Injury vs Peak Performance

Hey Gang,

As an athlete you ride the line between injury and peak performance. The goal is to stay just below the line. But most athletes cross it. Myself included. We overtrain to eke out that little extra bit, which costs us a few months of being sidelined.

My friend Luke Hopkins just crossed that line, but I saw him doing push ups at the gym last week. That’s the right attitude. It’s not what you can no longer do, but what you still can do. You can’t beat yourself up about getting injured. It’s part of the game we all play.

This is a speed bump for Luke. He’ll come back stronger, more knowledgeable, and with a vengeance. He found a ceiling.

My injuries typically stem from either overtraining, especially running, or doing something I don’t do regularly, like a pickup game of basketball. I like to do the same things repetitively so I achieve a high level of skill in them, like mountain biking and CrossFit. That high level of skill and muscle memory helps me avoid injuring myself while performing them.

I have crashed my bike several times. I consider that just a cost of doing what I love. However, I often ride the same trails so I know them well, stick to bike paths to avoid cars, and spend time on gravel roads for the same reason. Risk is inherent. But mitigating risk has helped me stay healthy.

Things I do regularly to help with inflammation→

Deep tissue massage once a month. When running often, I’ll increase this to weekly or bi weekly. It’s my favorite way to deliberately recover, but it does get costly.

Contrast therapy nightly.

-We have a Sisu Sauna and an Ice Barrel. My code for each is EHINMAN if you’re in the market for a sauna or Ice Barrel.

NormaTec boots.

-These work great for tired legs. I use them four to five times per week.

Less costly and easy forms of recovery→

I stay moving throughout the day. I believe cycling is the holy grail to build an aerobic engine and flush the legs. I cycle four to six times per week.

Hollow Socks

- Wear compression socks, especially if you’re sitting all day or traveling.

Recovery Lab Soaks

-Take a hot bath with magnesium and epsom salt.

Kane Footwear

-Wear recovery shoes that help improve blood flow. You know I love Kane.

You can’t eliminate risk. But you can manage it. Stay just below the line when you can. And when you cross it, focus on what you still have control over.

Have a great week,

Eric