How to return to running after an injury or time off

Returning to running after an injury or a long break? Here’s what to know.

I’ve been running for over 20 years and in that time, I’ve definitely dealt with a LOT of running injuries. Some have been injuries I was able to somewhat run through (like plantar fasciitis). Others took me out of running entirely, like the posterior tibial tendon tear that took me out of running for months and months. But, when I’ve fallen while while running, I only needed a week or two off. Regardless of what type of injury you have, it’s frustrating to not be able to run the way you want to.

Here’s the thing: taking a few weeks off from running won’t set you back in your fitness or with your goals too much. However, if you take a longer period of time off (like 6+ weeks), then it will take a little more effort to get back into your running groove.

For example, when I was training for a marathon, I ran 15+ miles pretty easily. I did 10-12 mile runs during the week and 20-22 mile runs on the weekends. Then, after having my son, I dealt with lingering hip stuff and running 10 miles sounded totally overwhelming. Running easily comes in seasons, just like the rest of our lives. It’s normal. In this post I’m going to share some tips for returning to running after an injury or time off. I hope these tips help you feel more equipped to hit the pavement!

How to return to running after an injury or time off

Feeling overwhelmed after time off is normal, whether you took 2 weeks or 2 months off and whether your “normal” distance was 2 miles or 20 miles. After time off, you can’t just hop back into your regular running routine – unless you are super-human. Or, unless you want to risk getting re-injured!

Your running hiatus may have stemmed from a multitude of reasons — injury, life, pregnancy — but whatever the reason, you want to make sure that you return to running safely and, hopefully, still sane! In this post, I’ll share the various aspects that you need to consider as return to running, both physically and mentally.

Tank | Zella socks (my favorite socks for running) | New Balance Beacons (review here)

Whether you’ve fallen, broken or sprained something, have an overuse injury, work got in the way, or wonderful life things happened, you need to consider how long you’ve been away from running before you start back again.

When you’ve taken 1-2 weeks off

If you’ve taken 10 or so days off, then I suggest you decrease your mileage by 50-60% when you return to running the first few times. So, if you used to run 4 miles, go out for a 2 mile run. And walk if you need to. If you used to run 6 days a week, ease back in with 3 days a week for a few weeks. Don’t ignore any pain! Listen to your body and give it a break by walking or an extra day off, if necessary.

Zella socks (my favorite socks for running) | New Balance Beacons (review here)

When you’ve taken 6+ weeks off

If you’ve been out 6-8 weeks (or longer), then I recommend that you start your training from scratch. I know this sounds defeating, but I promise it doesn’t have to be. The key is to celebrate the little wins along the way. (I talk more about how to start running from scratch in my online running course.)

And remember, if an injury kept you out of running, you’ll likely need some physical therapy. Working with a PT is critical since every injury is so different and we each recovery differently. When I was recovering from my torn tibial tendon, I was at physical therapy and getting dry needling 2-3 times a week for 8 weeks. Yes, it took a LOT of time but I wanted to make sure I fully healed and strengthened the right areas to ensure I didn’t get re-injured. A good PT will guide you on the types of exercises you need. (I’m lucky that my PT is also a runner – it helps!)

Once you get some strength back, slowly ease back into running.

When I was cleared to run after my ankle injury, I started out running just 30 seconds at a time, followed by 3 minutes of walking. I could have been discouraged (heck, the year prior I was preparing for the Boston Marathon!) but I was so grateful to be running, in any amount. And over time, I gradually increased my running to walking ratio and then started to go on more normal, albeit slower, runs.

Just make sure you are symptom-free and/or pain-free before increasing the amount of running, even by 30 seconds! The worst kind of injury is one that won’t go away because you won’t let your body heal. Your doctor, physical therapist, or trainer should be able to help you monitor your recovery and help you rebuild. And, remember to listen to your body and be honest with yourself!

Tank | Leggings | Shoes (review)

How to return to running after giving birth

This is something that I have first hand experience with now that I’m a mom! How you recovery from labor depends on how you had your baby. If you delivered vaginally, then you’ll likely need to stick to walking until the 6-week postpartum doctor’s visit. With your doctor’s OK, you should be able to start running again at the 6-week mark. And note the word, “start”. You can’t just go back to your pre-birth mileage!

Keep in mind that the 6-week marker is highly dependent on your age, your body, your labor, and your pre-labor exercise. So again, CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR. It’s also not a bad idea to work with a pelvic floor specialist before diving into your old workout routine, especially if it’s high impact.

If you had a C-section, remember that this is major abdominal surgery.

