The Running Ban

When we are advised not to run for whatever reason, it’s often the hardest news to accept as a runner. Our hackles go up as we question why this has to happen, and why we feel like we’re being punished. Whether down to illness, injury, or maybe just the need for a break it’s not what we want to hear is it? We want to train, and don’t like being told not to! A week can seem like a month, and even a few days of no running can leave us climbing the walls not knowing what to do with ourselves. The good news is, there’s lots we can do! See my quick list of do’s and dont’s below to see the alternative things to running that can actually benefit you long term as an athlete.

Do’s ✅

Relax 🛋- This may sound obvious but we need to use running bans as an opportunity for our bodies to heal and repair in order to come back strong. Without recovery, the body cannot adapt and improve, which is why we should always schedule rest days within our training/race plan even when we are feeling good.

Plan ahead 📔 📖 – Look ahead to next weeks/months training schedule, find key races, pencil in your running goals.

Distract yourself 📺 📚 🎧 – Seek Motivation in other things, to take your mind off running. We can often feel quite low and deflated during set backs such as injury or illness but this is actually the perfect time to do the things like listen to music, read books, and watch movies. Enjoy the downtime and look for inspiration in the arts, this will provide a happy distraction and help us find new perspectives.

Shop for new kit 😊 🛍 – So you can’t run, but you can shop online for new running kit! A bit of retail therapy will help relieve the boredom no end, and help motivate you for the next run.

Cross Train 💪🏼 🏊‍♀️ 🏋️‍♀️ – If possible, try some light strength conditioning to work on weak or niggling areas, perhaps a glute or core stability workout. Aquajogging is also a great low-impact alternative to running for injured runners. Drills are also a great form of light exercise, so it’s not going to take too much out the tank but a constructive use of time. Also, drills can be a great way to work on running form.

Dont’s 🛑

Run – Don’t be a fool and ignore professional advice. If coach has said rest, then rest. If a medical professional has suggested time out, take time out. Runners may not be able to see what’s actually best for themselves due to the strong desire and enthusiasm to train. This is when we need to respond sensibly to logic and trust in the process.

Return too soon – This may result in taking longer to recover, heal, or indeed make yourself worse in the long run. If we’re not careful, a weeks illness or niggle can lead to months out the sport if we do not take heed of advice and logic. The important thing to realise is that the running ban has been put in place for a reason, so accept it and do all you can to return even stronger.

So embrace the running ban when it’s been put in place, because it’s there for a reason! Use the time wisely, and return even stronger.