Ask the Trainer: should I train through an injury?
Fitness expert Matt Haugen
Our Ask the Trainer program allows readers to submit questions to a panel of nationally recognized fitness experts. Answers are posted here in the blog for all readers to see. This week’s question comes from a reader who is eager to keep running, but is plagued by a common injury.
Get Your Rear in Gear Reader: I am training to run a June marathon, but I have developed shin splints. I was going to run the Get Your Rear in Gear 5K race this weekend and maybe another 5K next weekend. Is it better to rest my legs or keep training?
Matt Haugen: It is always best to “rest for success.” When shin splints (or any other injury) are painful enough to force changes in your training, you are always better off resting & recovering now, in order to return more rapidly healthy (and enjoyable) run training sessions. When a runner continues to train or race while injured, they merely increase their chances for a more chronic, long-term injury.
DO THIS: Find a non-impact cross-training activity that you can enjoy, while you wait for your running injury to heal. I would recommend a combination of elliptical, biking, swimming, & rowing. Consider this brief rest from running to be a chance to explore & discover other activities that you can enjoy.
Get Your Rear in Gear: We would also recommend that you stay active at the Get Your Rear in Gear event! Come out and volunteer on race day! This is a great way to support the sport of running and help to raise awareness for an important cause. Get more information about volunteering by clicking here.
Matt Haugen is a full-time coach who has trained thousands of athletes since 1980. Matt holds a B.A. in Psychology, and M.S. Exercise Science/Sport Psychology from Penn State, and Ph.D. studies (A.B.D.) in Kinesiology/Sport Psychology from the U of Minnesota. He currently trains athletes of all levels through Performance Power (P2) based in St. Paul Minnesota.
