Search
shop

Sam Long is raring to go again, with ‘Big Unit’ revealing importance of off-season break

Long term growth is a priority for American Sam Long over the course of this winter.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Having taken the decision to coach himself at the beginning of the season, American middle-distance triathlon star Sam Long can now look back on a triathlon season filled with success and pat himself on the back for trusting his instincts and seizing the initiative.

The PTO World #9 won three domestic middle-distance races, finished on the podium at IRONMAN Maryland, notched two Top-5 results on the PTO Tour and also became a father this year in one of his most complete seasons as a professional.

Having just taken his end-of-season break, the ‘Big Unit’ shared the importance of having a mental reset at the end of a long campaign in a recent Instagram post. Heading into the winter, the Boulder native confirmed he is hungrier than ever for more success.

Advertisement

A well-earned rest for ‘Big Unit’

Acknowledging that it is a lot of effort to get back into the swing of things after some time away from training, Long pointed out the importance of refocusing for his long-term development. After two-and-a-half weeks off, he is raring to go once again.

Sam Long wins IRONMAN 70.3 St George 2023 photo credit Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images for IRONMAN
[Photo credit: Jacob Kupferman / Getty Images for IRONMAN]

“A rest and rest was just the thing I needed! Getting back to training never feels easy! I took a 2.5 week break off from running and it is taking work to get back. Sometimes it feels like it would be easier to not take a break but it is needed for long term growth and sustainability.

“I spent time with the family, turned off from social media, photo shoots, and tried to think about things other than triathlon. The fire is now red hot! In the past, in my off season I have indulged in some bad habits such as many late nights, lots of drinking, etc. This year I really took care of myself while still enjoying life and feel like the rest allowed me to absorb the season.”

Swim the main focus for Sam

Whilst he made the conscious effort to take some time off running, Long said that he kept up his swim training, which being his weakest discipline, is the focal point of his attention. Having a period to just concentrate on his speed in the water, Long says, is already paying dividends.

“I still swam 25-30k a week to keep up the swim. After 3 rides in two weeks I am elated to be back riding. Interestingly, the bike has come back very fast. I swam 6 times a week during this break and saw some welcomed improvements!”

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...