Are You Really Ready to Run Again? (Most Runners Get This Wrong…)



Hey there Reader

You’ve been patient. You’ve rested. You’ve stretched. The pain is finally gone.

So why does running still feel off? Why does that old injury keep creeping back in when you try to push your mileage?

Here’s the hard truth: Most runners return too soon—without knowing if their body is truly ready. And that’s why they stay stuck in the cycle of rest, run, reinjury.

But that cycle ends today. Let’s talk about how to know for sure if you’re ready to run again—and how to do it the right way.


Are You Actually Ready to Run Again? Take This Test.

Most runners assume that once the pain is gone, they’re good to go. But pain relief isn’t the same as being physically ready for running.

Before you lace up, you need to pass these key benchmarks:

Walk for 30 minutes pain-free – If walking still hurts, running will only make it worse.
Go up and down stairs without pain – Running is a series of single-leg landings. If stairs feel unsteady, your body isn’t ready.
Complete 25 single-leg heel raises per leg – Your calves absorb 6-8x your body weight with every step. If you can’t handle this, running will be a problem.
Hop 20 times on each leg without pain – If you can’t absorb impact on one leg, how will you manage thousands of strides on a run?

If you can’t pass these tests pain-free, running too soon could send you right back to square one.


The Fastest Way to Get Back to Running—Without Setbacks

You don’t just want to run again—you want to come back stronger, faster, and injury-free.

The best runners don’t “hope” they’re ready. They:
✔️ Train for strength and power before impact.
✔️ Use structured progressions to rebuild explosiveness.
✔️ Return to running strategically so they’re not just healed—they’re stronger than before.

The mistake most runners make? Skipping these steps and rushing back too soon.

The smartest way back? A structured, proven plan designed for runners like you.


If I were to dedicate the next issue of my newsletter to you and the challenge you're currently facing.....what would that issue be about? (reply and send me your topic)

Imagine Your First Run Back—The Right Way

Picture this…

You wake up, lace up your shoes, and head out for your first real run in months.

🌅 The sunrise is perfect.
🎶 Your playlist is on point.
👟 Your body feels strong, powerful, unstoppable.

No hesitation. No fear. No worrying about “what if it hurts again?”

That’s what happens when you stop guessing and follow a plan designed to rebuild your body for running.


You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

You don’t need to keep Googling exercises. You don’t need to second-guess if you’re doing the right rehab.

What you need is a plan and a coach who actually understands runners.

Someone to:
✔️ Take the stress out of your recovery.
✔️ Guide you step by step so you always know what’s next.
✔️ Help you build the strength, confidence, and resilience to run pain-free for years to come.

That’s exactly what we do in my 12-Week Return to Running Program.

If you’re serious about getting back to running without the fear of reinjury, apply today.

👉 Click here to apply now!

P.S. Spots are limited and I only take on a small number of runners at a time. If you want to return to running the right way, apply today!




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(THIS POST PROBABLY CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. OUR FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY IS REALLY BORING, BUT YOU CAN FIND IT HERE.)

The Best Barefoot Shoes for Runners and Life

My favorite shoes and the company that I recommend over and over again

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Hope you had a great time and found something useful! I'm here to help!

Keep Running!

Doc Abby


The Runner Doc

Helping you stay injury free and on the road (or trail) running!

The Runner Doc

A Doctor of Physical Therapy keeping runners of all shapes and sizes injury free (specifically those over the age of 35). Running Tips, home workouts, & rehab. Strength and Injury Prevention for Runners

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