(K)No(wing) Limits
I want to first say that I love No Limits and what it stands for. I’ve been loving your guys (and gals) posts of potential missed works only to be twarted by No Limits which forces you back on track and back to work. I really do. But with all the recent posts of folks that have been sick and who are unable to train, I wanted to make a post from the other side of the fence saying don’t feel guilty if you haven’t been able to join in the action. Also in the context of No Limits was paying careful attention to corrective action and strengthening ones body. I think it’s also equally important to know and understand your physical limits and knowing when the best course of action is nothing at all.
I’ll raise my hand and say that last night was such a time for me. After the longest runs of the season last week and early this week, I’ve aquired a dull ache in my Achilles. It’s nothing serious and I wouldn’t even say that I’m injured more than it’s just sore, but this is one of those times where I just know if I train through it it’ll grow from a minor annoyance to a major one. The proper course of No Limits for me yesterday was to take the evening off (despite having a run scheduled) and get some much needed rest. In thinking about it, I’ve been at it now for 4.5 weeks straight without any real time off. So last night, I treated myself with a little bit of R&R.
During that time, I did a little reading. Mostly on running and Achilles issues, but also refreshing myself on the importance of recovery.
“Many excellent athletes give a blank stare when asked about their recovery strategy. Your recovery strategy is the most important part of your plan. Recovery is the time when you will make all your fitness gains.”
“Recovery is the most neglected aspect of training by highly motivated athletes. Few fully appreciate the physiological benefits that accrue during rest, especially during sleep. While asleep, the body releases growth hormone to repair damage from the day’s training stresses and to shore up any physiological systems weakened by training. Without adequate sleep, fitness is lost regardless of how intense or long the workouts were.
A well-rested athlete looks forward to workouts, enjoys them, feels sharp and in control, and grows stronger after training. The quality of training with adequate recovery is far superior.”
Gordo Byrn
It doesn’t make as interesting reading as our bullheaded workout-or-die posts, but rest is just as important as those workouts folks. Be careful not to use rest as an excuse, but do recognize when doing little will serve you better than doing a lot. Train hard with no limits, but train smart knowing your limits.
Sieze the day!