Winter is coming... so now what?

 For me 1,2, 3 , 4,& 6 some more.

Other then a 2 to3 week rest period over christmas & new years my training volume actually will increase, at least it did last year and I dont see why it won't do the same this year as well. I was actually in peak shape last year in April / May. and sort of slacked off over the tri season. I run more in the cooler winter weather, get on the trainer a lot more then I would ride in the summer and add more strength& core workouts.

I checked  my log for  last year  and this, oct thru march I was  training 215 to 260 miles / month + 6 hrs of Core/ strenght., from May to now I have been doing 125 to 160 / month with No core or strength, so quit an increase for me once it gets cold and snowy.

This winter?  Make a baby

The last two winters I have focused on working on the bike.  I had never really worked at becoming a better cyclist for the first several years of doing triathlons.  Over this time, I greatly improved my biking ability.  Biked 6:53 at Florida on one of the easiest IM bike courses out there in 2010.  Bike 6:51 at Wisconsin the other day. If you know anything about these two courses, that is a HUGE improvement.  (I think I would do 6:15 if I were to do that race rather than Florida).

I also usually train for a spring half marathon.

Keep up swimming about 2 days a week, but this is essentially what I do all year long.  I'm naturally a good swimmer so I would probably have to put in too many hours to really improve there.  not worth it at this point for me.

Swim. A lot. Then double it. And then swim some more. Cycling is the easiest of the 3 to make gains, and running is easy to maintain with frequency. I'll be training my weakness & trying to turn it into a (relative) strength.

ALL of the above!

what can I say....? I'm a joiner

so just a question based on this thread....winter training...is a treadmill, mag trainer and pool ok?

Anyone have any great cross training ideas that will help keep the current fitness level before starting back into tri's in the new year?

What are some of the options out there for us "noobs?"  I will admit...after all the running, swimming, biking every day this year...I'm getting a bit tired of it and could use a change for a bit...but don't want to lose that level of fitness / speed come next May.  I would like to maintain what I have...and build on that in the new year.  Is there a way to do that?

I like to cross country ski if we get snow - I think I'll travel more to do that this winter (London usually has more snow than we do). 

I P90X every winter - starting about end of November through February.  Plus spin class.  I have rollers for at home.  I run outdoors almost all year with the exception of when our sidewalks get so iced over that it's lethal to get out.  (They don't seem to salt/sand them here.)  I swim a couple times a week usually - although I've been less interested in the pool this year.  I started yoga 3x a week this summer and will continue that through the winter - although I'm thinking of starting to go to the hot yoga class now that the temps are dropping.

Pilot_e I may be getting rid of my mag trainer if I can find a fluid trainer - I'll message you.

Definitely all are okay for winter training. We still have lots of nice weekends though for riding.  And I definitely recommend getting outside for running - all winter. It will make you feel like you are super tough! Treadmill is great - but get really tedious. I know I miss all the fresh air I get from running outside (though the dark evenings and mornings are pretty tiresome as well). It's just about finding what works for you!

As for building other fun things: I think like silver_wlf was talking about doing something like P90X.  Maybe also  pre-registered boot-camp or yoga class might be good motivation to do something else once or twice a week for an 8-10 week session.

Although not as regular in the off-season we try to get out for some fall hikes and in the winter so skating at a nearby park.  You know, fun stuff

Last winter I did 400kJ (20-25 minutes) on the trainer and 4-5km running each day.  I'll probably do something similar this winter.

Also going to do the fighting koala indoor tri series, which is a great way to keep the competitive juices flowing in the winter.

What is "fighting koala indoor tri series"??

Here's last year's schedule/outline: http://downundercycling.ca/PDF's/Winter%20Triathlon%20Series.pdf (at least I think it is last year's).  Eric Grieg was telling me at the Lakeside race they're planning on a more robust signup/registration setup this year.

You swim in the morning at the waterdown YMCA, then head to Down Under Cycling's computrainer studio for the bike, then run a 5K in the waterdown suburbs.  It's a ton of fun, you get to meet other local triathletes, and it's a good way to spend a cold winter morning.

I love running outside in winter... except for that brutal 4-week period in Jan or Feb when I inevitably get sick and can't shake it! After my 1/2 marathon next month I hope to keep up a weekly 10-miler plus some shorter runs through the week. I am also going to dip my toe into (literally) Master's swims this winter, just once a week to start, and try for another swim during the week on my own. I have a trainer in the basement and I can usually fit in some time on that too. It's best if I record a favourite TV show or two and only allow myself to watch it if I'm on the trainer at the same time. I almost never run on the treadmill though, unless the weather is really awful.

I also eat a whoooole lot of Halloween chocolate bar minis and Christmas cookies.

1. Not available locally. I'll be on the trainer in the basement logging miles. 

2. Yes. Try and get my distance up and keep running outside.

3. Have to drive 1 1/2 hrs so I hope to do this a few times during the winter. 

4. Getting into cross fit training doing this a couple times a week.

5. Just the odd time after pickup hockey.

6. no more no less.