How to keep your motivation when you are an injured athlete.
Monday Motivation–Dealing with injury and staying motivated.
Tips For Staying Motivated When You Are Injured.
You probably already know that I have had to take some time off from running (if not read here) which means that I have had to get creative with my workouts. I have also had to work very hard to stay motivated so that I keep a strong base. I want to be in tip top shape when triathlon and race running kicks back up into high gear in the spring and summer. This week I have done a lot of thinking about ways to stay motivated when you are forced into a break due to injury or other circumstances. Here are some of my strategies and I am hoping that you will share some of yours with me too!
- Try a new workout–Join a yoga class or pilates class to work on strength, balance, flexibility and focus.
- Challenge yourself by trying something out of your comfort zone–I recently tried the climbing wall and loved the new challenge.
- Strengthen yourself in other ways–Try a meditation class to strengthen your mind.
- Get outdoors–If you can’t run, go for a hike or a walk, try snowshoeing or bike riding, get out on some cross country skis. The fresh air and vitamin D will invigorate you.
- Learn about your injury so that you can learn new exercises to help re-strengthen and re-balance. Being proactive will keep you positive.
- Go for a swim. If you are not a great swimmer, take a lesson. Swimming is low impact and your body will thank you!
- Connect with others who have had the same injury to learn new strategies for managing your injury.
- Choose and write down small goals for yourself. Progress when you are injured can be slow so setting smaller goals will help you to keep your motivation without getting discouraged.
- Enjoy your time off. Giving your body a break is not all bad. Get a massage to help relieve muscle tension.
- Read an inspirational book about running or sport to get inspired. (I just finished A Life Without Limits: A World Champions Journey by Chrissie Wellington)
How do you keep your motivation when you are injured? Do you have a favorite inspirational book or form of exercise that helps you to stay on track?
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Great tips! I don’t have an injury now, but after not running for 10 days because I was sick, I can still use a little motivation!
Debbie @ Live from La Quinta recently posted…The Top 5 Marathon Mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Getting hurt scares the crap out of me!!!!! My man friend just broke his shoulder TODAY! This is why I stopped competitively snowboarding! I don’t want to RISK IT!! Life alone is dangerous enough!
GiGi Eats recently posted…Food Porn Alert: GiGi Eats Down Under
I visualize.
myself healing
my injury getting better etc.
IT SO SO HELPS ME
CARLA recently posted…Being a blank page.
I try to hit up my bike either on the trainer or the streets when I’m dealing with a running injury. It’s not even close to the running high but it’s something that makes me feel like I’m at least being active. Truthfully, I do whatever I can to make me feel better!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted…Finding Yoga {Again}
I tried to use it as a time to plan, to recharge. I exercised my brain as much as possible. My injury wasn’t sport related but it kept me from moving much and reading. I listened to online courses and podcasts to keep my brain busy.
Pamela Hernandez recently posted…The Best Places To Save Money On Supplements
Injured right now and am really struggling. It’s a fracture in my metatarsal, so I’m really limited as to what I can do and man is it frustrating. Great tips here.
Last spring I was in the boot with a broken foot. It was tough not to be able to run ( and DNS a race) but I kept active by riding my bike. I was really grateful for that.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…A runner in real life
Anything to keep yourself up and moving as much as possible is best! You don’t want to wallow and get stuff :/ Focus on the things you can do and improve!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Power Monday #67 How To Keep The Newness Of The New Year
It is so hard because it is so much more than the physical activity. I try to take advantage of the extra time by doing things I might not be able to do as much when I am in full training mode, catch up with friends, cook, read, watch netflix (lol), take a walk etc.
Hayley@healthyregardshayley recently posted…Triathlon Training Recap 1.19 – 1.25
Great tips! I always think I’d love a break from running – until I’m injured haha. I should swim more often though. But I can only swim one lap then need a break because I’m so out of breath. Clearly need to work on it!
Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…6 Tips For Runners With Flat Feet
These are great tips that I wish I had when I had a stress fracture foot injury a couple of years ago. Finding a new fitness activity is a great way to stay occupied and yes – learn to balance those weaknesses!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…Cherry Blossom, Girls Gone Sporty and SweatPink!
