There is a small window of opportunity that we can push ourselves during training to achieve physiological benefit of our performance. Anything subpar of that is unlikely for us to improve, and anything beyond that limit means higher risk of injury. It is not necessarily going to improve our performance either. So it is up to us to find that limit, stay within the zone for the optimal benefit, and be careful not to overdo it.
Elite runners can continue their training with less downtime because they have a support team to help them with recovery; masseuse, medics, and coaches. For us amateur runners, we cannot afford injuries to happen very often as injuries translate to no training. Our training plan then gets held back.
My suggestion is to listen to your body. Know your limits even though you know that the numbers on your Strava can be better than your training partner’s. Listening to your body means knowing when a pain arises, to identify where that sensation is coming from; was it a sharp pinch at the joint? Was it a joint pain? Or was it just muscle soreness? Injury if not treated can become chronic and will affect your running form. Left untreated, it will lead to irreversible chronic pain. Do not worry because you are not alone. Ask around and get the appropriate treatment.
I understand there are many individuals who were previously avid runners but due to circumstances, their lifestyle changed and exercise is no longer a habit. Those who are extremely overweight, with skeletal or spinal malalignment, a damaged knee cartilage, or worse yet the combo of any of these – I suggest you to drop running unless you have sought advice from a professional healthcare personnel.
There are many other sports that can get you back in shape. You can learn to cycle, swim, or even row. You might not realize but as time passes by, your body condition will improve enough to get you back into running.
Adam Lutfie
Kyserun Krew
28, Sports physiology enthusiast. Managed a youth underdog endurance horse riding team to podium finishes in Sukma and the Sultan’s Cup. Can be seen running with the coolest running cult in KL – the Kyserun Krew. Currently exploring the adventure of triathlon.
