One’s Energy Levels Vary So Choose Wisely Between Rest Or Work On Force Versus Drag Reduction

“We join spokes together in a wheel,
but it is the center hole
that makes the wagon move.

We shape clay into a pot,
but it is the emptiness inside
that holds whatever we want.

We hammer wood for a house,
but it is the inner space
that makes it livable.

We work with being,
but non-being is what we use.”

Tao te Ching by Lao-tzu translation by S. Mitchell

Hi folks! Another lovely day, if you make it so!

Sometimes you just have to be!

Sometimes you just have to be!

Progression through your routine or whilst undertaking endurance training provides the choice of rest, focus on force (making things happen) or skill (learning to let things happen). When I feel tired, but I’m fine to exercise, I explore resistance or drag reduction, taking a relaxed but curious approach, whilst saving my strength work for another day. It creates a win-win, injury-free life!

I had essentially zero energy for training today, and I wanted to do some writing, which comes with it’s own struggles, however much you enjoy the art. It’s been raining, hot and muggy, and even the dogs were reluctant to move. I had a 3000 yard swim planned, nothing more, so off I went to the pool. How does one go about swimming almost 2 miles with little energy? Simple, you focus on sneaking through the water. It’s a great time to meditate on reducing drag.

Basically, go with the flow or follow the Tao.

I had a great swim in spite of everything, by the way, and I still feel like a limp noodle. This approach to my swim left plenty of energy for writing, however, so back to my second book.

Happy Laps!

FitOldDog

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Comments

  1. Very wise. I have learned to ‘do something’ to move the body on those limp noodle days. It always helps. And I’ve learned that on days when I overdo, the next day will be more of a limp noodle day. It’s so interesting!

  2. Ever consider Feldenkrais training? Just wondered.

  3. Marsha Schauer says

    Re: Feldenkrais, I know you endorse it. There’s a place here, not far away, and I will check into it. Meanwhile, I am ‘moving’ in some fashion every day, interesting because now I don’t want to break the chain!

  4. Keep moving, young lady. That’s the way to stay alive and happy. Cheers, kevin

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Disclaimer: As a veterinarian, I do not provide medical advice for human animals. If you undertake or modify an exercise program, consult your medical advisors before doing so. Undertaking activities pursued by the author does not mean that he endorses your undertaking such activities, which is clearly your decision and responsibility. Be careful and sensible, please.