They should be only 4-6 weeks away from good race performances all year. One months active rest each year after the peak is of great value. The athlete should make sure that they maintain as much fitness as possible in this time but with minimal Physical and psychological effort. In the first 4 months of the year we follow a 4 week cycle with every 4th week easier. Relaxed speed sessions are done all year to stay familiar with fast cadence and full range of motion.
All athletes do a Basic strength program that is mostly done to improve posture and trunk stability.
Pelvic stability and postural improvement is an area of strong focus. See the page of Core Conditioning I also recommend Medicine Ball throwing and catching to help stabilize the trunk. Athletes are encouraged to get a massage from a local sports massage therapist as often as possible and to self massage. They should also have regular flexibility assessment from a Physiotherapist and follow a structured stretching program to develop adequate flexibility as well as another program to perform at the track. The stretching should include a variety of stretches both dynamic and static.