Running with aches: push past or stop to heal?

I keep seeing runners split on how to handle minor pains like shin splints or knee twinges. On one side, some say pushing through builds mental strength and keeps your momentum going, like when I finished a 5k with a slight ache and felt proud. On the other side, friends warn that ignoring pain can lead to worse injuries, like a buddy who ran on a sore ankle and needed weeks off. If you stop at every hint of discomfort, you might lose your running groove and motivation. But if you push too hard, you could be out for months. So, what's the smarter move for staying on track with your runs? I'd love to hear where you stand on this.

3 comments

3 Comments

brian_dixon8923h ago

Man, this is everywhere. People do this with cars, ignoring a weird sound until the engine quits. Or a leaky faucet that wrecks the cabinet. We treat our bodies the same way. A small pain is information, not a challenge. Ignoring the signal usually means a bigger bill later, whether it's a mechanic or a doctor.

the_sarah21h ago

So why do you think we all do this even when we know better? It feels like deep down we're hoping the problem will just fix itself if we don't look at it. Maybe it's straight up denial because we're scared of what the fix might cost or what it might mean. We tell ourselves we're too busy to deal with that weird noise right now. That mindset just transfers directly over to ignoring a bad knee or a weird lump. The bill for waiting always comes due.

jana_hill2718h ago

Ignoring a weird lump until the bill comes due is a new level of scary. That part of what @the_sarah said really hits different. It's one thing to put off a car repair, but your body doesn't send a reminder notice, it just sends an ambulance. The cost of waiting there isn't just money, it's everything.