How do you decide when you can return to training and how intense that training should be?  One tool you can use, is to let pain level be your guide.

I have been reading quite a bit about returning to training, when you have bruised ribs.  One consistent theme has been that if you don’t experience pain during the exercise, then it is fine to carry on. My ribs are still a little sore after my bike wreck last week, but things are improving.  This morning, I was at the point, where I felt comfortable enough to try a run.

Given my next two races involve running on trails, I decided to accompany my wife on a very short trail run this morning.  This was a perfect introduction.  We could go at an easy pace, and the route we chose meant, I could pretty much stop at any time if I needed, as we were never far from our car.

Fortunately, the run went very well. I didn’t experience any elevation in pain level in my ribs.  I was careful to avoid any jarring movements, especially while running downhill. I was also very aware of not tripping on roots and rocks.

Our pace this morning was slow, but I was so happy to be back running again.  We plan to do another short run together in the morning.