Photography and videography by Matt Trappe
Being an athlete almost certainly means you will get injured. It’s an unfortunate reality of an athletic life. While our brains might be capable of running 20 miles a day, our bodies are made up of bones and gristle that don’t care all that much about what we want. When you get off the couch and take a step toward your dreams, you’re also taking a step toward your next injury.
But you have to take that step anyway. Then take millions of steps after. Because running toward your dreams means going for it with legs flying and arms flailing, never letting fear get in your way. Injuries may slow down your progress, sure. But every single athlete that has ever gotten anywhere close to their potential has faced down the injury monster many times over. Most breakthroughs can be traced back to an injury-related setback.
Even though injuries are inevitable, they suck to live through. Runners play the injury game all the time. Your hip hurts a bit when you wake up...is it nothing, or is the season over? Your shin pangs at mile four...am I fine, or did my tibia just snap? Learning to answer those questions is a big part of growing as an athlete. Plus, it’s a big part of coaching.
This article lists 9 tips for athletes to navigate that injury game. Just remember: you can play all of your cards right and still lose a hand. That’s OK. In fact, that setback might just be what fuels your next breakthrough.
Note: This goes without saying, but it’s always best to see a doctor or other medical professional like a physical therapist (PT). They went to school for many years so that you don’t have to google your injury symptoms and find out that you may have butt leprosy.