Sidelined with injury, now what?

Rehab'ing my hurt knee

Being injured doesn’t mean you have to sit on the sidelines completely. The road to recovery can be a long and bumpy ride, but there are a few things you can do to stay race ready while you rest. Coach Torres offers his tips for managing injuries during the running season.

  1. Rest to Recover
    At the top of the list is rest. You must take time out from running to recovery. Rest the muscle or injured area as much as possible.
  2. Ice Therapy
    It is an age old idea that stands the test of time. Ice the area 2 to 3 times a day for 15 to 20 minutes.
  3. Basic Needs
    Maslow was onto something with his Hierarchy of Needs. At the bottom, making the foundation for the pyramid of needs, were the basic needs of food, shelter, water, and rest. Get plenty of sleep and drink water! Your body needs to heal and sleep and hydration are important factors in that process. Here’s a fun Lifehack article that explains the Hierarchy of Needs using sports to explain each level of needs.
  4. Cross Train
    Being sidelined doesn’t mean you have to sit out completely. Cross train with a low impact exercise. Cycling, swimming or yoga would be great alternatives while you rest and recover.
  5. Stay Positive
    As they say, “this too shall pass.” Most importantly, keep a positive mental attitude!! Focusing on the good helps you to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Learn more about beating injury with a positive attitude in this article from Men’s Running.

If the injury persists, go to the doctor. Some injuries will require additional mediation to recover.

It’s H-O-T! Can I still run?

It’s hot! Can I still run?

This simple answer is yes, running is a year-round sport. Heat can cause complications like dehydration, muscle cramps, and exhaustion. The good news is, there are simple and easy ways to stay active when it’s hot outside. Coach Boos offers his top three tips for athletes.

  1. Stay Hydrated
    This does not mean drink water right when it is time to run. Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Remember, the three most important times to drink water are first thing in the morning, one hour before your run, and right before bed. How much water should you drink? That’s a complicated question, but here is what WebMD recommends.
  2. Dress for Success
    Wear light-toned, breathable clothing when exercising in the heat.
  3. Assess Yourself
    Listen to your body. Check for your signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. If you start to experience any dizziness, nausea, chills, or stop sweating, cease exercising and let your coach or running partner know immediately. They can help you get the care you need.

Pro Tip from a Running Mom: To cool down quickly, place cold compress or ice on your pressure points – wrists, inside of the elbow, back of the knee, and neck.

For more information on running in the heat, read this article from Road Runner’s Club of America.

Welcome to the 2021 Season!

Cold temps, but warm spirits at the Comets first practice of the season.

After a disappointing cancelled 2020 season, the Comets were finally back in action tonight!

Outside the temps were in the low 40s, but everyone’s spirits were warm. The athletes were excited to see old friends and meet new ones! And, the team enjoyed an easy run on the trail.

Still interested in joining the team for the 2021 season? We’d love to have you! It’s not too late to register. Visit the Online Registration page to join today!