I read a great short essay the other day. Written by a highly-respected sports chiropractor, the post featured one his clients and her road back to full running fitness after a serious accident. Focusing on her bio mechanics and rehabilitation thereof, it was the phrase "she is persistent and patient like a hunter gatherer" that really stood out, one which sums up what it really takes to be fit and healthy.
Fantastic stuff and a great take-home message.
It was only a few weeks ago that I learned of a similar case study. Chatting with one of South Africa's professional running team managers, he related how his top athlete withdrawn from the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. She had a hamstring niggle, he said, and reasoned that her decision to "pull the plug" at the 11km mark was the correct one. Comrades is her main focus so being instinctive and sensible are key to the bigger picture.
What with all the media attention and expectation that is part and parcel of being an elite athlete, it is tempting to try and "push through" the pain and hope that "things sort themselves out." But "winging it" doesn't always work. Sincere kudos to Caroline Wostmann for having the courage and common sense to make what must have a tough call on Easter Saturday. Yes, that little voice of reason inside our heads (aka Intuition) always has the right answer. The aforementioned 'chiro says we should be persistent, patient and kind to ourselves and he is so right.
Hope the training is back on track Caroline Wostmann.
Patience always wins the day!
