Game Theory and Minimax Triathlon Injury Theory

I was at the Fish Market with some dudes. In between my prawns and a slice of highly disappointing cheese cake my brain started to hurt.

The conversation went from Russell Crowe films to Game Theory (via ‘a beautiful mind’). What I managed to process was that there is a mathematical theory of how strategies are used to win games. From noughts and crosses to chess to poker. The theory is used in economics (I did ‘A’ level economics but think I missed that lesson or maybe I was down the back getting 3 x’s in a row)  other social sciences, biology, computers, philosophy etc etc

But could it be applied to Triathlon – each player on the start line has adopted a strategy ? or do we all just have the same strategy ….. swim as fast as possible to the first bouy, make the lead group (that goes for you ironmen too !), bike and run to the best of our ability to get to the finish as fast as possible . .  . or is Triathlon racing more complex ?

Somehow Cern, nuclear physics and whats the point of flying to the moon came into it. My little brain was so overloaded I needed the toilet. When I returned the topic was how one takes the intestines out of a pig – you can use your thumb and forefinger supposidly. The meal was over shortly afterwards.

Then this morning Beijing Olympian Mari Rabie hit me with Minimax theory at 5.30am ! Minimax theory is about decisions used to minimise possible loss whilst maximising possible gain . . . . at 5.30am my brain finds it hard to remember the warm up which was read out 20 secs earlier

Aaaaaannnyway

I have had a running injury in the past few weeks. So heres my minimax triathlon injury theory. Minimise possible losses by:

1. Working on swimming and biking (thus maximising these gains)

2. Working on swimming and biking but not overloading too much so that your body has a chance to heal

3. Being more conscious of your diet to promote healing and minimise any weight gain that may result from less running

4. Seeing a good physio

5. Sleeping more

6. Going to a cafe, drink coffee and eat a muffin in times of sorrow ( contradicting point 3 ? )

7. Resting and not worrying (too much)

8. Stretching, doing that ‘plank’ exercise and or aqua jogging – all very very boring !

9. Going and getting an MRI if resting, worry,worrying about resting, physio, stretching, planks, sitting in a cafe eating muffins and lots of swimming and biking does not seem to be helping

10. Not developing a muffin habit

I know my grammar is bad but does my theory make sense ?

Call me and we can discuss it over coffee and a triple chocolate chip muff

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