Now it’s not that I look forward to or hope for setbacks and injuries, but I have changed my attitude toward them. I have started to accept them to a certain degree, but at the same time not give into them and use them as an excuse to become dormant or give up on my goals. I have learned that most times it is my body telling me something, it tried the more subtle approach but because I didn’t listen, it decided it needed a more aggressive tactic.
I have learned that when circumstances don’t allow you to train in one area, there is an opportunity to work on others. So often we look at, let’s say running for example, and have a too narrow focus of what that training may look like. We see only the Kms we’ve run as being productive and beneficial . I believe we do ourselves a real dis service with this approach. As with anything, there are so many pieces to running and complimenting ones training and preparation that may not even include time on your feet. I have learned the huge huge value of cross training, core work, mental preparation and am now finding myself digging deeper in my research with nutrition and hydration. Let me tell you, there is a science to this stuff, the working of the body is amazing and better understanding it can only better prepare each of us, regardless of our goals.
So why limit and discourage ourselves? Can we not benefit with a more open minded and broader approach? Is there not a multitude of different ways to accomplish any one goal or task? Yes, some may be more efficient or easier, but what works for one will not necessarily work for another. Look deeper and more thoughtfully at your goals. Pick ones that mean something to you personally and have a plan, one that looks at all angles with a broader vision that allows you to look for opportunities in directions you may not have considered. Although you may not wish for setbacks or injuries, prepare yourselves for obstacles, as you will probably encounter your share, as the pursuit of great things does not usually come easily. As the Yellow Runner said “Celebrate the struggle. Part of the greatest joy you’ll find in the process is realizing just how strong you.”
