It’s a physiological fact that the constant use of a muscle, tendon or joint without a break will result in earlier fatigue and reduced work potential. Continuing to run/walk when the muscle is extremely fatigued increases the quantity of micro-tears dramatically and is a major cause of injury.
By pacing conservatively and by inserting walk breaks early and often, you will gain a great deal of control over the fatigue process. You’ll empower the muscles to maintain resiliency and capacity. This lowers the chance of breakdown, by significantly reducing the accumulating damage that leads to injury.
Aggravating Factors: prior damage, body weight, speed, stride length, bounce off of the ground, stretching
How do you know if you are injured? When you notice any of these symptoms, take at least a day or two off from running (always be sensitive to your weak links):
- Inflammation – swelling, puffiness or thickening
- Loss of function – the area doesnt work correctly or move normally
- Pain – if the pain does not go away as you get warmed up and walk slowly, or the pain increases, STOP!