The Sweet Spot of Movement

MUSINGS FROM A COACH - 9 July '24

I truly believe we've all felt that feeling of effortlessness (is that a word?) while moving at some point in our lives. It's a cool feeling of moving with ease, very purposefully and generally gives us a big smile and moment of peacefulness.

It's come to me in all the endurance sports and only when I've reached a level of fitness where my body has learned, memorized and gotten fit to repeat that movement without thought.

I think of this "sweet spot" of movement as being on top or on the crest of a wave - a feeling or state of perfect balance and effort. For the swimmers out there, it's that feeling of being on top of the water - on the front edge of the curve - moving fast, rhythmically and powerfully. For cycling, I've found it's the feeling of pedaling fast, powerfully and moving lower on the bike and more forward on the saddle. That top of the curve makes you feel as if you are flying downhill when you're actually on the flats.

For running, probably the most rewarding for me, it's the feeling of moving our body over the ground in a way that we were built for - perfectly timed shoulder swings with oposite hip swings and spring-like foot and ankle movements.

When we consistently move in a repetative motion that we've learned, and we then get fit to repeat that motion, there is this feeling of freedom and joy. It's a moment that reminds us of how wonderful it is to be alive. It's that pure joy of doing something physically with our bodies that seems almost magical. This sweet spot of movement is what always brings me back.

Have you felt this? I bet that if we pay attention and keep our awareness high, we might feel this each and every week. Being "aware" of that feeling may remind us why we train - it's just fun.

Gratefully,

Mark

CEO Team MPI