I’m right there with you friend. I’m doing lots of spin classes and swimming & weights. Some days are easier than others but I really miss running and I am sad to miss some early spring races that I really wanted to do. Feel good!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…“When the stars make you drool just like Pasta e Fagioli”
great tips! my husband and i both have been injured for 8 months or more. It was hard but we learned to embrace other things which made us stronger in the end.
These are all excellent tips. I was injured last year this time and I found encouraging others to remain active really helped to keep me in the mindset.
Aww I know being injured stinks! A few years ago I had chronic shin splints that I couldn’t get under control and had to take some time off running. At first I was bummed but then I found all kinds of other workouts that excited me! I became stronger in different areas and when I finally started running again I was grateful for the break. Thinking of you!
Jill recently posted…Mamma Mia’s Amazing (Dairy-free) Zucchini Bread Recipe!
Swimming saves me most of the time! Great tips!
katie recently posted…5 Ways to Prevent Blisters While Running
Great tips! When I had a hip injury I just got discouraged and did nothing. NOT the way to go!
Kerri Olkjer recently posted…Banana Cinnamon Chia Paleo Pancakes
Great tips! I spend most of 2014 rehabbing an injury and I focused on yoga and cross-training.
These are great! In the past few years, I’ve really gotten back into swimming after being sidelined from running, etc. from various injuries. Frustrating, but grateful to be able to do something good for me.
Megan @ outlawontherun recently posted…Swimming Tips from a Triathlon Newbie
Trying new workouts/shifting focus was huge for me when I got injured during marathon training. Focusing on what you CAN do and not what you can’t!
Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…Adaptogen Review & 5 Creative Ways to Use Protein Powder
Ahhh, such a timely post for me! It’s freaking hard and frustrating when you’re dealing with an injury. I love these tips. I try to focus on the things that I can do. I love the idea of turning to meditation and reading inspiring books!
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted…Do you have the discipline for rest and recovery?
Good tips. Thankfully, the one time I was injured I could still bike or elliptical, which I enjoy because I can read. Fingers crossed I won’t be dealing with that again any time soon.
MCM Mama recently posted…Weekend update + MotivateMe Monday
Great advice! I just found out this weekend that I’ve been running in the wrong kind of shoes for months because my feet and legs started hurting like crazy and the pain wasn’t going away! I’ve been taking a few days off to recover and hopefully no permanent damage has been made. I’m trying to focus on yoga this week instead of over-doing it when my new shoes arrive in the mail. It’s hard to focus on anything else but running when you’re injured, but I love that you’ve got some great suggestions on here!
Kristen recently posted…Zion Half Training: Week 5
Oh man Sandra, I’m so bummed that you are still on the injury wagon! But these are really great tips. I’m *sort of* dealing with an injury; I’ve got a hernia preventing me from lifting heavy weights and any plyometrics like I normally do. So I’ve got back to running A LOT. I find focusing on what you CAN do helps so much more than focusing on what you CAN’T do!
RFC recently posted…The Treadmill Marathon
I spent 5 months sidelined with tendonitis that just wouldn’t evict itself. It was so frustrating! I found swimming and stretching to be the most beneficial for me. I’ve recently discovered Joga (yoga for athletes, designed for strength and flexibility) and it’s a great workout but gentle at the same time.
Stephanie (@FitMomTraining) recently posted…Mayhem Monday: Meal Prep, Treadmills and Recovery, Oh My!
Indoor rock climbling looks like so much fun! I’ve been meaning to try it for the longest time!
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits recently posted…Cheesy Broccoli Tots and Cheddar Onion Sauce
I would focus on things I could do instead of can’t do, like yoga or Pilates or even weight training, you know? See it as an opportunity to try something new.
Linda @ The Fitty recently posted…The 3 Secret Ingredients For Perfect Chocolate Chili!
I definitely agree with the tip-Learn more about your injury and be proactive. After many issues with plantar fasciitis and my achilles, I have focused on fixing the problems that caused those injuries. Hips and Glutes! Strength training:)!
Kara {MaineGirl2Runs} recently posted…This Is How I Zooma-Zooma Run Annapolis
That’s very smart of you to develop a list of ways to stay motivated. Your “develop a new workout tip” will likely benefit readers.
Christina recently posted…Ankle Injuries: Stress Fractures
Thanks Christina! It can definitely be hard to stay motivated when you are injured!
Great advice. Sometimes a break is really what your body needs and an injury, while inconvenient, can provide that. Thanks for sharing.