Lucy Gadd journal #05: rest, reflection, reconnection

Our 2024 journal contributor Lucy Gadd began 2024 as an independent rider with Le Col Race Team after a rollercoaster 2023, but, after a promising season start, joined UCI Continental squad Pro-Noctis – 200 Degrees Coffee – Hargreaves Contracting in the Spring. In this reflection on the cycling ‘off season,’ Lucy delves into the importance of taking time to rest and recharge after a tough race year.

‘Off season’ is commonly known among the cycling community as the period of time after the race season finishes. I’ve heard people use it to refer to the time they have off the bike or, alternatively, to refer to the entire winter period until the new year, leading into pre-season. Besides when it is exactly, it is an important time for all cyclists to recover and rejuvenate both mentally and physically from what was undoubtedly a tough year.

Off season is the time when your Instagram feed turns to sunny beaches, and your Strava feed suddenly includes running

Off season is the time when your Instagram feed turns to sunny beaches, and your Strava feed suddenly includes running. I never used to understand why cyclists run in the off season. It is so unfamiliar for our bodies to experience such high impact; we are extremely prone to injury. However, the freedom of running – simply putting trainers on and going, instead of all the faff involved with cycling – is rather appealing. Equally, we are endurance athletes, and the thought of not physically pushing our bodies for a couple of weeks doesn’t sit very comfortably.

My off season this year has been quite different to my last ten or so. I had about a month off in July due to illness, so when I got to the last race of the season, I felt as though I was only just getting started again. Therefore, I haven’t taken any time off this year but have still managed to cram in lots of exciting trips. I supported my partner at his final races of the year in France, explored the Côte d’Azur by bike, taken some much-needed holiday time with my family, and I am about to head to Rome for a girls’ city break. For me, off season is when I prioritise making time for the important people in my life, whom I don’t see enough during the busy race season. It’s also a time when I like to spend time at home, especially on the weekends.

I quit my job, signed up for a half Ironman and have been sea swimming and running as part of my training

Off season is also a time to reflect on the past year, and what you may want to do differently heading into the next cycle. It is no lie that I have struggled this past year. It has certainly been an emotional rollercoaster trying to pick myself up from a tough year in 2023. I wasn’t sure what, but I knew I needed to make some big changes in my life moving forward. To this end, I quit my job, signed up for a half Ironman and have been sea swimming and running as part of my training. Up until this year I always loved training and the process of getting better, so I am very happy to be feeling this again.

‘Off season’ 2024 has treated me well and it’s been great seeing what everyone else is doing during their off seasons too.