Towards the end of the competitive triathlon season, many athletes start to experience 'race fatigue' or burnout. Months and months of hard training and racing begin to take their toll and one's motivation, desire and focus can begin to slip away during a critical time of the year when many championships and other key events take place. How do you avoid or counter late season burnout? Let's briefly explore a few ideas that you may wish to consider.

1. Scheduling of Events: Experienced athletes sit down well before the season even starts and map out their race schedule. Careful attention is placed on choosing 'A' Priority races, 'B' Priority races and 'C' Priority races and spacing them out in a manner that makes sense and offers the greatest chance of success at the most important events.
2. Mid-Season Break: A 'mid season break' consisting of one to four weeks of lighter training and no races can do a lot to 'recharge' the batteries and end the season on a high note.
3. Vary your Training Environment: Exploring new training routes can help reduce the possibility of late season burnout.
4. Training Plan Design: A 'smart' training plan consists of periodized training that builds the athlete's fitness throughout the course of the season to a scheduled peak at the desired time -- usually at the 'A' Priority race. This type of training involves varying the athlete's intensity, duration and frequency and this variation in training leads to better performances and increased interest in the plan.
5. Treat Yourself to something New: Remember as a kid when a new pair of shoes made you feel as if you could run faster and jump higher? That same concept can apply to you as an adult too! As the late season approaches, go buy yourself a new bike helmet, pair of running shoes or even a slick new set of tires for a boost of motivation.

Avoiding late season burnout is essential if you are to reach your athletic goals and be a well rounded triathlete. Using some of the techniques listed here can help you finish this season on a high note.

Coach Troy is available for personal coaching. Visit the Coaching Program section on this website for more information.

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