D.C. Lucchesi
LL Cool J didn’t to want to call it that, but at some point in our athletic careers we’re all faced with the prospect of rebounding from injury, illness or work and family commitments that have sidelined our training or racing. We all know what poet Robert Burns said about the best laid schemes. So what does one do when faced with finding the will, both mental and physical, to bounce back? Fully prepared to fabricate advice, my lawyer suggested I consult some experts. Or at least some folks willing to stick their necks out there. Well played, counselor. Well played. Here are some experts’ takes on getting back in the game.
“Our immediate response is, ‘Now I can’t do X.’ Shift your thinking to what you can do and you’ll find you have more choices. As a healthy triathlete, you swim, bike and run. During your recovery you’ll discover the elliptical, aqua jogging, stair climbing, rowing, core work and strength training. You’ll be back in to your sport with a better fitness base than when you started.”
— Melinda Yelton, coach TriJinx Sports, Aquathlon AG national champion
[divider]“If you can, ride your bike along with your running partners until you can rejoin them. Aggressively work on that injury – physical therapy, ART, acupuncture, massage – whatever it takes. Enjoy the downtime. Most of us don’t get enough. Spend it with family and the special people in your life.”
— Joe Schlereth, ultra runner and Run For You training program director
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“Putting that energy … towards something else is the best way to beat the blues. Core work and strength training can make you that much better when you do come back. When I have athletes out for any reason, they go on a strict core regimen. It’s amazing to see the positive changes when they come back.”
— Ben Hovis, coach, Providence Day School, Charlotte, N.C.
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“Don’t try and come back too fast. To stay motivated, hide the watch. Don’t be consumed by time and pace. Run first on feel until you get your confidence back. For me, I need a goal to look forward to, like a race or something to strive for. There is also a social component to staying motivated. Find a group, a network or a buddy to support you along the way.”
— Megan Nedlo, 2012 Olympic Trials qualifier
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“Manage your expectations as you come back, and have a good plan. Going out too hard, too fast, too quickly is not a good plan. To stay focused on your long-term goals, add short-term attainable goals.”
— Chad Andrews, coach, president and founder of Total Cyclist, Charlotte, N.C.
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“Everyone is different, but I find it helps to stay busy doing something you enjoy, like volunteering at races or with programs, to keep your head on straight. Find some sort of physical activity to keep your body going, too. It’s all about perspective.”
— Emily Hansen, veteran runner and marathoner pacer
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“Motivation is overrated. It’s commitment that counts. Understand why you’re doing something in the first place. Is it personal achievement, health, camaraderie, etc.? And are those goals still meaningful? Have a clear plan for recovery, take baby steps, be actively involved in the process, and make sure you’re mentally prepared to return as well.”
— Dr. Charlie Brown, sports psychologist
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There you go! Couldn’t have said it better myself. Well, maybe …
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D.C. Lucchesi runs, rides, and writes from Charlotte. When D.C. isn’t planning or participating in his own “next adventure,” the award-winning writer and former television producer can be found freelancing and waxing poetic on subjects ranging from health and endurance to schools and politics. When he’s not volunteering or coaching in some capacity with school-aged kids, he still enjoys interacting with grown-ups. Find him at dclucchesi@gmail.com.
