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 -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

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.

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
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Triathlon superstar Hayden Wilde to make shock comeback at London T100
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
‘Intimidating’ to go into Worlds after four months off – but Lionel Sanders up for the challenge
Georgia Taylor-Brown Alex Yee Super League Triathlon Malibu 2021
Triathlon’s most decorated Olympic duo now honoured by their former University
Olav Aleksander Bu Photo credit: Roj Ferman | Surpas
Top triathlon coach Olav Aleksander Bu says it’s all about the team after Uno-X bag first Tour de France win
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
IRONMAN Lake Placid 2025: Date, start time, how to watch and who’s racing
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

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...