Today I'm linking up with Erica at MCM Mama Runs, Marcia at Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and Patty at My no-guilt life for Tuesdays on the Run.The topic for today is “If I only knew then….” What advice would you give your new runner self?
Looking back, I think the one critical piece of advice would be to listen to your body. If you hurting, don't try and second guess it, accept it when you are injured. It may be tough to refrain from running, but in the long run it is worth it to let your body heal.
Taking a week or two will not significantly impact your physical fitness, and it just may be what your body needs so that you can continue to run for many years to come. The saying "no pain, no gain" does not apply to injury!
If the injury isn't one that is going away with RICE treatment, see a professional! Don't rely on Dr. Google!
A few other tips to help avoid injury:
- Don't increase mileage too quickly. It is easy to get excited about running further, but it is safer to remember the 10% rule
- Cross train... do something other than running a few times a week - yoga, cycling, etc.
- Stretch it out... and when that doesn't work, roll it out
5 Comments
The first time I ran 20 miles I didn't work my way up to that distance and I definitely paid the price. I know better now.
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely hard to listen to my body when I was a new runner because I just didn't know it's language yet. I let a nagging pain at the side of my knee blow up into nasty ITBS. Live and learn. Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteI do agree about don't listen to Dr. Google. Sometimes you can convince yourself that you're fine or that you can treat yourself when really you need to see a professional!
ReplyDelete"No Pain no Gain Does not apply to Injury!" Now that is great advice right there!
ReplyDeleteIt has been very interesting to read all of the advice we wish we had.
Isn't that the truth about if RICE doesn't work don't see Dr. Google, but how many of us are guilty of this? My hand is raised :( This was a great topic this week, I've enjoyed reading all the posts!
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