The Future’s So Bright

How to stage the ideal comeback from injury

IN A PERFECT WORLD, nothing would stand between you and your running. But life has a way of knocking you off track every now and then. A recent study found that more than one in 10 distance runners sustained an injury over a three-month period. Countless others fall away because of new babies, extra pounds or misplaced mojo. If your training has been on pause for more than a couple of weeks, you’ll need a measured and thoughtful approach to resuming running. All strong returns have a few common characteristics, including a slow ramp-up and a mindset that doesn’t involve pining for lost fitness, says coach Lisah Hamilton, host of The Conscious

Runner podcast. You’ll probably feel rusty at first, but muscle memory means that sensation won’t linger, says running coach Ryan Warrenburg. Beyond that, approach each comeback on its own terms. Here’s how to build your running back up, whatever the cause of your break.