Years ago when I did personal training, we had a saying:
Don’t focus on the site of the problem. Focus on the source.
I haven’t mentioned this to you lately but I’m training for the Javelina Jundred 100k (63 miles) in late October. I’ve been running well. In August I ran the most miles in a month that I have in ten years!
But for the last 8-10 days, my hamstrings have been KILLING me. Tight and sore to the touch with a low level ache.
I didn’t do any crazy long, intense runs prior to this so it has been a bit perplexing.
Unsure what to do, I did what I “thought” was right:
I mostly rested. Biked instead of ran. Iced. Foam rolled. Stretched.
My hamstrings got marginally better, if at all.
Then I realized something:
It has nothing to do with my hamstrings. That’s the site of the problem.
The source of the problem? Anterior pelvic tilt combined with an inability to extend at the hip.
Those geeky biomechanical terms are irrelevant but this insight occurred to me on a flight to Kansas City yesterday (I spoke there this morning).
And, wouldn’t you know it, when I got to the hotel I did a few stretches focusing on the source of my problem, then ran a pain-free 7.5 miles on trails in Lee’s Summit, Missouri.
Best run – BY FAR – that I’ve had in 10 days. Hamstrings felt great.
Fix the source. Otherwise it’s just bandaids.
I’m sharing this as I venture into dangerous waters…
It’s a strange time in this country. Shootings happen regularly – at schools, political events, supermarkets, concerts, malls.
Lots of people say lots of things (not going to begin to elaborate on this) and love to play the blame game.
Round and round we go, focusing on the site of the problem.
What is the source of the problem?
I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I’d argue a big source of the problem is our division and inability to have civil discourse with people, including and especially those that share different views than our own.
There, I said it 😊
I’m sure even bringing this up is going to have some people unsubscribe. If that’s you, there’s a link below where you can do it. I wish you all the best.
But before you do, please realize that YOU can be a source of the SOLUTION. I can, too. We ALL can.
And the solution the world needs is your goodness and humanity. Starting now.
Keep Outperforming,
