One often ponders why they did not achieve that desired “time” or place in a race that they strived for?
Whether you are an avid runner, triathlete, cross fitter, swimmer, cricketer, soccer player, runner, power lifter, ballet dancer, pole dancer, golfer, water polo player, rugby player, hockey player, cyclist or a combo and linked to above, why do you often just “crash”?
There have been countless discussions, seminars and theories as to why an event does not go according to plan. I would like to express a few quick points and thoughts. To prep for an event, the following ideas are key and critical to achieve your ultimate goals!
1) Mind- sometimes a previous event entailed a trauma, fall, fright, sickness or poor result. The mind never forgets- perhaps see an NLP coach and process the moment to avoid future trauma triggers.
2) Alignment- this process is multi pronged- from skeletal, joints, muscles, fascia, tendons and neural. These elements are all interconnected! See your physio, chiro, bio, pilates/core trainer, deep tissue therapist, kinesiologist, osteopath, etc as it is crucial to have the mind, body and soul balanced. One can also include reflexology, reiki and yoga. However, make sure that it does not impede the process needed for prep i.e. the correct “form” for the event!
3) Nutrition- this is such a critical phase often misunderstood and may not be balanced. I sometimes don’t feel your regular GP, however brilliant, has sufficient knowledge when dealing with sporting nutrition and physiology. Even a dietician who specializes in diabetes, can they offer correct advice for that ironman? It is better to find a sports physiologist or exercise physician in tandem with a nutritional expert who can aptly suggest a correct diet for your own personal metabolism and form. The danger is to follow a random diet off the net or from a magazine.
4) Set up- this again is multi pronged- from cleats on the bike, shoes for running, weight of a golf club or cricket bat, compression socks or swimming style. You must combine all factors to avoid the torrid elements of stress ,trauma, or chronic injury.
5) Pre and post recovery- so much research has been conducted and there are new technology and products on the market. Hyper barric chambers, venous and temp stockings, IV boosting drips, needling.. these are all brilliant to speed up endurance and post-exercise recovery.
6) Coach- I often find there is not the correct cohesion between athlete and coach. They must truly connect with the athlete,have empathy and be in total contact with their medical and holistic team.
7)Strategy- this is determined by all the fields mentioned above.
There are more components that I will touch on for but for now have fun and fly!
Much love and light Doc
