Want it all, want it now?

Spending a week outside stinky London I had intended to do several rural runs, including along the beach at Southsea seafront.  However, after my first run down to the local castle I developed a niggle in my shin.  On my following rest day it bugged me, but then continued into the next day when I had planned to run the length of the seafront.  Following all the advice I had read about running I gave it another day of rest.  It worked.  The niggle went and I was able to run after a two day break.

So, are we our own worst enemies when it comes to our bodies?  Does our enthusiasm and the 'want it now' attitude of the new century affect the way we train?  We have been led to think that if we want anything we can just go out and get it instantly.  Want a new house/car/electric gadget?  Sure - no problem with the easy credit of the last decade or so.  Only now is our economy suffering from our 'want it all, want it now attitude'.  Our bodies can suffer too, we try too much too soon and injure ourselves or, as so many beginners find out, put ourselves off the idea entirely.  Years of misuse and lack of exercise cannot be repaired over night, it is a long process and we owe it to our bodies to do it right:

• Don't run on an injury, rest it
• Don't expect to be able to run one/five/thirteen miles overnight, take small steps towards a realistic goal
• Beginners - have at least one rest day after very run day; your muscles and skeleton need time to adjust

If we do it slowly and properly we can get there, injury and stress free.  Sounds good to me!