Positive Forward Momentum

By Dr. Rick Katouf II, author of Forever Fit and host of Rx Nutrition DVD

Whether you are looking to lose body fat, get fit, compete at the highest level possible - or somewhere in between - the goal remains the same:  Build positive forward momentum. I want you to enjoy the benefits of building cumulative fitness.

One of the keys is to balance your work-to-rest ratio each year. The fall and winter is your Critical Fitness Period (CFP). Let’s take a look at two different scenarios during the CFP. Both will warrant the same result even though different paths were taken.

CFP #1: Let’s Splurge!

Following a typical race season for runners, cyclists and triathletes, many of them take the next few weeks/months as their “off” season. During this time, training falls by the wayside, nutrition is less than ideal, wine and beer flows freely, and holiday parties become a great excuse to overeat.Time to train? Heck no, I’ve trained all year… it’s time to splurge and enjoy!

CFP #2: More is Better!

As the season comes to a close, some athletes choose to keep the foot on the gas and pressed to the floor. There is always a race or an intense training session that just cannot be missed. It took them months to get into this kind of shape and they don’t want to lose it. Rest? Who needs to rest? More is better! Right?

The Result:

Even though these two scenarios are drastically different, the result is eerily similar. For CFP Athlete #1, he/she will start the next season overfat and out of shape. This typically  leads to trying to make up for lost time by pushing too hard when they resume training. The athlete will do too much, too fast, and this can  lead to injury and/or illness.

For CFP Athlete #2, he/she starts the next season over-trained even before the season begins. But, since it is go-time and race season is starting, the training continues. This can lead to irritability, fatigue, poor sleep, and dehydration. Ultimately this can lead to over training and potential injury, illness, and burn out.

The CFP Cure:

I like to view training like a bus trying o get from point A to B. The more stops a bus makes along the way, the longer it takes to get where we are going. In order to prevent potential injury, illness, and burn out, the key is to keep the bus moving forward. Now, the bus does not always have to be travelling at break-neck speeds; rather, just keep it moving… this is positive forward momentum.

When your season winds down, I suggest looking at the next few months as your “non-racing” season vs. your “off” season. Now, taking some down time to rest and repair is critical during the CFP. Rest is as important as  training (if not more). During this time, stay focused on your nutrition, and you will be ready to get back after it.

As a fellow athlete I understand the desire to “GO” but, in order to start the next season on a high note, it’s in your best interest to take some time away from racing.

In order to capitalize on your cumulative fitness and gain positive forward momentum, you want to start your next season strong and rested. This way, by season’s end, you have made some nice gains. If you always start the season at the same fitness level each year, you’ll just be spinning your wheels.

So, keep the bus moving forward, rest and repair, avoid the splurge and over training, and you will find yourself lighter, leaner and faster than you ever imagined!