No matter if you’re running to train for a race, running for exercise, or running just because you like it, you’re going to have a bad run. It happens to everyone. One of the most frustrating things about running is that you can’t always know when its going to happen. Just like with anything, experience will help you deal with bad runs. Two things that are essential about these days are knowing when to stop, and knowing that bad runs happen and not to let them get to you.Knowing when to cut a workout short is crucial to staying healthy. Everyone has heard the saying “no pain, no gain” and in some situations this is true. When you have a 10 mile run planned and after 5 miles you feel your leg muscles burning and they feel tired, grinding out the rest of the run can be a huge high. Going into a race knowing that you can finish it no matter what will pay off. However, you have to know when winning the battle will sacrifice the war. What I do to determine when to stop a workout is whether or not my form is breaking down and if continuing will do more harm than good. During a run you have a lot of chances to hurt yourself and when your form breaks down you increase those chances. If your hips, or knees, or ankles, or any joint is hurting you really have to determine weather or not to continue. A lot of times it is best to just cut your workout short if you can. Then rest and ice that area, and come back strong the next day.

Bad runs can also have a heavy psychological toll. You can’t let them get to you. Realize that you won’t have your best run every time you go out, and that bad runs are temporary. Everyone has them so you’re not alone. The worst is when you have a horrible run the week before a big race. I’m running the Louisiana Marathon this weekend and had an absolutely terrible run on Tuesday. I have to use my own advice and remember that its just temporary, and sure enough had a great run the next day.

Don’t let those bad runs get you down and know when to stop. Stay safe, have fun, RUN LOUISIANA