How to stay away from injuries

How to stay away from injuries
By Maxim Nazaire, CSCS
Team Challenge Run Coach


Let me be the first to say that injuries are no fun! Nothing throws a monkey wrench into your training like a good old fashion injury. The few times I had running injuries, they were pretty bad. I am a big believer that there are ways to get around injuries, but my feelings on the matter is this: If you can avoid injuries, then avoid them!!! Although injuries can be complex, preventing them can be easy. Here are two simple tips that can significantly reduce your chances of injury.

1. Drink lots of water. Water will keep the joints lubricated, and the muscles hydrated. Most injuries will be associated with either a joint problem or a muscular let down. Drink water! It's good for you.

2. Stretch after your workouts. Let's face it, when you are pushing yourself to do things that you've never done before, there will be some soreness and tightness in the muscles. If you stretch, it can improve blood flow throughout the muscles and reduce your soreness. Stretching can also improve your muscle recovery.

When I look back at some of the injuries that I've witnessed, 8 times out of 10 they occurred because the rules above weren't followed. Hydrate and stretch so that you can make it through the finish line in stride!