The number one question we receive during marathon training is, “How do I know when to stop running because of an injury?” It’s a challenging question for runners to grapple with, and even tougher for us to answer. While you certainly want to maintain your training, the risk of causing serious damage to your body is a valid concern.

The quickest answer is to consult a medical professional who understands the nuances of running injuries and won’t simply say, “You just need to stop running.” This response is rarely helpful unless there’s a serious issue, such as a stress fracture or a significant tear. Many physical therapy clinics offer complimentary injury screens, so now is the perfect time to take advantage of their expertise. Meanwhile, you can ask yourself a few questions to assess the urgency of your situation:

• Does it hurt even when you’re not running?
• Is it altering the way you run or live your daily life?
• Is the area red or swollen, and has the swelling not decreased?

Additionally, consider your recovery plan. Do you have one? How are you caring for your muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments when you’re not running? Prioritizing recovery for these critical structures is essential for preventing injuries. For more insights on effective recovery techniques, check out this helpful article.

To further assist you, we’re hosting a class titled “Minimizing Your Injury Risks,” where we’ll discuss strategies to optimize your training and recovery periods to minimize injuries leading up to your race. Join us on August 24 at 5:30 PM at Smith Physical Therapy + Running Academy, located at 215 Exchange Drive, Suite E2, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. You can register online or call 815.893.9075. The class fee is $10 per person.

Also keep your eyes on our events page for an upcoming “YoBility” class – featuring the creator, Alex
Hofeldt. This class is designed for all athletes to combine joint mobility and trigger point release through yoga moves. It’s the perfect part
of a recovery plan for runners who can’t sit still during a regular yoga class! We will also be hosting Rebecca Cortina from Studio Santulana who has created a class specifically for the runners of Smith Physical Therapy + Running Academy to help with mobility and flexibility.