MOM

First off and foremost today, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all VBA Moms. Pictured is my Mom, Barbara Ruthe, cradling the RCVkid way back in 1952.

The segue is from Moms to maintenance.

This week we will be taking closer looks at some interesting tangential elements that can contribute to, or distract from, your optimal training and performance. Chief among them are the relationship of cortisol and stress, and overuse injuries.

This is important as we begin the ramp to our key summer events. I will crawl way out on a limb here (because that is where the fruit hangs) and suggest a catch phrase that covers this concept like a wool blanket: LET YOUR BODY HEAL.

Take a day before the day takes you. Rest and recover. Walk in the park. Rake some leaves. Toss the frisbee to Fido. Go find some sea glass. Play catch with Junior. But do not habitually stress already fatigued systems. Something will break down and your goal will suddenly appear to be slipping away (like a ship into the fog).

Have faith. Trust your base fitness. Allow your body (or mind, or spirit) the time necessary to rebuild. Have some chicken soup (or minestrone) and relax with a book. Have a cup of green tea. Take a nap. If the sun is shinning where you are, have a hang in the hammock.

Maybe the most important thing you can do today is nothing. Can resting and recovering actually make you stronger? It can.

Just ask your Mom.