…make a break for it

...time for a backup plan

I had a swim coach in high school who was the king of metaphors and cliches.  I think it may be a prerequisite for coaching high schoolers.  You have to be CPR and cheesy comparison certified.

While I poke fun, a lot of those metaphors have stuck with me.  He had his standard: “Hard work and practice are like putting money into (an ATM, piggy bank, bubble gum machine,…), so that on the day of the meet you can (make a withdrawal, bust open the bank, I never really got the bubble gum metaphor,…) and give it your all.”

But the most often used and memorable catch phrase he had was, “Pain is weakness leaving your body.”  Yes, it’s practical when dealing with the kid with the perpetually convenient “cramp.”

However, sometimes I have to remind myself that pain is also your body telling you to: “Stop doing that, it hurts!”  No offense coach.

I was sharply reminded of this just over a week ago.  After running with pain for a week I was benched (or biked) due to injury.

I have to say that while mentally I’m ready to ditch the bike.  Physically, my joints are glad to have time and the variety.

And the ultimate silver lining is definitely my return to the water.  The chlorine was calling to me.

I suppose I might as well make the most of the reprieve from running and make a deposit in that swimming and cycling ATM.

…bi-daily smile…

You know you missed them…but after more than a week off, the Muppets are back! …with some tips for your workouts