Winter Training after injuries

[Benn Griffin]

I have had a variety of knee and ankle injuries the last few years and just recently pushed too hard in the Turkey Trots and have onset of achilles tendinitis I believe in my left ankle. My question is looking forward to 2010, should I take a week or two off, wait until student teaching is done and then start to concentrate on winter training of about 20 miles a week ? I don't like treadmills, and I first got pain in my ankles again after the treadmill run a few days ago.

[Sasha Pachev]

Benn:

I prefer to avoid time off as much as possible. It might mean that you cross-train, or just run less or slower, but not a total time off. Go by feel. Start with a 2-3 mile jog at 12:00 pace, then play around with the volume and intensity until you find the right balance - something that allows you to maintain a level of fitness while still allowing the injury to heal at a decent rate.

[Jon Allen]

My two cents is, if taking a week or two off during this hectic time of your life will help you heal and run full strength, that may be preferable to pushing it and having a nagging injury.

[Benn Griffin]

Thanks guys. I've taken off since Thursday's Turkey Runs..

Now my right ankle is okay but it's my left that's been bugging me. I am thinking about trying to jog 2-3 miles tomorrow after student teaching. Should I shoot just for a 20-30 min run pain free nice and slow?