Cathy Yndestad is a local triathlete who is sure on top of her game. She was the Open Elite Amateur Champion in 2007, USAT 30-34 Age Group National Champion in 2008, two-time Minnesota Triathlete of the Year, and four-time Lifetime Fitness Elite Amateur Champion. In October, she placed second at the US Open Dallas Triathlon, and most recently placed second in her Age Group in the 2009 Ironman 70.3 World Championship (with a time of 4:24:02!). And it has yet to be formally announced, but Cathy has JUST been named USAT Amateur Triathlete of the Year!
In my quest for learning just how to treat MY off season, I thought I'd get Cathy's thoughts on HER off season. Being a fellow Minnesotan, I thought she'd have some specific advice on how to train through the 15 inches of snow that's currently out there. And I'm willing to take any and all advice from someone who can throw down a 4:24 Half Ironman!
Cathy starts her off season ASAP after her last race of the year. In 2008, it was after the Ironman World Championship in October; in 2009, it was after the 70.3 World Championships in November. Cathy doesn't take much rest: "I generally enjoy 1-2 weeks of complete rest, especially after an Ironman. Although my typical triathlon racing season begins in May, I generally start training more seriously sometime in January. Each year is different based on my racing goals and focus."
Cathy lets her swim fitness slide during her off season, and she has 2 reasons for doing that: "To start, I’m a huge wimp in the cold, so the thought of getting into a cold pool makes it challenging." I know that feeling. And Cathy goes on to say that of the three sports, "...swimming seems to come back the quickest for me, and considering the time value of each discipline, it makes more sense for me to be biking or running."
Running is where Cathy doesn't skimp over her off season. "Running is my weakness, and it’s also the most efficient way to stay in shape. For someone who struggles to find enough time for everything, running works best for me." She spends some of her time "down south" during the winter, and she works that into her training. "When in Arizona, I spend as much time as possible on my bike, whereas when I’m in MN I tend to do more running. I also like to take the time to address and treat any muscle imbalances or chronic injuries that may have flared up during the season."
Arizona?! That's a great place for a Minnesotan to spend the winter! Especially a Minnesotan who wants to keep training for triathlons! Cathy agrees: "I’m very blessed to have the opportunity to spend a significant amount of time in Arizona during the winter months. Work dictates when I can be in Arizona, but when I’m there, I spend as much time as possible on my bike. I rode outside at 5am this morning (in the dark) before work." Color me jealous.
"When in MN, I don’t mind spending time on the trainer, but I typically keep it less than 90 minutes. I also like to do more specific workouts (Spinervals DVDs work great) to avoid a complete mental breakdown." I'm with ya there, Cathy - I go crazy on a trainer if I just have to watch TV for an hour with no direction!
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On to page 2 of Cathy Yndestad's interview (including a slideshow and her 4 tips for us) >
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