Changing seasons remind us to keep training varied and balanced.

 September in New England brings mixed messages of the advent of autumn juxtaposed on the lush remnants of summer. For many, colder temperatures, brisk winds and often gray days trigger the desire to spend more time indoors or, at the very least, move from the roads and wide-open spaces into the shelter of woods.

I find my passion for cycling declines proportionately to shorter days and the layering on of more and more gear. If motivation tanks, is that all wrong? Probably not. It is vitally important to change the scope and intensity of training throughout the year, perhaps to let the seasons themselves guide us into the next phase of an annual periodized training plan.

Joey Adams, M.S. Exercise Science, Metabolic Specialist, Coach Extraordinaire, and caring friend to his athletes, recently emailed this reminder:

Greetings Athletes,  

Fall has finally fallen in Vermont and for many of us (except the cross country skiers) the “off-season” is beckoning. That simply means it is first and foremost rest and recovery time.Secondly, it is time to “change things up.Diversify your training – try something new – relearn something – challenge your body and your mind.Third, it means sitting down and writing out what went well this year and what are your opportunities to improve your training.Make your weaknesses your strengths.

This is where a test at this time of year will help you capture your hard fought fitness AND help you re-focus as you look towards your next season.The fall is often the best time to dial in your new zones … fitness should be a personal quest to become one’s best, based upon personal assessment and needs. www. intelligentfitnessvermont.com  “Getting workouts on target and making your time count.”

If VO2Max testing, RMR or Watts measurements for your Power Meter are in your future, now is an excellent time to wind up one season and head into the next with structure and guidelines as well as legitimate (sanctioned?) time to rest, rejuvenate, play and have fun. If you ride – walk. If you run – hike. If you compete on water – head for turf. If you go hard – go easy. It’s a healthy refresher to go out unplugged now and then, walk the dogs, play with the kids and take a look around you – the arena in which you live, work and train. Training will not suffer; it will thrive. Even these athletes awaiting their turn know how to take a break.  Tunbridge World’s Fair, 2014. Horse Pulling Contest.