My question is about the length of the offseason break. Obviously some need more time than others to completely recharge the batteries. I am 24 yrs old, and have just completed a fairly long triathlon season, with my last race ending this past Sunday with the Longhorn HIM. I have made great gains over the course of the year, and have been advised to take 3 wks completely off w/minimal cardio activity. I recover pretty well from races and workouts, and am already feeling great and itching to train. I don't have a swimming background, so I think that I should especially continue to go to my team swim workouts as well as swim at least one other day a wk. So, I'm thinking after taking this week off from running/cycling, starting to get back into low-mod intensity either sunday or monday. Any thoughts/suggestions/opinions?

I say if your body is telling you it's ready, then go ahead and get out there. When I tried to go cold turkey after the last race, I went through exercise withdraw. Just keep the intensity low and have fun. Off season is also a good time to focus on your weakest discipline and build that base.

If you can train, then train. Take forced rest when it comes your way. Since life happens, force rest happens too. Whether it is mother nature (weather), a work trip, or a Christmas Holiday without the bike/pool, things will likely come up which require you to put training on the backburner for a week or longer. Use that time to recover.