Contemplating The Parallels Between Geology And Training Base Or Physical Fitness

Deb assures me that she also experiences fear of heights, whilst I am inwardly and outwardly paralyzed (but more on that another day). She sure looks scared of that 2000 ft. cliff just behind her, don’t you think? Photo by FitOldDog.

Hi folks! Welcome. It’s always good to be home after a trip!

The ‘Map The Changed The World,’ by Simon Winchester. Click here for link to book. Thanks for the recommendation, Eric.

A number of books have changed my perspective concerning the nature of science, including ‘The Map That Changed The World,’ which essentially traces the history of the field of Geology from a western perspective. I find that there are many parallels between our internal and external worlds, with the former being largely sculpted by our interactions with the latter. For instance, consider your training (physical state) base and rock strata. A simple thought experiment that may help you to avoid injuries.

Without resorting to the aid of a book on Geology or Googling (honest!), I remember the existence of soft sedimentary, hard igneous, and a range of modified or metamorphic rocks. Some are easily worn away by water, such as sedimentary sandstone and bio-derived limestone. Others hard, being produced by volcanic activity combined with the effects of massive pressure and heat, including granite and diamond. Then there is a wide range of modified or metamorphic rocks, being sedimentary materials changed by heat and pressure over the eons of the Earth’s evolution. And that is about all I can remember.

FitOldDog contemplates over his morning cup of tea on the rim of The Grand Canyon. Photo by Deb.

Whilst contemplating the geology of the Grand Canyon recently, I was struck by how my thoughts linked rock structure to my training base and body’s physical history. I have strong hard parts (enamel of my teeth = granite) that almost never break and tenaciously resist constant contact with external fluids, weak points (knees and old scars = limestone and sandstone, combined with fracture lines), which almost dissolve before your eyes if you push it too hard, and areas that are in a constant state of physical flux (connective tissues, including myofascia and neuromuscular networks = metamorphic rocks).

Left cup is a control, and the right one was turned inside out, very carefully by FitOldDog. Took about 10 minutes! Click here for link to article.

I must add that all areas of my body, like the Earth, are in a constant state of flux, with a wide range of time scales. For instance, bones look pretty stable, but they are being modified in response to external and internal forces, including gravity and electrical fields, all the time.

Consider comparing the evolution of Planet Earth with the developmental history of your mind-body, and assiduously seek out your weakest links. That’s where your next injury will come from if you neglect the study of body awareness, and push things too far or too fast.

If in doubt, revisit the styrofoam cup/endurance training analogy of Joe Friel – brilliant.

-k @FitOldDog