I recently shared a simple return to running program for medical and fitness professionals to help injured runners return to consistent training. Before initiating such a program, however, a runner should meet certain prerequisites or milestones to ensure that it is appropriate to advance their activity level while avoiding a potential relapse in their condition. In the event a runner does not meet the items on this checklist, and prematurely attempts to return to training, they are playing with fire and will most likely prolong their recovery. So before transitioning a runner back to training, take the time to ensure that they meet the prerequisites outlined below. ​

One of the first research projects that I worked on during my undergraduate studies at the University of Delaware (UD) was a return to throwing program for baseball players. After tennis practice, I used to sit at the home UD baseball games while recording pitch counts before handing the data over to one of the PhD students for analysis. This information was then used to develop a data-based interval throwing program to help injured pitchers return to the mound by gradually exposing them to the performance demands of throwing. Mike Reinold and colleagues also published a nice manuscript in JOSPT related to Interval Sport Programs (ISPs) that covered baseball, tennis, and golf. Surprisingly, however, there is no well accepted return to running program for medical and fitness professionals to apply to runners rebounding from injury. I therefore developed this simple return to running program, which couples an injury grading system with soreness rules, to foster improved decision-making as we prepare runners for a safe return to running. Please download and share it if you find it helpful. As always, any and all feedback welcome. Wishing you HAPPY, HEALTHY, and STRONG Running!