Correcting problems

     One of my favorite aspects of coaching is helping people move past things that hold them back.  I enjoy problem solving and applying what I know to help people move forward.  That's how I started coaching.  A friend of mine started asking questions about how to move forward in cycling.  He had a series of systemic problems that were undermining his ability to move forward.  So, we worked on resolving the biomechanical issues, the overuse of the endocrine system, and in general sharpened and refocused his efforts in a new direction.  Along the way, I found I really enjoyed the process of guiding my friend through his various issues so that he could escape the cycle of one step forward and one step back and make real progress in a positive direction.

Icing the shins.  

      Up till now I have focused exclusively on cycling.  It's my passion and my dream to coach at the highest level.  A few months ago though, my friend Cameron who is a runner started asking me questions about various issues she was dealing with.  I know very little about running, but I have extensive knowledge about the functional aspects of how the body works.  And, like I said, I enjoy problem solving.
      It amazes me how often people push through and live with functional problems (back pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, asthma, etc.) when, in most cases, there are solutions to correct these things without surgery or drugs. It just takes the right process coupled with focused work to overcome the problem.  

Anytime you have pain in the body it's almost always because of problems (tightness, muscle trauma, weakness, etc.) on the antagonistic muscle group.  Foam rollers are nice.  But, when the problems are serious you need something harder - like a beer bottle.

     After discussing the various issues that Cameron was dealing with, we had her start using compression sleeves during and after her runs.  We also had her ice her shins and roll out her calves post workout.  On top of that I made some dietary recommendations that included more protein and Omega fatty acids.  A few simple changes in her routine has allowed her to recover faster and begin to eliminate her shin splints. She can look forward to pain free running before too long.  That's going to be pretty dang cool. She's training for a Half Marathon in November.  It will be a good test to see what sort of difference the changes in her routine have made.  Stay tuned... Semper Porro.

Post workout protein shake.