The best lesson you can learn as a runner is one that can be very simple, but that can take us years of running to completely master – Sore vs. Pain.
What exactly is the difference in being sore and being in pain?
This is a fine line that requires you to really tune into your body and listen. However, once you start listening to your body and what it is telling you, you’ll be able to treat it more appropriately in order to help prevent injuries.
What are some signs that you are dealing with soreness?
– worse at the start of a run, but gets better as you loosen up
– occurs a day or two after a tough workout
– generally lasts 2-3 days
– dull or general discomfort all over
– feels achy, stiff, or tight
– improves with rest or an EASY shakeout walk/run
What are some signs that is is actually pain and could be an injury?
– requires you to actually change your stride
– lasts more than 3 days
– doesn’t improve with rest
– sharp, deep, or intense pain in one spot (ie. – hip or knee)
– any swelling is a red flag
If you are dealing with soreness it is possible to push through as long as you listen to your body and follow these tips:
– start your workouts slow until your body warms up
– allow yourself extra rest & recovery time (like more naps!)
– stretch and roll like it is your job
If you are dealing with pain that will not subside it is time to take a few days off running, I know it is hard, but it is best.
Then, if after 3 days of rest you are still in pain it is time to see a doctor.
Let me know –
– What tips and ticks do you use to tell the difference between sore vs. pain?
a change in gait is a good warning sign. I also pay attention to anything that hurts with certain moves when I’m not running – pain with a step versus genera; achiness.
Yes, specific pain versus a generally ache or tired feeling is a great warning.
This was a good reminder to pay attention to if I ever find myself not feeling great after running!
Yes, tune in and see if that is just soreness or maybe something more.
This is such a great post which is really informative! I really wasn’t aware of this difference!
So glad you liked the post. Thanks so much.
This is a great topic, I have a hard time figuring out if I’m sore or if I’m in pain, I know it might sound simple to some but not to me. I’m going to print out this post and put it on my desk, So much great info 🙂
I am so glad you find it helpful. It can take years and years to learn the difference so until then we really need to watch for the signs and symptoms from our bodies.
I’m pretty sure I was just always in denial and called it sore 😉
I feel like the older I get the better I get at this too – maybe we were just all young and stubborn.
It is hard to tell the difference between sore vs pain sometimes! Just pushing through pain when running was how I tore my calf years ago, so nowadays I try to stay away from workouts that give me pain (running being one of them!) and really listen to my body more.
Yes, trying to tune in and listen to your body is so crucial.
I struggle with this a lot, especially after surgery. It’s become really hard to determine what’s a “good” healthy pain and what’s a “you’re about to regret this” pain.
I have been injured on and off for years, so I worry that I am too cautious sometimes, but I guess better that way than the other way.
Great post! Definitely take it easy and see a professional if the pain doesn’t go away.
Yes, trying to push through is a mistake in the end.
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Hi Abby, My name is Adnan Majeed, I want to share my information about running when I first started running, for the first 4-5 days it was almost hard for me to even walk, my muscles were in a condition where I felt some kind of pain like muscle break when we do dumbells in gym, but this was not a pain, My university where I study is in a huge area where we have to walk so much to reach the department, when I took break fora two weeks and again I started classes my body was at rest when I was at home, I was doing nothing, when I walked for two days I felt a little less but something like when we feel after running. Its fun to feel, I feel like I’m doing some exercise lol. It happened because I use to walk faster it is in my nature. I have started running again a few weeks ago, it was hard for the first two days because our body has to get used to the change. I have dropped my email, please let me know if you have anything to help us maintain our health. its soo nice of you Abby.
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