Dear Running Enthusiast,

If you’re reading this, you’re probably familiar with the feeling of lacing up your shoes in the crisp morning air as you prepare for a run.

The sensation of being all alone on the road or along the track, enveloped in a cocoon of solitude, like you’re the only person in the world.

That heart-pounding, exhilarating rush at the end of the run as your body rewards you for your effort with a flood of endorphins—a high that only a runner knows.

But if you’re like most, you’ve also felt the flip side: the dreaded twinge in the knee, the sharp pain in the shin, the ache that lingers long after the run is over.

It’s a mixed bag of emotions: pride from the achievement and frustration from yet another niggle or ache.

You’re not alone in this tug of war of feelings.

It’s a shared sentiment, the silent nod between runners who’ve accepted these ‘niggles’ as par for the course—a badge of honor, even. 

Yet, every time you feel that pain, there’s a whisper of worry. What if today’s minor discomfort evolves into tomorrow’s injury?

But what if I told you there’s a deeper issue at play here? 

That it isn’t merely about being strong-willed or resilient but about a fundamental misconception. 

Harvard’s numbers are a wake-up call: 75% of runners face recurring injuries year after year. 

The real gut-punch? 

Most of these are entirely avoidable. 

But accepting these pains and sidelining your worries isn’t just misguided—it’s a dangerous game. 

It’s not about questioning your dedication or love for the sport. 

It’s about redefining how we approach it. 

The path to a pain-free run isn’t paved with grit alone but with knowledge—and it’s high time to debunk some myths that have held us captive in this cycle of repetitive injury and pain.