By Dr. Joshua Stevens
Right now, many of us are considering events for 2011 . . . The Ramblin’ Rose Triathlon, the Outer Banks Marathon, or any of the White Lake Triathlons. However, with highs of 40 degrees and lows of 20, staying inside is a good choice this time of year before the broad strokes of our training years get formulated. Winter is an ideal rest time for endurance athletes. It is good to have a few weeks or months of taking it easy so the body can recover and the mind can rest. Ideally, this time should be virtually inactive, but continuing some activity during your down time is helpful and mentally rewarding. This could come in the form of a fresh indoor activity that focuses on body awareness, flexibility, and balance. For example: Runners, take a yoga class once a week with Sage Rountree (see this month’s yoga column). That inflexibility could be left behind in 2010. Or, for all you Carrboro triathletes, hoop dancing with Jonathan Baxter (via Balanced Movement Studio) could give you a fresh perspective on things in 2011. Do you know how to use a kettlebell? (Hint: it’s not for making tea or calling out “Dinner time!”) If not, Betsy Collie at Rapid Results Fitness in Durham would provide an ample orientation to these hidden fitness gems. The bottom line is, create some space between you and your routine: the bike, the running shoes, or the swim cap. Sure, go ahead and sign up for your races, but worry about how to train for them later. You’ve got all year to focus on these. In the mean time, take a break and refresh your mind and your body with a new activity. You may even discover new in-roads to fitness you’ve never been able to access. Happy 2011!
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Joshua Stevens, D.C., is a holistic chiropractor in Chapel Hill and Durham, where he utilizes chiropractic, acupuncture, detoxification, nutrition, and cold laser therapy with patients. A two-time Ironman finisher, he focuses on racing cyclocross and mountain bikes . . . much easier!
