As the weather takes turns for the better and Spring Break + summer loom, many people (us included!) decide to dust off New Year’s Resolutions in favor of reviving wayward health goals. And good on you! Maybe, to hold yourself accountable, you’ve signed up for a 5K in support of a good cause, or you’re finally going to check “marathon” off your bucket list. Regardless of your goals, there are a few things you should know before you, quite literally, hit the ground running.
Per the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Department of Rehabilitation Services, 80% of running injuries are caused by too much of an increase in mileage too quickly. We get it – we’re all occasionally guilty of trying to seize the day, take advantage of motivation, and push ourselves to the limit. But the goal is longevity – so don’t take yourself out of the race (pardon the pun) before you’ve even had the chance to begin!
Here are some of our best tips for staying healthy as you progress through your running program: