Struggles New Runners Face and How to Overcome Them
Spring is one the best time of the year for running – the weather is just right, days are longer and the environment is more colorful. You feel energetic and want to start a new hobby to improve your health. One of the most affordable options is running. Simply go to the park and start jogging. Don’t let this fall in the “too good to be true” category.
Slideshow: Struggles New Runners Face and How to Overcome Them
One of the biggest mistakes, especially early on, that runners make is increasing their training intensity too quickly, Dr. Timothy Miller, Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at The Ohio State University, says. This can lead to the vicious cycle of running hard, feeling pain and losing motivation. “Not giving the body enough time to adjust will lead to overuse injuries,” he adds.
They can range from a mild problem such as Achilles tendinitis, which is damage to the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, or to what could be a devastating wound such as a stress fracture, Dr. Miller says.
All new runners need to know that rest is absolutely crucial and mandatory. Don’t ever go running for more than three days in a row without taking a break. “You can do something else if you don’t want to sit on the couch,” Dr. Miller says. “Cross training, swimming and anything without high impact are good options.”
A big reason for many injuries that runners face is form. Make sure you get it right from the very beginning. “Proper running form is hard to change because we learn it so early on,” he adds. Don’t lean too far forward, stabilize your pelvis, and aim for a neutral foot strike.
Click here for 15 Struggles New Runners Face and How to Overcome Them
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