My goal is that you are able to run efficiently for years to come. I would not choose to share this if I wanted you to remain injured and inefficient, or have you bouncing from challenge to challenge.
My goal for each and every athlete I have the pleasure of working with is that they are able to run efficiently for many years to come. Unfortunately in endurance sport 20-70% of athletes will undergo challenges every year. Racing when you are injured, or undergoing challenges, is in my opinion utterly stupid.
Here is a conversation that I have had countless times, and fortunately or unfortunately will continue to have:
Athlete: Do you think strapping my knee (insert any treatment / modality) has any benefit?
James: What is the challenge?
Athlete: ITB friction syndrome (this could be any physical challenge)
James: When did you become aware of the feedback loop (discomfort-pain)?
Athlete: Mid way through a road run on Tuesday. I had a day off on Wednesday, then did a hard session at the track and a spin class on Thursday. I have a race on Saturday. My hip is also not great.
James: You need to NOT race on Saturday. Strapping your knee is not going to solve the problem.
Athlete: I can't not race, I have already payed for my entry (insert justification here).
James: My goal for you, if you look after your body is that you will be running efficiently for many years to come. If you have a different goal, that is your decision. My advice is that you don't race on Saturday, and that we look to address the underlying challenge and allow you to develop greater efficiency moving forward.
For many of you, from the outside looking in this conversation will seem ridiculous, though it is alarming how often I have had this discussion with athletes.
Here is a conversation I am yet to have, and suspect I never will have:
Here is a conversation I am yet to have, and suspect I never will have:
James: How did your race go?
Athlete: I was unsure whether to run, my knee wasn't right going into the event. I strapped it up, and took some preventative pain killers. I'm so glad I raced, I ran with a massive smile on my face, had heaps of fun, and my knee is so much better than it was before the event.
