Done with Race Season... Now What?
Oct 26, 2026
Use your off-season to prepare for big races and better times
The off-season is a time to shift gears. It is a time to balance life by catching up with friends and family, relaxing a bit, and anything else you missed during the training season.
It is also a time to scale back mileage and build foundational strength. Specifically addressing any muscle imbalances or mobility restrictions will help propel you into the next season with a more resilient body.
However, it is not a time to go completely rogue. Keeping a clear rhythm in your routine offers two major advantages:
- Less shock to your system: Returning to a structured training schedule later will feel smooth rather than overwhelming.
- Mental and physical momentum: You maintain your athletic identity and continue to take pride in your physical accomplishments.
The Foundation of a Strong Off-Season
A solid off-season combines a low-mileage maintenance running plan with a well-designed strength program to build a balanced, durable body.
A truly effective program follows a logical progression: moving from base strength and endurance into power and finishing with sport-specific exercises.
Program should include:
- Stability exercises
- Single-leg exercises
- Plyometrics
- Some heavy lifting
Why is strength training essential:
- Protects the joints.
- Improves fatigue resistance.
- Increases power and climbing ability.
- Increases stress tolerance.
- Decreases risk of injury.
Ready to make next season your best season?
Don't guess at your off-season training. Let my expertise as a Physical Therapist and experienced trail coach guide you through a proven, science-backed program.
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