You work hard all week so when the weekends arrive, you’re ready to let off a little steam.  Some people choose to unwind by sleeping in or watching a movie but others need something a little more extreme.  We call these people the Weekend Warriors, and if you like to spend your weekends running 5Ks or Mud Runs, all of us at Resurgens Orthopaedics salute your dedication.  We also want you to stay injury-free while you’re out there attacking the weekends, so here are a few tips from our staff. 

Train for Your Weekend Activities

5K runs and Mud Runs are not something to be taken lightly; they can be quite physically demanding.  That’s why it’s important to prepare.  If you’ve got an event coming up over the summer, it’s a good idea to start training as soon as possible.  Mud Runs can be especially punishing, so be sure you start your training well ahead of your event.

Know When to Sit it Out

Weekend Warriors are renowned for their mental toughness and ability to ignore pain but sometimes it’s important to listen to what your body is telling you.  If you’ve got a nagging injury, you probably don’t want to compete and potentially aggravate your existing condition.  Remember, there will always be another race, so heal up and get ready to dominate the next one.

Stay Hydrated

When you’re performing intense physical activity like a Mud Run or 5K, hydrating properly is a no-brainer.  Not only will proper hydration keep you at your peak physical performance, it will also make you less likely to sustain certain injuries and cramps.  Hydrating yourself is especially important if your event falls on a hot summer day.

Athletic competition is a great way to motivate yourself to stay in shape and we think that’s great.  Just don’t overdo it.  To all the Weekend Warriors out there, we hope you’ll follow these tips and have an injury-free race season.