The Summer Reset
Every summer, I remind my athletes of something they don’t hear enough:
You don’t need a race on the calendar to train with purpose.
After years of coaching, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful the “off-season” can be. Summer is your window to reset. No pressure to peak. No finish line breathing down your neck.
And that’s where real growth can happen.
What to Do Without a Race
Use this time to step back and rebuild. Not just fitness, but your relationship with running.
Run steady and often. Lock in on steady paced running and consistency.
Explore new terrain. Trails, hills, or grass keep things fresh and build strength.
Drop the watch sometimes. Listen to your body, not your splits.
Inject some fun. Fartleks, strides, and group runs with friends.
Work on Your Weaknesses.
This is the season to fix what you avoid during race builds.
Is mobility holding you back? Make it part of your routine.
Do hills expose a gap? Time to climb.
Always dealing with little nagging injuries? Time to focus on strength work.
Always tired? Find consistency in your sleep routine and nutritional habits.
These aren’t glamorous fixes—but they’re the ones that pay off when the next race does come around.
Fall Back in Love with the Work
No race doesn’t mean no purpose. Use the summer to reset, rebuild, and refine.
Do the work others skip.
Live What You Love,
~ Coach Dusty
