Being injured not only prevents you from running, it prevents you from social interaction, releasing feel good hormones and affects your mental well-being.
It is tough being on the injured list and watching the rest of the community getting out there running, exercising, and enjoying life. You start to feel isolated, alone, and bad habits start forming as a way to cope with this.
So, what can you do to help yourself get through this as unscathed as possible?
1. Routine/Training plan
Form a rehab training program, just as you would for your next ½ or full marathon. Make a daily plan for your rehab exercises. Set it in stone, so you can recover as quickly as possible. Follow your physio’s advice to the letter. Ask your physio about other exercise too. Just because you cannot run, that does not mean you cannot do upper body weights (lower body injury), swimming, cycling, or walking.
2. Nutrition
Now is the time to focus on your nutrition. When you are not running you require less fuel. Think about eating food that are calorie dense, not calories wasters. For example, the difference between butter and avocado. By choosing the avocado you are choosing a calorie dense food full of nutrients that the body needs to recover.
Consider meal prepping. By spending two hours a week cooking all your meals on a Sunday afternoon, you save time, excuses and limit yourself to your healthy eating plan. Your body will thank you for it.
3. Social interaction
Just because you are not running, that does not mean you cannot meet your friends for that coffee after their run. Why not come down thirty minutes early and get in a nice walk, so you both finish at the same time. You will still feel apart of the group, as the social interaction is critical for your wellbeing.
4. Fresh air, sunshine
Do not underestimate the power of nature in your recovery. To assist your body in recovery, get outside everyday in the fresh air, sunshine, and life, to ensure you get your Vitamin D hit. Even in Winter, there is plenty of sunshine to fill your soul with joy.
If you keep up routine and order, combined with good nutrition, and social interaction, you will be on your way to recovery before you know it. Please feel free to comment below any questions you may have.
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