Can We Call It That?
Staying motivated in the off-season is challenging, especially for those in a seasonal climate. The DNA staff knows this all too well, with HQ located in Salt Lake City, Utah. For many of our staff, the off-season is a time to mix it up, activate those hip flexors, and dust off some different equipment. We wanted to share some of our favorite off-season activities. Maybe to inspire or perhaps just to share some cool pics of cool people doing cool things.
THE TRAINER
It’s not cool, but it’s effective. It’s not fun, but it gets the job done. The trainer tends to put us in a dark place. We find it most effective to pre-load the workout and have GCN+ coverage of the weekend cyclocross race ready to stream. Now you’re prepared to count each second as your 60 – 75 minute workout slowly goes by.
FAT BIKING
If you’re lucky to live in an area with access to groomed trail systems in the winter, get out on that fat bike. Nothing is more rewarding than reviewing Strava data of a fat bike ride. The moving time to average speed ratio never makes any sense.
Moving Time 2:08:02
Elevation Gain 2,045 ft
Average Speed 5.8 mi/h
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING
We know that not everyone can get out in the backcountry. But if you can, this will push you in ways you haven’t felt before. The average heart rate can range from recovery to tempo work on the bike. Vertical gain can match some of your best days riding a canyon or climbing up single track. Booters will crush the stair master. The best part is that you get to ski down and do it all over again if your legs allow it.
TRAIL RUNNING
If you need a mental break from the trainer, get out for a trail run. You will see things on the trail that you don’t when riding. As cyclists, we are programmed that more time equals more fitness in the bank. Forty-five to sixty minutes on the trail, and you’re good to go.
WINTER RIDING
If the options above are limited, suit up and get back out there. Mix it up, and explore new and different routes. Use the gravel bike on the road. Get some friends out to suffer in the cold for a group ride. Coffee stops never felt so good.
HEAD SOUTH
For those who can, chase warmer weather and the sun!
Before you know it, we will all be back out in our favorite DNA jerseys and bibs.
