TRI Horsin’ Around

Stacey Richardson’s Weekly Workout Tip:

TRI a horse?

Isn’t it interesting to sometimes look at training in other sports and the performance modeling that lays the foundation?

An equestrian friend of mine shared this pyramid last year, and it has swum around in my head as interesting, applicable, and yes, full of hors-isms.

First, I love how the base of the pyramid is rhythm. When you see a great runner, swimmer, or cyclist, you can be extremely sure that they have great rhythm or flow to their movements. In biomechanicspeak, an athlete with rhythm shows great economy of movement and efficiency. Maybe even beauty…

Second- relaxation. We all hate to hear that relaxing can help us go faster and smoother, but it’s completely true. Lock up one muscle group in your antagonistic pairings, and you can be sure that your movement is no longer relaxed or efficient.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antagonist_(muscle)

Third- connection. OK, perhaps we need connection to our bodies and not the bit, but you get this one, right? One body. One mind. Move them together. Train both.

Fourth- impulsion. I”ll call this force of will for us. Will yourself forward in your motion and release that kinetic energy. You might not even stop until that finish line.

Fifth- straightness– I’ll equate this to posture and how you hold your body in space while doing all three sports. Without the awareness and functional strength to hold your body in alignment, how can you possibly imagine efficiency or speed? Does Chrissie Wellington slouch on the bike? Does Craig Alexander run hunched over?

Lastly, collection- To me, this looks like mindfulness. Collect your thoughts and physical actions for that performance.

Kabat-Zinn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nwwKbM_vJc

Think this is a stretch? Good. Then expand your mind and let it stretch. : )

Stacey Richardson’s Weekly Workout Tips
©TriStacey Coaching

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View Comments

Duckie says:

January 31, 2012 at 12:21 am

Interesting post. I am a life long horse person, and a triathlete. I often joke with my coach that he tells me the same things I used to tell my riding students. I like your interpretation of impulsion although, in reality, it would be a more physical concept, one I am struggling with in my runs. It would have to do with the energy you put into each step and how correctly you engage the right muscle groups (sound like a good pedal stroke?). Still your interpretation could only have come from someone who didn't fully understand the concept and it might be better. I really appreciate this because these are very ingrained concept and I hadn't considered them in this light. Thank you!!