Running After a Long Layoff

Start slow and ease yourself back into running to avoid potential injury.

Running is a great source of exercise for both your heart and body, but starting to run again after an extended break or hiatus can be hard on your body if you do not take proper precautions beforehand.

Stretch

Stretching is crucial, even for an avid runner, but especially if you have not run in a while. According to the Mayo Clinic, limbering up your tight muscles and limbs through stretching will improve your range of motion and help to prevent injuries. Try dynamic stretches where you are moving around and engaging different parts of your body. These help to warm up your system.

Pace Yourself

Be realistic about the pace and the distance that you will be running after starting back after a long layoff. You need to ease your body back into a routine and build up to avoid over-exertion or potential injury.

Rest

Allow your body time to repair and recuperate after each run. When you are initially re-starting your training, you should rest a day in between each run until your body is back in prime shape.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Stretching