Sleep is a critical aspect of health and one of the most important aspect of recovery from your workouts. Aim for as much sleep as you can get. Six hours is the minimum effective amount of sleep for an endurance athlete in heavy training. Eight to nine hours is ideal for most athletes.

Jason Gootman, MS, CSCS, is the co-director of Tri-Hard Endurance Sports Coaching, a USA Triathlon Certified Coach and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Visit his website at www.tri-hard.com.