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.
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.