These seasonal sports will keep you fit for springtime marathon training or triathlon training

By the time the winter off-season arrives, most triathletes need a break from triathlon training, just as most marathoners need a break from marathon training. But that doesn’t mean that you have to let your high level of fitness take a nosedive. In fact, the colder weather creates unique opportunities to participate in some really fun types of seasonal cross-training that can keep you fiercely fit while still allowing a mental break from the routine of your regular endurance sport training.

Seasonal sport options to consider include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating. All offer great workouts for the cardiovascular system and the lower body. You can either do one or more of these activities occasionally, to spice up your winter training, or make them the backbone of your off-season conditioning program. If you choose the latter, simply try to replicate your main sport workouts as closely as possible in terms of frequency, intensity, and duration. That way you don’t have to worry about losing fitness in your main sport.

Need proof that you can keep fit and fast with these seasonal activities? Former 2:28 marathoner Libbie Hickman used to do nothing but cross-country ski for several weeks in midwinter and always felt strong when she returned to running. And consider this: If you become a good cross-country skier this winter, next winter you can compete in a winter triathlon, which combines running, biking, and cross-country skiing.