Getting hurt is never a pleasant experience, especially when it can be prevented. While accidents do happen, our bodies are able to handle quite a bit if they are properly taken care of. The following list includes some practical tips for avoiding unnecessary injury, specifically when it comes to running.
- Know your limits. Unfortunately, we are not able to go from running a mile to a full marathon overnight. As with most things, it takes time. Knowing your limits means knowing where you are at training wise and pushing yourself within that realm. While you may be able to physically finish 26 miles with minimal training, your body will not be too happy about it.
- Listen to your body. If you’re walking around the house with aches and pains, it would not be the best idea to decide to go for a long run that day. Listen to what your body is trying to tell you. You can run through the pain, but you’ll be doing more harm and exacerbating the situation.
- Find balance. While running is good for you, it does not build all the muscles you need. Balance out the cardio with some strength training. This does not mean to rely on running to build your legs and use weights to workout your arms. Your whole body needs strength! Curious about what exercises to do? Check out the 10 essential strength exercises for runners. These can easily be done in the comfort of your own home.
- RICE Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It’s easy and it works. That’s all there is to it. But, if you need more of an explanation on what each part entails, check out WebMD.
- Stretch! This is one of the most simple, yet least used forms of injury prevention. Stretch before you run. Stretch after you run. Stretch even if you aren’t going on a run that day.
If you want to feel good, take care of yourself. Respect yourself and your body. It’s the only one you get.