa is appealing, it really doesn't do much for your hopes and dreams of competing next season, finishing that century or stomping on your friends during the Saturday shop ride. \u00a0In fact, it may do just the opposite. \u00a0You may find yourself digging into a hole you can't train out of next year.<\/p>\n

Why is this the case?<\/p>\n

The biggest culprit is the fact that\u00a0amateur cyclists have always seemed to have\u00a0taken their training cues from the professionals that they idolize. \u00a0Unfortunately, the difference between pro and amateur is not at all inconsequential. \u00a0Pros train 40 hours per week and race 90 days per year. \u00a0Amateurs train 10 hours per week and race 12 days per year. \u00a0Could there be a maybe be a slight difference between amateurs and pros?<\/p>\n

Everyone should be nodding their head right now. \u00a0Everyone.<\/p>\n

Knowing that, should you, an amateur, be following a pro's training plans and\u00a0take an off season like they do?<\/p>\n

Now everyone should be shaking their heads. \u00a0In today's podcast, I discuss why a pro's offseason will destroy an amateur's hard won fitness gains and\u00a0how your fitness for next season starts NOW. \u00a0I'll also talk about a few ways to keep your mental outlook fresh while maintaining some of the fitness you built this season, such as gravel rides, exploration rides, coffee shop rides, skill work indoors, cross training, and more.<\/p>\n

As always, questions and comments are welcome. \u00a0Head on over to the Tailwind Coaching Facebook page<\/a> and post away, and don't forget to rate the Tailwind Coaching Podcast on iTunes<\/a>!<\/p>\n