Don't Under Estimate the Importance of Your Core Strength - Abdominals and Lower Back

For those of us who are getting on in years, core strength is an essential part of our training programs. Most literature really emphasis the importance of this for any athlete over 30 years of age.

Here is a lesson learned and believe me you do not want to go through this lesson....it sucked with a capital SUCK! Note: Since 2004 my training has always included a core strength and flexibility program.

Lesson Learned
Last year I.....40 years old....embarked on my first journey of full Ironman training. The volume of training was down right ridiculous, peak volume weeks where around 25 hours of training. Anyway, as I got going on the training there just was not enough hours in the week to get all the swim, bike, run workouts in along with a core strength and flexibility program. So I tossed the core strength and flexibility program and gained an extra couple of hours a week. Coincidence, not sure, but in the last recovery week before my my Ironman race I suffered a serious lower spine injury from lifting something wrong. This injury resulted in me not making the start line in the Ironman (heart breaking) and 3 to 4 months of serious rehab on my back. I can't say for sure that this was the cause but it is not a chance I am willing to take again....ever!! Needless to say I am working harder than ever on core strength and flexibility.

Here is a link to a wicked program I came across for core strength. Try it you might like it.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=486

Until next time, train hard and smart. Keep that core strong!!

Mikey