If you've spent enough time in the running community, you've probably heard some version of this: "Getting injured is just part of the process." It’s often said with good intentions, usually by someone trying to reassure a runner who's struggling with an injury. But let's be real—this mindset is doing more harm than good.
Injury Shouldn’t Be the Norm
Running is a high-impact sport, and yes, injuries do happen. But that doesn’t mean they have to happen. When we treat injury like an unavoidable milestone, we start to normalize it. That can lead runners to ignore warning signs, push through pain, and assume that breaking down their body is just the price they have to pay to improve.
Pain is a signal, not a rite of passage. Instead of accepting injuries as inevitable, runners should be asking, What can I do to train smarter and stay healthy?
Why This Mindset Holds Runners Back
When runners believe that injuries are just part of the process, they’re more likely to:
- Ignore warning signs. Small aches and pains get dismissed until they become something serious.
- Train through pain. Instead of adjusting training, runners keep pushing and end up sidelined for weeks or months.
- Neglect strength and mobility work. If you believe you’re going to get injured anyway, it’s easy to skip the work that could prevent it.
- Lose confidence in their body. Constant injury cycles lead to frustration and self-doubt, making it harder to progress in the long run.
A Smarter Approach to Injury Prevention
Rather than accepting injury as part of the process, let’s shift the focus to longevity and resilience. Here are a few key ways to stay strong and consistent in your training:
- Listen to your body. Discomfort is different from pain. If something feels off, don’t wait until it gets worse to address it.
- Prioritize strength training. A well-balanced body is more durable. Strength training helps prevent imbalances that lead to injury.
- Progress gradually. The body needs time to adapt to new training loads. Jumping mileage too quickly is one of the fastest ways to get hurt.
- Recover as hard as you train. Sleep, nutrition, hydration, and mobility work all matter just as much as the miles you log.
Train Smarter With a Coach Who Gets It
Runners don’t have to accept injuries as part of the process. With the right approach, you can train consistently, build strength, and enjoy the sport for years to come. If you're ready to take a smarter approach to your training, I’d love to work with you. Whether you need help with injury prevention, strength training, or building a plan that fits your life, I can help you stay strong and keep moving forward.
Let’s build a training plan that works with your body—not against it. Reach out today to get started.