Returning From Injury or Illness
Injuries and illness are an unfortunate reality for most long distance runners. Even the most intelligent, well-thought-out training programs are often interrupted by bumps in the road.
How runners deal with these bumps are critical and, when returning from injury or illness, it's important to ramp back up toward full training with a greater emphasis on feel, rather than on any predetermined pacing requirements.
Post-Travel and Pre-Competition
Traveling long distances is extremely stressful on your body, particularly on runners. It's easy to dehydrate while flying or driving long distances, and legs are often sapped of energy when seated for long periods. In the case of extended travel, allow your body to run relaxed mileage without any concern toward pace or external feedback.
Take the same approach when doing light, pre-competition runs, such as a few miles in the one to two days leading up to an important race.
To Track or Not to Track?
Tracking devices can be incredibly useful tools for runners trying to gain specific feedback about pacing and topography. However, be mindful of the fact that running is a sport dominated by athletes from nations where these devices are rarely used.
As the evolution of training continues, I witness far too many athletes of all ages and abilities feeling the need to track every last minutiae of their regimen. In doing so, these athletes have gotten away from the most effective feedback device available: the human body.
This year, try going old school with a bit more device-free time. Train aggressively, but intelligently.
Related Articles:
- The Importance of Building a Running Base
- Long Runs: Not Just For Marathoners
- How to Choose the Best Running Socks
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