It’s been, well it appears since WSER 2019 since I wrote anything here. It’s been a ride, for all of us this past year, and I have been quietly processing everything….as well as spending the year immersing myself in coach-studying.
After a frustrating several months of dealing with two bone spurs in my right foot, I took some time off of training…not that there was really anything to train for; I biked a little, I read a lot…and found myself mostly reading running and psychology books.
I took that as a sign to spend my time formalizing something I have been doing for years; coaching. Whether it was myself, or a friend, or exploring different training styles with friends. It was time to jump in, and stop dipping toes in and talking about, “someday I would like to actually coach.”
I started with UESCA’s online course. It was pretty dense, most of it I already knew, but I spent weeks meticulously taking notes and quizzing myself on the parts of the body and musculature.
From there, I signed up for Dr. Sims “Women are Not SMall Men,” course which was really interesting. It covered the female cycle and different studies that point to training differently depending on if you’re on a hormonal pill, vs natural cycle, vs pre and post menopause. It was really exciting to learn newer concepts for training women, as I turned 40 last year and started to really notice that the way I have been training all my life just isn’t working the same way it used to for me. Recovery is a little slower, I can’t get away with running endless miles at an easy endurance pace, I do need strength and speed sessions…oh, and my period is more noticeable during my training as well.
I have also been learning from and working with a PT friend on the subtleties of gait analysis and how cueing movements while running isn’t helpful, rather strength training for specific weaknesses is the better approach. He has been working on an online resource for runners and cyclists to help refine the running gait and keep athletes injury free. I have been lucky enough to be a part of the evolution of the program for the past few years, and it can be found here;
http://balanced-movement-online.thinkific.com/
I use it/refer to it for specific client weaknesses and it has been extremely helpful.
I have been working with some really wonderful clients, and enjoy the challenge and creativity that coaching others has brought.
Trail Wisp(erings) 