Flexibility

Thanks to Clint Schnekloth at LutheranConfessions, I learned about My Three Words.Developed by Chris Brogan, this is an excellent way to think about what you want to work on in the new year in very broad, but actionable ways. After a few days of reflection a while back, I determined that my three words for 2014 are: Flexibility. Strength. Words.

I didn't arbitrarily pull these words out of the air. They really encapsulate many of the personal goals that I had already begun to set for myself. 2013 was a year to forget. At this time last year, I was determined to reach my qualifying time for the Boston Marathon. I only needed to shave two minutes off my most recent marathon time. This was a goal that seemed to be within reach. I mapped out my training schedule and registered for two half-marathons and my target marathon. In March, those plans were put on hold when I dislocated my shoulder in a ski accident. That was followed by a stress fracture in my foot in early May. In all, I spent about 3 months in either a sling or a boot and was unable to do much more than work out on a recumbent stationary bike at the community center.  Needless to say, I learned all about "non-refundable" race registration fees.  That being said, flexibility and strength are important words in my quest for a healthy 2014.

Physically, I've taken steps to work on my flexibility and strength. I've been much more intentional about post-run stretching and foam rolling. I've even resumed yoga. Since late last year, I've been working with the TPI program to improve my golf game through, you guessed it, increased flexibility and strength. The fact is, a lack of flexibility will not only mess with your running gait or your golf swing, but can lead to a host of physical problems. Strength, in particular a strong core, is essential for good athletic performance. 

The beauty of the three words is that they apply to so many areas of your life. The other night, my wife and I were talking about summer vacation plans. Every year, we go to a cabin near Brainerd, MN. In addition to the lake and the fishing, I enjoy the fact that the nearby Paul Bunyan Trail gives me a place to run so I don't have to abandon my marathon training schedule while away from home. This year, Lisa has suggested that we head out west to Wyoming. She'd like to go to the mountains where her grandfather used to hunt and then make our way into Yellowstone National Park.  One of my first concerns was "my training plan." Would I have a place to run so that I could get in my mileage? We runners are weird that way. However, my concern was not well-received! That's when I remembered my three words. I tried to convince myself that it's just running and that if need be, I could deviate from the training plan for a week for the sake of my family. Studies do show that there would be no real loss of fitness even after a week of laying low. Perhaps by then it could function as recovery time. Not only that, it would be a lot of fun to do something different and maybe even learn how to fly fish. I'll keep you posted.

It seems that flexibility is an important attribute when it comes to physical, emotional, and relational well-being. It also seems that flexibility should be accompanied by strength. Picture a tall tree blowing in the wind. Flexibility and strength work in tandem to keep the tree from snapping. What areas of your life are a little too rigid? What do you need to strengthen?