Training TechniqueWritten by Matt Russ
Having an effective training plan is very important, but if you are reinforcing bad habits or technique with your training you are working against yourself. Technique, form, and skill are often overlooked facets of training. Athletes should spend a portion of each season perfecting their form, just as they work on strength, endurance, and speed. Proper technique not only makes you more efficient and faster, it can prevent overuse injuries. Endurance athletes repeat motions thousands of times in a single work out. Improper leg tracking on your bike or a bad foot strike at best wastes energy, but could lead to a visit with orthopedist. Here are some guidelines for perfecting your form and technique… •Seek instruction. You can not work on better form if you do not know what it is. A cycling or running coach can video your stride or spin and give you exact feedback on what you need to work on. Books and video tapes are helpful, but they do not have a discerning eye and can not give you specific instruction you may need. Most coaches charge an hourly fee for one to one instruction. •Get Feedback. Visual feedback is best. If you own a video camera set it up on a tri-pod to record your form. Playing it back in slow motion allows you to break down each portion of your stride or spin. A mirror in front of treadmill or trainer is another inexpensive way to give your self feedback. •Conscious then unconscious. The process of reinforcing proper form is to consciously repeat a proper motion until it becomes automatic and unconscious. This process takes thousands of repetitions, and you must regularly focus on and check your technique and form.
| | Why am I doing this; again?Written by Matt Russ
All athletes train for various reasons. These reasons are what keep us going. It is important to regularly examine your motives and ambitions and to keep them close to you. Without an internal purpose to our training we are like old plow mules; slogging along because we always have. Without a purpose your enthusiasm to train and compete will eventually fade. The first thing you must realize is that your motivations are unique and personal. You may train for social reasons, but not because your friend is making you. You may enjoy support of your parents, but can not compete for them. This is one of reasons children who are pushed too hard by imposed ambitions of overzealous parents often lose interest in a sport. The child has lost internal motivation to participate (fun) and generally does not stay involved long term. Make sure reasons you train are your reasons. Secondly, define your reason. Be specific and write them down. Visualize payoff of your training. If one of your reasons is fitness, visualize yourself as fit and hardened individual you will become. Perhaps you have a specific personal goal in mind. Constantly remind yourself what that goal is, and how work out you are performing now will get you there. There are so many positive aspects to being an athlete beyond physical benefits. I personally believe characteristics of a successful athlete transfer to many areas of life outside competitive arena. Characteristics such as discipline, overcoming adversity, risk taking, personal sacrifice, sportsmanship, consistency, and hard work reinforce good character. These reasons may not be as concrete as winning a race, but I believe they will carry you farther.
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