If you have an injury and have been advised to take some time off from running, don’t despair. There are a few things you can do to get back running as soon as possible.

Take Your Injury Seriously

First, make sure to listen to your doctor and take the time they prescribe. This means following their advice about rest/sleep, stretches, nutrition and exercises.

Once you have recovered from your injury, it is important to be patient and take it slow when starting up again. Start by gradually increasing your mileage and intensity until you are back at your pre-injury level.

If you find that you are struggling with the intensity or mileage at first, remember that it is okay to take some time off before trying again. Injury rehabilitation takes time and consistency, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a little bit of time for you to get back into running shape.

Recovery of the mind, recovery of the body

One thing that is often not considered is the mental factor. Many of us get quite shaken after an injury. This can lead to feeling unfit and incapable.

Physical rehabilitation is important, but it is not the only factor in getting back on your feet. In fact, many people find that their mental health is just as crucial in their recovery process.

Talk to your doctor and therapist about your injury. This can be really helpful in terms of managing the stress that comes with getting injured.

Finding something to focus on outside of the injury will help you recover faster too. Whether that is a hobby, a Netflix show, or spending time with friends and family.

Last but not least, make sure to set goals for yourself once you have started running again. This way, even if you don’t reach your original goal, you know that you are moving in the right direction.

Realistic goals

Setting realistic goals will help you stay motivated throughout the entire process. When you are making small steps forward, you will feel more accomplished.

This is also a great way to avoid setting goals that are too high or unrealistic. You don’t want to end up discouraged if you don’t reach them right away.  Pro Tip:  Be sure to add your workouts to your personal calendar as that increases the likelihood of you staying on track with training.

Take it one step at a time

It is easy to get overwhelmed when starting out again after an injury. Make sure to take it slow and go at a pace that is comfortable for you. Do not try to do too much too soon.

Persevere

If you put in the effort and persevere, you will be able to get back on your feet and resume your life as usual. Remember, there is no wrong way to recover from an injury - as long as you are working towards a reasonable, realistic goal.  Join a fitness community like RaceMob or similar groups/clubs in your local area to help with motivation and accountability!