CLINIC
New year, new injury? How can you avoid the pitfalls of doing too much too soon as you embark on a new, or re-energised training plan?
YOUR EXPERT
Sports Injury Fix member Jenny Richmond is a sports therapist and owner of JR Sports Therapy (jrsportstherapy.com). Jenny has huge experience of working with both professional and amateur athletes and applying professional approaches to the recreational athlete
Many people begin their running journeys at the start of a new year; for lots of people, it may be the first time they’ve taken part in physical activity for some years and for others potentially a major step up from recent levels of training.
Some make the transition with ease, but others find it hard and can pick up injuries relatively early in the new year. When starting your new year running regime, what are the main factors that are essential to consider?
Don’t rush it
Being aware of the impact of change in advance is an important first step. After all, transforming yourself from the person who spends hours working at a desk, or in the driving seat of a car, to a runner knocking out the 5Ks, can be a big shock to the body. Many of us may also be suffering with ongoing stress and sleep deprivation which also play a part in how the body adapts.