Tips to Avoid Overtraining
As Olympic medalist and American record-holder Deena Kastor once said, "there is no such thing as overtraining, just under-recovery." Marathon runners can avoid overtraining by putting just as much emphasis on rest and recovery as they do on running.
Take care of yourself. That means eating nutritious meals and snacks, adding strength and mobility exercises to your running routine, and sleeping 8-10 hours each night.
Join a running group. Oftentimes, the company of others can prevent obsessive behavior and curb the impulse to overtrain. Joining a group for your easy runs can keep the pace light and easy. It can also make even your longest runs feel more like a get-together with friends.
Think like a coach. Without a coach to oversee your training program and watch over you, it's easy to blindly follow a training plan to the letter. Real life, however, is full of complications and requires flexibility and improvisation. Remember that missing a run or workout is not the end of the world.
Mix it up. If taking a day off drives you crazy, try yoga or another low-key cross-training activity to complement your running without overtraining.
Listen to your body. Fact: Nobody has ever wondered if their injury was caused by an additional rest day.
Related Articles:
- Running the Mental Marathon
- The Art of Recovery During Marathon Training
- 13 Rules for Marathon Training
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