In most cases, you should do absolutely nothing except push the stroller around the neighborhood for at least TWO weeks after surgery. But again, check with your doctor for even that. Full recovery can take up to 12 weeks. Between the 2 and 12-week mark, you might be able to walk or swim. For the majority of women, running will be off the table until at least the 12-week mark. But don’t beat yourself up if your body takes a little longer to recover. Again, your doctor will help you make the best decisions for YOU.

I can say from experience that returning to running postpartum is a journey, and a discouraging one at times. I got frustrated that I couldn’t run at the same pace I used to, or go go as far, but it helped me a lot to remember how thankful I was for my body that gave me my son, and to give myself grace. Here are the 10 lessons I learned when returning to running postpartum.

The mental side of returning to running

It can be SO hard to return to running. Yes, physically, but sometimes even more so mentally. It’s easy to compare yourself to yourself pre-injury or pre-baby or pre-high pressure job. But it’s important to focus on the phase you are in and let that drive you forward, not force you to constantly look back. So, how do you focus on the phase you’re in? Find little things to be grateful for in every run. Remember that running is NOT just about the time or miles on your watch. Remember why you started running in the first place.

As I started running after my torn tendon, I was grateful for the 30 second run portion of my outings. But if I’m honest, there were days I was discouraged. It was frustrating to feel fatigue after a 10 minute mile when I used to run mile repeats in the low 6’s. I was annoyed that I had to take walk breaks as part of my recovery build-up when I wanted to just keep running.

I had to very purposely try to shift my mindset to gratitude and focusing on the little wins along the way. So, I let the 10 minute miles remind me of my early days of running when I didn’t care about pace. And I laughed at how glad I was to be “forced” to walk up hills that I always wanted to walk up anyway!

How cross training helps

Most runners don’t necessarily enjoy cross-training. Or, they feel “guilty” if they do something other than running. So, when you can’t run, it’s a great time to learn to enjoy other activities and to LET yourself enjoy them!

Not only does cross-training help you avoid injury, it can also help you cope better when you can’t run. If you have conditioned yourself to only rely on one exercise (i.e. running) and you are fulfilled only by running, then you are setting yourself up for disappointment in the long run (no run-pun intended). Nearly every runner will need to take time off at some point.

I’m saying this as someone who absolutely loves running. I get it. Running is always my first choice for a workout. But I make sure I diversify my workout routine with things like riding the Peloton, Pilates, strength training and, occasionally, yoga. I truly enjoy all of those so when I can’t run, while it’s disappointing, I at least have other workout options I enjoy. In fact, I’ve become pretty obsessed with the Peloton bike bootcamps and pilates these days!

If you have an alternative exercise routine that you do enjoy, set goals with those!

When I was recovering from my ankle tear, I set a goal to try a new Peloton class each time I rode – and found I LOVE the scenic classes without an instructor. I’m also making a point to do strength training 2-3x a week, even if it’s only for 10 minutes.

Oh, and I sure wish I enjoyed swimming since nearly every doctor or PT I’ve ever talked to when injured recommends it! It’s an exercise that is almost always OK to do, regardless of what injury or surgery you had. So hey, if you enjoy it, add that in! I am a horrible swimmer and would love to take adult swim lessons someday. Or maybe I’ll wait to take the Thomas to swim lessons and take notes for myself too.

Bottom line: When you only focus on running and your running achievements, it will be extremely frustrating when you can’t run or when your performance isn’t what it used to be. Don’t put all your workout eggs in one running basket! Try a variety of workouts, even before (perhaps especially before) injury or life happens.

Jacket | Shorts | Shoes

Avoiding future injuries

Annnnd the question we all want the answer to: how do you avoid injuries? I wish I could guarantee that you won’t get injured with these tips, but things just happen! But, these tips will certainly help with overuse injuries and recurring injuries.

• Stay consistent in your workout routines. Taking large chunks of time off and then diving right back in as if you hadn’t is a recipe for disaster.
• Diversify your workouts. Read more about the importance of cross-training here.
• Evaluate your training timeline. make sure you don’t try to build up your mileage or intensity too quickly!
• Evaluate and adjust your goals, if necessary. Giving yourself realistic racing or timing goals can help you avoid unnecessary injuries or strains. And if you’re recovering from an injury, remember that your endurance and speed will take some time to come back.
• Know your injury history and what your weak spots are. As I’ve gotten into my early to mid 30s, it seems I’m prone to lower limb issues, e.g. plantar fasciitis, ankle instability, etc.
• Make time to recover (foam roll, stretch, massage, etc.)
• Take time off! COMPLETE rest days!
• Fuel appropriately

I talk about all of these topics in more detail in my online running program, so if you’re ready to improve you running, join us!

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