5 Small Tweaks to Make Gains, and Add Fun to Training
Lately, I’ve been hearing it from a few athletes: fatigue, boredom, waning motivation, the sneaky “I just don’t feel like it today” vibes. Sound familiar? It’s no wonder—some of us have been steadily putting in the miles, swims, and rides for almost a full year. By this point, it’s easy to feel a little worn down, distracted, or notice those tiny aches that didn’t exist back at the start of the season.
If that’s where you’re at right now, know this: you’re not alone. And the good news? There are ways to shake up your routine, keep your mojo alive, and finish the season feeling strong and energized—without adding pressure or stress. In this article, I’m sharing five not-so-obvious strategies to do just that.
1. Use Micro-Goals to Maintain Focus
Micro goals can be especially helpful if you’ve already raced your key race of this season, but still have a few fun things left to round out the year. A micro-goal is something that you can attain in the very near term, and that will support future bigger goals for next season.
Some general examples includes:
- Nail the coming week of training both in terms of duration and intensity
- Hit consistent sleep for the next 7 days
- Focus on form cues for every swim this week
In my case, I signed up for a fall marathon – the first official road marathon I’ve run in years. While I signed up for fun before I start working toward my 2026 “north star” race, I’m also using this race as a good reason to force the types of training I don’t normally do when I’m training for ultra-distance races. I’ve been having fun with my weekly track workout (which I do with a friend) and a weekly tempo progressive session. I’m also mixing in more swimming and cycling, and I’ve set a micro-goal to do at least 3 yoga sessions each week.
Each of these things has introduced something novel into my daily routine, and allows me to strive for short-term “wins” that keep me engaged, without adding a lot of pressure to achieve something monumental. These bite-sized achievements feel good – like checking things off a to-do list (who doesn’t love crossing things off a list??). They also give meaning to a transitional or post-season period, and help set a strong foundation when next season’s training begins in earnest.
2. Flip the Script on Training Metrics
Okay, you all know I love me some data. But, even with this deep love of data, I am also very aware of its shortcomings. Late in the season, trying to hit numbers can start to feel like a real drag – maybe even discouraging!
So, try a different lens. For example, instead of tracking how fast or far you go, maybe track how much fun you had.
For example, I recently climbed Mt. Bierstadt for the 5th time. Bierstadt is a 14er, which is a mountain above 14,000 feet high, that is only about an hour’s drive from my house – so it’s a popular option for us. The first time I did Bierstadt, my fear of heights was STRONG – like pure terror. This was back in 2020, and I had very little experience on 14ers.
Flash forward 5 years, 24 unique summits, and near 40 summits including duplicates, and things are quite different. This time, I didn’t feel afraid once – not even a little pang. While not the fastest or furthest I’ve gone, in this case, I noted the progress in my desensitization to heights. That’s a new metric, and one that gave me a sense of achievement.
Find your “Bierstadt” metrics, whether it’s having fun, feeling less fear, being social, or [insert the thing that makes you feel a sense of achievement].
3. Lean Into Quality Rather than Quantity
Rather than falling prey to the misperception that more is better, lean into the idea that quality – in any duration – is better than mindless miles. Think of this time as a great opportunity to polish your edges with technical skills (such as on a bike), form enhancement (in swim or run), and mobility or strength.
These tweaks can yield outside benefits for next season. Here, I refer back to my micro-goal to do yoga at least 3x per week. I’ve been doing this since July, and the benefits I feel from just 20-30 minutes in my own home are numerous.
- Improved mobility, which is helping my run and swim form
- Measured breathing, which is helping me better control my exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO)
- Core Strength development, which helps with everything
- Meditative control, which helps with stress reduction and emotional regulation
You don’t have to make broad, sweeping gestures here. Small tweaks go a long way.
4. Practice Reverse Taper Racing or Adventure
Instead of focusing on “peak” performance, and the pressure that comes with it, sign up for things knowing you’ll have training legs instead of full freshness. For example, go for that group ride you’ve been curious about. End a full training week with a 5k race. Play around with what you can do – without worrying about the outcomes.
Sign up for something that sounds fun instead of focused. For example, even though I’m signed up for a marathon in October, I’m not “all in” on marathon training. I’m diversifying my activities. For example, my sister came to visit for a week. Instead of leaving her home while I trained, we did daily hikes instead of focused run workouts. I have plans in the coming weeks to do two more 14ers before the snow settles in, and I’m also taking a hiking trip to Italy with my sister. I’ll be fine to run 26.2 miles – but I’m not obsessing over “peak” performance. I’m doing it for experience.
I’m doubling down on doing the hard things I love, but also making sure there is fun as a key part of the day. I’m structured – but not inflexibly so.
5. Community & Connection as Fuel
Social connection is a driver of solidifying commitment and enjoyment. We are much more likely to stick with something when we know someone else is relying on us. So, use this late season period as the perfect opportunity to train with a friend or a group.
When your own tank feels low, lean on others. Training with friends or even helping someone who is new to sport can remind you why you fell in love with sport in the first place.
The Takeaway
End-of-season training doesn’t have to feel like a miserable grind. (Remember: Misery is ALWAYS a choice – choose joy instead.)
Your Mission:
Pick one or two strategies and see how it transforms your training—and your mindset. Stick with these strategies for a week or two, then try another one.
Chase small wins, celebrate progress in new ways, and make fun a priority. Focus on quality over quantity, try something different, and lean on your community. These small choices keep your mojo motoring, help you finish strong, and set up next season for success.
Ready to make your training more fun and sustainable? Whether you’re feeling a little burned out, looking for a new challenge, or simply want to keep your momentum going, No Limits Endurance Coaching can help you find the right balance of structure, flexibility, and fun.