This last weekend I was supposed to run the Rock and Roll Marathon in Seattle as I have done quite a few marathons over the years. Things did not work out as planned because about two months ago I developed an overuse injury that is slowly getting better. Having learned the lesson the hard way that my mind is stronger than my body on more than one occasion, like tearing muscles, for the first time I actually made the decision to let my body rest and not put it to that level of stress. It was the right decision.
This can be a hard thing for the teen athlete as well as there is so much pressure to compete. Often athletes can play through mild injuries but if things are getting worse then at some point rest is often the solution along with a hard look at what got them to that injury in the first place.
My wife and I both get out and exercise often as it helps to set an example for our children. They both enjoy going “jogging” around the block or taking walks. Our children see us both being active and want to engage in the activity as well. We also try to find activities to do as a family to get us all moving. Our latest new family activity is geocaching. Basically we use our GPS device to walk around parks and find little hidden treasures put there by other players. The kids really enjoy it.
Injuries suck, but I am glad you are getting better. It’s really great too that you and your wife are teaching your kids about the importance of health at a young age, it’s something they need to know to grow up healthy and strong.