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How a triathlete should make use of the summer solstice

Tomorrow, for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, is the summer solstice. With the extra daylight and three sports to train, here are a few ideas on how you can spend your day: do all three, go all day, be social, taper or do an organized event.

Tomorrow, for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, is the summer solstice. With the extra daylight and three sports to train, here are a few ideas on how you can spend your day:

1) Three disciplines, one day, no problem

You have work on Thursday, but this shouldn’t deter you from doing all three disciplines. Sunrise is anywhere from 5 to 5:45 am, depending on your location. Take this time before you commute to work to get in training number one. Some people like to swim in the morning, while others like to hammer on the bike. And then there are some who like a nice brisk run in the morning. Whatever your cup of Joe is, don’t let the morning hours slip away.

Halfway through the day, we have the lunch break. Got 30 minutes? An hour? Take the time to do a quick session. Jump in the pool and do one of our key swim workouts, or pound out some hill repeats in town. The lunch break is a great time to do a quick, yet effective workout.

You’re going to get back home from work, and the sun is still going to be high in the sky. Time to hit the third and final session. Pick the one you haven’t done yet. Close the day with a run in the golden hour, or take the bike out for a sunset spin.

Finish the day with a nice meal with friends and family.

2) Go all day

Able to get the day off work? Go all day. Swimming or running all day is a stretch for most of us, but biking is reasonable for some. So invite some of your biking gang and explore the roads. With the extra daylight, you may be able to get a big day on the bike. Hit a new distance PB or explore a new area on the bike. Whatever you do, biking is a great way to train and see the world around you.

3) Be social

All too often, we triathletes train in isolation. Whether it’s on the trainer, in the pool or at the track, training solo at times is better. On Thursday, invite your pals/gals, take a break from the planned workout and go for a coffee ride. Even better, at the end of your epic three discipline day, gather around the table for a BBQ and unwind.

4) Taper

We are deep into the triathlon season now, so if you’re racing this weekend at Mont-Tremblant or elsewhere around this great country, chill out. Maybe go for a spin, an easy run or a few laps in the pool. The hard work is over, now it’s time to rest.

That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the festivities though, like a patio dinner with friends and family or spend the day reading a favourite book. You could even take the time to make sure you’re all packed and ready for travel.

5) Do an organized event

If you aren’t racing in the coming weeks and have the time, and the desire to race, there are many running and cycling events during the summer solstice. Cycling events offered include:

  • The Hairshirt, which is a huge loop of the Niagara Peninsula departing from Mississauga, Ontario.
  • The 200 on 100 in Vermont starts at the North Troy border station on the Canadian border and follows Route 100 to the Massachusetts border.
  • The 24 Hours of Summer Solstice a mountain bike relay ride

Running events offered include the Running room Summer Solstice 5k. This event is open across Canada at various store locations. To find one near you click here.