If you are a racer then it could be argued that every training session is preparing you for a race. From the easiest recovery spin, to the hardest interval filed day, all sessions can lead you to the place of being a better racer. I put a tremendous amount of focus, and preparation, on my main interval session of the week – which this season happens to be on Wednesday nights. I don’t just show up to the trainer on Wednesday night and hop on without any preparation or a plan. It’s actually the opposite. I begin the planning of this session days before as I lay out my work, and life, schedule so that they allow me the flexibility to complete my workout without hindrance. I prepare my gear, music and nutrition the day before the actual ride so that I do not lose valuable time searching for something when I instead should be pedaling. When all of the initial prep work is complete, I then commit my remaining time to focusing on the efforts that will need to be completed. I know how long the efforts are to be, I know how much power I have to output and I know how uncomfortable this all will be. When the time arrives to get on the bike I know I am fully prepared, mentally and physically, to the commitment that is involved. And this preparation is exactly how I approach each race day.  I set up my work schedule weeks before to accommodate the race commitment. I prepare my gear the day before to make sure that it is at 100% functionality, and I commit the remainder of my time and energy to getting mentally prepared for the race. I recommend that you use this “off season” to develop, and hone, a training day / race prep ritual that you implement as a routine once the season is in full swing.

-Jason