One of the messages that I have been getting while getting my Ph.D. here at the University of Tennessee is the focus of being inter-disciplinary.  This means that the current trend in communications and public relations is to not only to use the research and strategies that are in our respected disciplines, but to also incorporate other practices used in other fields.  For example, in my program– my primary area is public relations, but my cognate is in Marketing.  Both are similar in many ways, but they also have different perspectives that they offer.  It has been very interesting and I feel that due to having classes in these two disciplines, it has really helped my research, writing, and overall concept of what public relations is as a field.

Blast from the past:  Summer 2003 working with Tyrone Ward
However, this is the same I would have to say in athletics as well.  For track and field, athletes have to use various exercises to become stronger, faster, and increase their overall fitness. Dad was great this way in my training– we did weightlifting, throwing, and sprint drills. However, we also did some football drill exercises (bear crawls) and running stairs.  Yes, it brings back memories! 🙂

It is also good to incorporate other training activities as well from other athletes that do different events.  For example, I worked out with Tyrone Ward, who was an All-American long jumper at Cal Poly, one summer along with my cousin Scott– and it brought an entire new perspective on my conditioning routine.  I remember the first day of practice with Tyrone– he said to run two laps for a warm up– and I considered just a lap around the track to be long distance!  But working with Tyrone taught me a lot of things that I didn’t have before.  I became one with abs, running, and other conditioning exercises.  I still use the same ab exercise routine that I learned from Tyrone today.  Thanks Tyrone!

Now, if I had to add anything to my routine as a thrower– it would definitely be kickboxing.  I have been taking classes at the Recsports center at Tennessee, and the classes have been absolutely fantastic!  I change it up a bit– sometimes it is kickboxing, step, spin, or cardio boot camp– but what I love about these classes is that they are intense and give you an incredible workout.  What is also great about kickboxing is that you are getting a cardio workout and at the same time toning.  It would be a great addition to a thrower’s exercise routine. 🙂

My point in all of this is simple– you can learn from anyone and from any field– and the more knowledge and background you can get– the more informed and well-rounded you will be. 🙂

Hope you all are having a great day!

Best Wishes,

Karen 🙂