Recovery Week is here – and we’re leaning into it.
This is the week where the program breathes. After two solid weeks of building, it’s time to dial things back, let the body catch up and soak in the gains.

Recovery isn’t slacking off… it’s how we get stronger. Without these quieter weeks, the body can’t adapt or grow stronger. It’s the “down” that lets us power back “up” in a 3-week periodisation cycle. So embrace the sleep-ins, book that massage and know that this rest is part of the plan, not a break from it.

Speaking of rest… yes, that means no Tuesday morning run or Thursday morning ride this week. Sleep. In. Guilt. Free.

📊 Benchmarking Season: Measure to Improve

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. This off-season is your prime time to set benchmarks, track progress and build the foundation that’ll carry you through race season. Time trials, threshold efforts (FTP anyone?) and those tough sets? They’re your personal checklist.  So, lean in, give them your best and then do it again in a few weeks to see how far you’ve come.

❄️ Winter Hacks from the Squad

Training through winter isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s also when the most grit gets built. To help you push through the cold, dark mornings and soggy socks, we’ve collected a few of our favourite winter hacks from athletes and coaches alike:

🧤 “Thermals in the dryer before an early ride = elite-level comfort.”
☕ “Coffee before swim. Coffee after swim. Coffee during swim, if possible.”
💡 “Get a bike light so powerful it could land a plane.”
👃 “Vaseline under the nose on cold runs #gamechanger.”
🥶 “Gloves under your jacket sleeves. Trust me.”

Got a go-to tip for surviving winter training? Hit reply or share it in the FB group.  We’ll feature the best ones in next week’s edition!

✨ Final Thoughts

Recovery Week might be quieter, but it’s anything but passive. Take it seriously, rest purposefully and come back next week ready to build again. Let the slower pace be a reminder that progress isn’t always loud.  Sometimes, it looks like rest, reflection and staying in bed for that extra hour.

💛 Stay warm, stay smart and stay consistent
Team TA