SEASON 2: Episode 1: Complex Systems and Running Injury/Success: Stop blaming one factor, take a ‘perfect storm’ approach! with Caden Shields

The Run Culture Podcast is back! Each episode of SEASON 2 will cover a key principle that underpins successful injury-free running (all will be supported by science, history and personal anecdotes.) In Episode one I chat to good mate of mine, awesome physio and 2:15 Marathoner; Caden Shields. Today, we discuss 'Complex Systems and Running Injury/Success'. I hope you enjoy it, whether it expands or just confirms a principle that you already knew. Please reach out and let me now how I can improve these episodes going forward! Here's a summary of Episode 1: 1.) There are multiple factors influencing why you get injured at any one time, it is seldom just one factor, as without out the other factors its highly likely your body would have tolerated this change (eg. if you don't run, who cares if you changed to a slightly more minimal shoe).  2.) We are all individuals- We all have unique attributes in regards to so many different characteristics. Our differences in our profiles- mean that we all respond to training slightly differently. In this way we (humans) are complex systems, we need to appreciate this. 3.) The 4 Big Rocks: energy availability, recovery, mental state, training organisation. These 4 factors turn the needle the most in regards to performance and injury. Mechanistic factors are important too but not at the expense of the big rocks. 4.) The Importance of 'Pattern Recognition' and acknowledging 'Lag time'. 5.) Personal anecdotes