With the marathon date getting so close, you want to put in your best performance on race day. However, now also is peak time to pay attention to your body and watch for warning signs of overtraining.
Runners are tenacious athletes. It’s tough to slow down at times, but right now, it’s crucial to listen to your body. When you’re increasing the intensity of training, your body may send you warning signs that you need to pull back a bit. Some of these issues can be reversed with simple rest and responding early can spare you from dealing with bigger problem.
Your feet take a pounding as you run mile after mile. Blistered callouses and broken toenails are two problems brought on by overtraining. Early morning pain on the sole of your foot can be a sign of plantar fasciitis. Tendonitis can leave you with pain at the back of your ankle or in front of your shins, also called shin splints.
Typically, these issues can be treated with a period of relative rest. Slow down your training. Dial back to the level you were at before the injury. Take an extra day off. These symptoms can be short term if you treat them early and appropriately.
When pain continues despite rest, or gets worse, it could mean a potentially serious bone issues, such as stress reactions or stress fractures in the midfoot, midshin or, most concerning, higher up by your hip. These issues typically cause unrelenting pain. Attempting to train through this pain can lead to bone fractures, including a hip fracture. When you first experience bone pain, you should see a health care provider.
Knowing you worked hard to prepare will add to your feeling of accomplishment, but don’t overdo it. You’re almost there. Take care of yourself so you can keep running strong all the way through to the cheers and T-shirts at the finish line.
Check out more tips for avoiding overuse injuries.
