I sat down to write my weekly training blog about speedwork, then my year and a half old computer shut down on me for no reason for the sixth(?) time in the last two weeks.  So after spending nearly two hours trying to figure out what was wrong, fixing the problem and completely reinstalling some programs I decided to write about something that I have been thinking about a lot lately, technology vs. the human body (hopefully I will be able to continue with my speedwork blog next time, technology willing).  

Why is it that we are so enamored with modern technology, but very few people realize or think about what an amazing machine the human body is.  Don't get me wrong, technology has improved my life, made things easier for my family and me, made exercising or enjoying the outdoors safer in bad weather or harsh conditions, made most of my sports equipment lighter, sturdier, and faster, and made race preparation and training an exact science.  But what about the human body?  I have studied anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, biology, and many other exercise based human movement courses and I am still just in awe of the human body, how every system works together so exactly, with such precision, and this technology has been around since the beginning of mankind.  Something as simple as taking a step is actually a very complex series of reactions and responses by your body, now imagine how many of those actions take place in something like a 5k run, or an ultramarathon.  If I asked my computer or smart phone to do that day in and day out they would have a break down.  Why are people so willing to spend so much money on technology, but so little on staying in shape or improving their overall health?  People will stand in line to buy the new I-Pad, but cringe at the thought of spending a few dollars to hire a massage therapist, physical therapist, or personal trainer to help them with their pain and learn how to exercise properly.  The interesting thing about the human body is the harder you push it (if done properly) the stronger it will become.  Try doing that with your laptop and see what happens.  Also, you do not need to replace your body every couple of years to get the latest technology, just keep it in shape and it will naturally improve, free of charge.  Many of my neighbors are hitting their grandparent years and are hiring personal trainers to help them get back into shape, as they are watching some of their friends get older, more out of shape, and beginning to have major health issues, kind of like running a computer without anti-virus protection. However with a little dedication and effort they will probably get their bodies to respond and improve their health, again showing the resiliency of the human body.  Technology certainly has it's place in our world, I just hope we all learn to stay focused on what is most important.

For more information check out my website: www.elevationathletics.org