An interview with Rebecca Henderson on fatigue, burn out and purpose.

Sensory Approach to Manual Therapy

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Summary

This transcript is a conversation between Troy and Rebecca, a professional mountain biker. They discuss Rebecca's experiences as a three-time Olympian and her journey in the sport, including the mental and emotional challenges she faced during competitions and throughout her career. The conversation covers topics such as dealing with stress, burnout, and the accumulation of life events (allostatic load), as well as the importance of having a sense of purpose. Rebecca shares her strategies for coping with the highs and lows of her career, including taking breaks, spending time with friends and family, and finding ways to mentally disconnect from the sport. The conversation also touches on the unique pressures and experiences of competing at the Olympic Games.

Chapters

Introduction and Background

Troy introduces Rebecca, a three-time Olympian and professional mountain biker with an impressive athletic resume. He explains his interest in discussing the concept of 'allostatic load,' which refers to the accumulation of life stresses and events, and how it relates to Rebecca's experiences as a high-end athlete.

Early Career and Transition to Professional Racing

Rebecca shares her experiences from her early career, including her first season racing in Europe as an amateur and the challenges of traveling and competing without support. She discusses the transition to joining a professional team and the relief of having responsibilities taken off her shoulders, such as travel logistics and equipment maintenance.

Dealing with Stress and Burnout

The conversation delves into the mental and emotional challenges Rebecca faced throughout her career, particularly during the mid-season when energy levels and motivation tend to dip. They discuss strategies for coping with burnout, such as taking breaks, spending time with friends and family, and finding ways to mentally disconnect from the sport.

The Olympic Experience

Rebecca shares her experiences at the Tokyo Olympics, where she struggled with negative thoughts and a sense of dread, despite being well-prepared physically. She discusses the mental anguish she experienced during the race and the difficulty of finishing when every part of her wanted to quit. The conversation also touches on the unique pressures and expectations surrounding the Olympic Games.

Self-Care and Recovery

The conversation shifts to discussing self-care and recovery strategies for Rebecca as a high-end athlete. She highlights the importance of spending time with friends, getting massages (although sometimes she doesn't feel like it), and taking complete breaks from training during the off-season.

Action Items

1. Recognize the importance of having a sense of purpose in coping with stress and burnout, as it can provide motivation and help remove some of the mental and emotional load.
2. Explore strategies for mentally disconnecting from the sport during breaks and off-seasons, such as spending time with friends and family, engaging in non-athletic activities, and taking complete breaks from training.
3. Understand the unique pressures and expectations surrounding major events like the Olympic Games, and develop coping mechanisms to manage negative thoughts and mental anguish during high-stakes competitions.
4. Implement self-care practices, such as getting massages, taking hot baths, or practicing yoga, while being mindful of not overdoing it and allowing for rest and recovery when needed.
5. Reflect on the accumulation of life stresses and events (allostatic load) and how it

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