Soreness or injury? Know the difference

Recovery isn’t about pushing through, it’s about knowing what your body is telling you, says TCS Sydney Marathon Head Coach Ben Lucas.

Not all soreness is a problem, and not all pain should be pushed through. There’s a difference – and it matters.

What is your soreness telling you?

Good soreness is that dull, tired feeling after a solid session – known as DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness). It loosens up as you move.

Injury pain is sharper – more specific – and usually gets worse the more you run on it.

You need to know the difference, because pushing through the wrong thing is how a small issue turns into 4–6 weeks off.

How to recover quicker

I’ve been working with PainAway to help take the edge off soreness and keep me moving. But tools like that aren’t magic. The basics still win.

Recovery doesn’t need to be complicated:

·       Hydrate properly

·       Sleep properly

·       Move a bit on your easy days

·       Do some light soft tissue work

Most runners don’t get injured from one bad session. It’s the accumulation of fatigue without enough recovery. The runners who stay healthy aren’t the toughest. They’re the ones who listen early.

Want more expert training advice? Find the best running content here.