Zackary Ellis Sanders loves running because it’s truly a battle against yourself. Reaching new heights is completely dependent on a runner’s ability to stick to their routine and continue to push themselves a little bit further than maybe they thought they could. The mental battle for a runner is never worse than after an injury, explains Zackary Ellis Sanders. When an injury takes a runner away from their typical routine, the idea of starting all over again can be overwhelming. Today, Zackary Ellis Sanders will provide some tips any runner looking to get back to their running ways after an injury.
Zackary Ellis Sanders Says Understand How the First Injury Took Place
There’s no point in hitting the track, treadmill or streets before an injury is fully healed. That’s why it’s so important to get a proper diagnosis on an injury. A medical professional can provide guidance on the recovery time, provide rehabilitation tips, and examine the potential causes of the injury. A lot of running injuries occur because of poor form or poor shoes. It’s vital that shoes are providing enough ankle support to endure longer runs. Some injuries occur due to overwork and a lack of stretching. Listen to your body. If your hamstrings are tight or your quads are burning, be sure to incorporate a stretch routine into your running regimen. After speaking with a physical therapist, it’s important to take their guidance into account not only during the rehab process but after returning to running as well.
Don’t Quit All Exercise While Recovering
There are few injuries that require a complete separation from exercise during recovery. Sure, running may be off the table, but it doesn’t mean that all exercise should be paused. Whether it’s walking or some weight training, it is very important that a person recovering doesn’t allow their muscles to fatigue entirely. Having some sort of exercise routine will make the transition back into running much easier. A body in motion is the best weapon in the fight against stiffness, aches and pains.
Zackary Ellis Sanders on Easing Back into Running
When you first start a running routine, it’s all about gradually getting better over time. It may be frustrating to start out slowly – with more rest days in between – but it can set a runner up for long-term success. Not everyone has the willpower to return to running after an injury, so it’s important to give yourself some credit. The more positive self-talk, the better off a runner will be. Start by walking, then pick up a gradual pace when discomfort steps in, stop. Keep track of progress and it will be a quicker return to previous milestones than you may think.
Always Remember That Prevention is Easier Than Recovery
Every athlete is different. It’s important that every individual runner considers what their body is telling them. If some part of the body is starting to hurt or the lung capacity just isn’t there on a particular day, it’s important to stop the run and walk the rest of the route. The climb back after an injury is a pain. Taking the time to listen to one’s body is vital to avoiding injury and the setbacks that come with it.