Have you heard of a thing in physics called resonant frequency? A popular example of resonant frequency is when an opera singer reaches a high note and smashes a glass. Another example is the story of soldiers marching in step across a bridge, and the bridge collapsing (which is why soldiers break step when marching across a bridge).
So what happens is the frequency of the voice or the frequency of the soldiers' steps matches the resonant frequency of the object - that being the glass or the bridge. When that occurs, a vibration sets up, and it increases, and it increases to such a point that it breaks the bonds in the object, and the object then shatters.
I like to think of it as breaking the tension.
When my grandchildren first arrived 🙂 - baby Jamie and baby Lucas - and I was trying to put them to sleep, I'd tell my kids as I was tapping or rocking or patting the baby that I was just trying to find their resonant frequency! 😉 And in doing so I'd break the tension, the crying would stop, and Jamie or Lucas would go to sleep! 🙏
And it's all a bit of fun, but can that apply to endurance running? I think the answer is that it can!
Running coaches and books talk about steady-state running and getting into a pace which is steady-state. I like to think of resonant frequency.
Let me explain. When I'm running along I can generally feel the tension in my body. I can feel it in my legs, especially in the perimeters, or the outer parts of my legs. I can feel it in my arms and also in my hands, which are often gripping. Certainly, I can also feel the tension in my shoulders and in my face and in my eyes.
What I've learned to do, and what I'm trying to do more of, is to get to my resonant frequency state while I'm running, and to break that tension. I try to relax so the tension disappears and I can feel myself in a much more relaxed state. The point is there's a tax that comes with tension and over time that adds up to a fair cost.
So if I can get into my resonant frequency state and break that tension and relax, it's going to be beneficial, especially on a long run.
Now of course you can't do that all the time, especially if you're on a particularly technical piece of terrain. Some terrain needs your focus and attention and you probably need to be in more of a heightened state. But there should be opportunities where there's not a lot going on where you can really try and get into that resonant frequency state, turn the tension off and relax.
And the thing is endurance running is a metaphor for life really. So my question is where else can we find that? And the trick is not to just be finding points of relaxation sitting on the couch! The trick is to actually be able to find that relaxation while we're in the moment - while we're doing what we're doing. To be able to de-stress and relax, to break the tension while we're going about our day!
So that's my little story for today about resonant frequency.
Next time maybe you're putting the baby to sleep try and find their resonant frequency! Give them a tap or a pat and just see if you can break that tension and put them to sleep 😉 - and through all that, just keep going!
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Wave Running offers a systematic approach to calculating training volumes for all aspects of your endurance training programs. This results in greater confidence to tackle the endurance events that are part of your journey.
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