Remember the last time you laced up your running shoes or toed the starting line with others for a race? We can barely recall either!
Unfortunately, COVID-19 forced the cancellation of numerous in-person races in 2020 and the first months of this year. The good news for runners is that the calendar ahead is beginning to fill with opportunities for 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and marathons in the upcoming months.
After so much time between just running or prepping for races, you may feel a bit rusty. Here are some tips to help get you safely get back into shape and the right mind-set:
- Be patient and take it slow – know that you will not be as strong as you were prior to COVID and know that your mind and body will eventually heal.
- Do not overdo it – you’ll just get discouraged.
- Turn the negative self-talk around with positive talk – “great job, you made it a quarter mile today,” instead of “you only made it a quarter of a mile.”
- Lean on friends to help motivate you – just by committing to someone for a certain time and place, you will be more likely to go than if doing it alone.
- Stay positive – if walking or stopping is needed, do it and know that you are doing more than just sitting.
- Do not be too hard on yourself but do be persistent – your will, determination, stamina and desire to be a heathier version of yourself will improve with time.
- Don’t forget to warm up, stretch and cool down after a run. You don’t want to start off too fast and overexert yourself as this can cause many different types of injuries.
- Most importantly, get physical therapy if you feel you are sore or have been ignoring a pesty injury – the pain just won’t go away by itself and could continue to get worse untreated!
The good news is that we at Fitzgerald PT have the knowledge and expertise to help runners get back out there fast. We also have equipment such as the Alter G or NormaTec Compression Therapy which also greatly helps runners.
Visit our website here to learn more. Or easily book your appointment online now!
