What do you do when your training is going great, and then you get injured?

If you’ve been training hard for something, wanting to get in better shape – injured is one of the toughest places to be. You may look back and see how you got there, or it may have happened in an instant.

In this video I share 5 things you can do right now to come back stronger.

Reflect on your training

Some of the most valuable training can happen when you’re not logging miles. Why? You’re forced to think about how you train, what moving your body means to you, and what you’re going to do about the injury.  The key is to reflect and learn from your mistakes and come back stronger with a well-researched and committed plan.

Maximize Cross-training

One of the biggest fears athletes have when they’re injured is – how can I stay in shape and not lose all the fitness I’ve gained?  Depending on the injury, cross-training with another activity may be the answer.  Look at this way: It’s your chance to ‘train’ in another sport.  It may not be what you’re used to, but it’s a new adventure that could transform future training (and your body).

Eat for recovery

Food is medicine.  If you eat for healing, you will accelerate your recovery.  Focus on eating an anti-inflammatory diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans and legumes, nuts and seeds, with enough protein for rebuilding and restoring.  Avoid refined sugars which contribute to blood sugar imbalances and inflammation, and steal vital nutrients from your body.  Practice healthy diet habits you can maintain in the future.

Recovery exercises

Meet with a health professional, like a sports medical doctor, chiropractor, or physical therapist who can establish a movement recovery plan for you that is safe and effective for your specific injuries.  Research and learn as much as you can, listen to your body in the process, and commit to healing.

Plan your next adventure

There’s nothing more exciting than dreaming about what you’ll do when you’re ready to go again.  Even if you’re not sure when you’ll be ready and healed, you can still have a list of possibilities to put on your calendar as things progress. Don’t let fears or the unknown hold you back from planning your next race, event, or adventure.

Training isn’t just something you do – I bet it’s part of who you are.  So when ‘going for a run’ or a bike ride, or doing some laps is no longer part of your daily agenda – move with one of these 5 things to keep going. Remember, life is an adventure and  you can do anything.

If you’ve been there too, I’d love to hear what helps you stay motivated when you’re injured.  Join the conversation in the comments.