Marathon Injuries: From the editor

I know Sean Fyfe won’t thank me for adding to his marathon misery by drawing attention to it in this slot, but hopefully he’ll forgive me. It’s just that there is something tremendously reassuring (I was going to say satisfying but that’s a bit too harsh) in knowing that even the experts’ best laid plans go wrong occasionally. I am going through a very slightly comparable situation myself at the moment, trying to sort out some probably long- standing chronic injuries that have latterly started giving me grief. And it’s no fun, as one who spends a lot of time teaching good posture, to hear my therapist telling me about my own weaknesses, imbalances and assorted offences against postural stability.

The lesson is obvious, but I suspect singularly hard for professional ‘healers’ or enablers to take. However astute our judgements, however keenly applied our knowledge in respect of others, we should not expect to be able to get it right on ourselves. Everyone needs a second opinion, another expert or colleague who can see past our blind spots. Maybe Sean would have suffered exactly the same fate even with a second brain applied to his preparation, but maybe not.

Not just Sean’s salutary tale, but the whole of SIB this month has a very strong practical know-how feel. Some essential insights and cautionary words for anyone involved in tennis coaching or support (especially with youngsters) are followed by two blockbusters, the first on tricky and damaging ankle sprains, the second on high-level shoulder strength rehab. Read, digest and enjoy!

And please, if anyone has ideas or information to add on the subject of cramps, hyponatremia and marathon running, please do share them with us (email below)!

Jane Taylor

Editor

Email: sib[@]electricwordplc.com (remove square brackets)