Take a Break!

MUSINGS FROM A COACH - 7 JANUARY '25

An article published in Outside Online last month titled “Why Taking A Long Training Break Is Good For You” prompted me to revisit the topic of taking extended breaks from structured training.

As with any endurance training regimen, it is essential to acknowledge that the decision to take time off is highly individualized and influenced by various factors. Nevertheless, there are some general principles that can be learned and applied.

On a micro level, it is well-established that to enhance fitness, stress must be induced, followed by recovery. This principle applies not only to individual training sessions but also to seasonal periods. After consistently training for seven, nine, or even eleven months, the body requires a period of downtime. Failure to do so may result in the onset of illness or injury, and I think most athletes are familiar with this concept.

The crux of the matter is determining the duration of this “downtime.” Is it a week, several weeks, or even months? What form does it take? Does it involve light, short training sessions or complete cessation of physical activity? While it is inevitable that fitness levels will decline during this period, the extent of the loss is determined by many factors. The most concerning question for athletes, however, is whether they will ever regain their pre-break fitness level.

The answers to these questions may vary depending on the athlete’s experience level, long-term goals, and life circumstances. The article discussed above specifically examines the impact of age on these considerations.

Based on over a decade and a half of professional coaching experience, I firmly believe that everyone requires time off at some point.

If you are an experienced athlete training for an extended period, you may consider taking extended periods of downtime at the macro or seasonal level. As a new athlete, you should also take time off, but it is equally important to plan your activities during that time. In all cases, it is important to recognize that there is no reason why you cannot return to your current level of fitness, or even surpass it, by taking a break.

Finally, I would like to emphasize the mental and emotional aspects of this lifestyle. The same unwavering determination that drives us to push our physical limits can also lead to emotional exhaustion and mental fatigue. If you want to maintain this lifestyle, it is crucial to understand this and recognize when your mind is signaling the need for a break.

Remember, when taken correctly, a break can propel you forward to new breakthroughs that you never imagined possible!

Gratefully,

Mark CEO Team MPI