My big push for training/intensity is happening this month before I take a month off to prep for the upcoming cross season. I've never really taken time off minus a month where I did literally nothing except drink beer and eat crappy food. Coming back into training I was feeling good, but holy cow I had no power in the legs.

So I'm wondering if there's a special method that a lot of athletes use in regards to keeping some intensity in their system, but at the same time allowing for appropriate recovery and somewhat "resetting" the body to be able to go back to pushing high intensity/volume to lead up for another peak.

I have a pretty flexible schedule with no real commitments, except from the 21st-28th I'll be with family, and won't be bringing my bike on the trip. So I guess I could consider that a week of complete rest, minus the occasional hike in the woods.