5 Things You’re Likely Doing That Cause Injuries When Running a Marathon
Apparently, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of crossing the finish line of a marathon. After months of training it must be such an incredible accomplishment to complete the race.
It’s not something a lot of people (me included) can do because it requires endurance. That is why a lot of people train for months/years to become marathoners. Running marathons often creates positive feelings, boost health, and can change you as a person. It makes you more disciplined, and it can give you the motivation you need to push your own limits. It can also be a little dangerous.
Here are a few things that runners do that can cause themselves to get hurt.
Wearing the Wrong Gear
Yes, your clothes have an impact on your health and safety when you do any vigorous activity, including running. You want to make sure you have the right gear.
Wearing cotton is a no-no when running because it can cause chafing in your thighs (and nips) and allow for sweat to build up in areas where it shouldn’t be. It’s important to wear clothes that are made for this exercise so you don’t injure yourself.
Us ladies must also wear supportive sports bras that are the right size for. Buy the best high-impact sports bra to make sure that you don’t get black eyes, or sore boobies, when you run. Men, on the other hand, should wear shirts with softer fabrics to avoid chafing when running.
Your choice in footwear is another thing that needs to be taken seriously when you run. Not only does it have to fit properly, but it also has to support your feet the right way. The wrong shoes can cause problems like blisters, sores, or even torn muscles.
Stretching Incorrectly
Another mistake many people make is not stretching properly before running a marathon. It’s important to stretch the muscles you’ll be using while giving them plenty of time to recover after.
Of course, you should always warm up before stretching because it helps your muscles properly get ready to stretch. Make sure that the stretches target the specific muscles you’ll be using while running.
Running Too Much When You First Start Out
If you want to become a full-fledged marathoner, then chances are that you’ve been running already. This means that by now your body is conditioned for long distances and endurance training. However, when first starting out, especially if this is the first time you’ve ever used your body in this way, it’s important to take things slow.
Start out by running a few kms each day. The last thing you want is for your muscles to get tired before the marathon even begins! You have to build up your endurance slowly or else you’ll hurt yourself.
Not Training Long Enough
Give yourself enough time to train to build strength and endurance that will carry you to the finish line. You don’t become a marathoner overnight; it requires a lot of dedication and commitment to your goals.
Many runners train for a marathon months in advance. They wake up early every day and set goals that become harder as they move closer to the marathon. Do you think that you can train for two weeks and run 10 kilometers? Hardly. So make sure not to ignore this part of the process; it’s what leads most people to injury.
Not Eating Right
As with any physical activity, you need to make sure that your body is in good shape. This means making sure that your nutrition is up to par before attempting a marathon. You want to make sure that your body has enough nutrients in it because when you run long distances, you’ll burn through the energy stored in the food you eat really quickly.
*This is a collaborative post.
