Injuries are a part of sport
by Kate Rawlings
A month ago I completely ruptured my Achilles heel. You might think it would elicit some sympathy, and it did, but it also brought about much debate and criticism via my blog and Facebook. The gist of the negative comments was that I train improperly whether it is bad form, excess volume, inadequate recovery, or a host of other potential injury causing practices.
I think negative comments like those I received stem at least partially from a need that people have to blame something for tragedy. It allows us to continue with our lives safe in the feeling that we are doing it “right” and are therefore immune to life’s many potential pratfalls.
As is evidenced by this blog, the negative comments gave me pause for thought. After careful consideration I came to the conclusion that injuries are part of sport. Attaining the highest level of performance from the human body is a true tightrope walk between training optimally for performance adaptation and overtraining/overuse. That is why virtually ALL athletes get injured at one point or another in their career.
I am not trying to dismiss the possibility that injury can occur for preventable reasons, but I DO want to make the point that no matter how conscientious the athlete and how great their training program, injuries can and do happen. I have replayed the moment of my own injury over and over in my mind and I would not have done anything different that day. I was properly warmed-up, my technique was sound, and the 27th box jump felt just fine and provided no warning to the impending injury on the 28th.
So, don’t live in fear, but don’t delude yourself into thinking it will never happen to you. If injury does occur, use it as I have as a learning and personal growth experience. Oh, and don’t kick a man or woman while they are down J.
