Ali Day: The Off-Season That Keeps Me Going

Once Aussies wraps up in mid to late April, life slows right down. The second I step off the beach, I can feel the pressure lift. If it’s been a good year, that feeling’s even sweeter, and winning the Aussie Iron this season was huge for me. But the real highlight? 

Jumping in the car with Kel and the kids, music blaring, all of us singing on the way home. Moments like that beat any medal.

I love that first stretch after the season when I’m not thinking about training and racing 24/7. I’ve gotten better at switching off over the years, but I’m still wired to compete, so having that total mental and physical break is gold. Those six weeks where I’m just at home, waking up with the boys, taking them out during the day, kicking the footy at the park in the arvo, that’s when I feel most present. Our connection as a family always feels stronger after that time.

We didn’t overpack the off-season this year. With two young boys, life’s busy enough, and my wife is flat out with work. I enjoyed just being around to support them. We did sneak away to Noosa over Easter with some of our best mates and had a weekend in Coffs Harbour with my two best friends and their families. No rush, no schedule, just hanging out and enjoying each other’s company, something you rarely get mid-season.

At home, we kept it simple, day trips to Cabarita, Byron Bay, watching the Gold Coast Suns, beach days, bike rides, smoothies, and backyard dinners. The stuff we all love.

Even in downtime, the next season is always in the back of my mind. I take the chance to reflect while it’s fresh, what worked, what didn’t, and where I can be better. That’s always the goal, better than the year before. I chat with my coaches, start mapping out the season ahead, lock in dates, order gear, and get a plan in place.

At this stage of my career, looking after my body is a big priority. I spend time at the physio, keep the gym work ticking over, and do my rehab and prehab most days so I’m ready when heavy training starts. It keeps injuries at bay, maintains my skills, and helps me start the season in shape rather than using the first month to work off any extra weight.

The off-season is also a chance to try something new. This year, it was a five-day fast mimicking diet. It was tough at first, but once my body adapted, I felt great. It gave me a real reset. It’s not for everyone, and I’d only recommend doing it under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, which is what I did.

This off-season gave me exactly what I needed, rest for my mind, recovery for my body, and quality time with my family. That’s what gets me ready to go again.

I’ve got big things planned for this year and I can’t wait to see you all on the beach.

All in – Ali Day