Tips for Starting a Running Program After Addiction Rehab

Introduction

There’s an awful lot of information out there that points you in the direction of running once you have been through alcohol rehab. Whether you’ve gone through a spell in a residential rehab or you’ve endured outpatient alcohol treatment, health professionals will push you in the direction of exercise to help maintain sobriety.

There are dozens of articles online about running being “the answer” to staying in recovery and in truth, that is absolutely true. However, it isn’t quite as simple as lacing up your sneakers and pounding the sidewalks. There are some things you should know about starting running after addiction rehab…

Things to Know When Starting Running After Addiction Rehabilitation Treatment

1. You might not be as fit as you think you are

One of the big things that can put people off running, whether it be before they’ve even gone for one run or after a first, challenging run, is that they just aren’t fit enough. But that should come as no surprise. The body has gone through a lot battling the toxins that have been put in the body.

Don’t let that put you off though, the body can get used to it quite quickly and before you know it you’ll be feeling much better for it.

The best thing you can do is have no expectations for your first run, just go out there and see what you can do. By setting goals and expectations initially, it can be stressful should you fail, which is the opposite effect you want from your running and can even cause relapse.

Relax, take your time and find your starting point.

2. Don’t do too much too soon

Sure, you can run every day, but don’t put your body under too much strain as you do. Your body needs rest and you don’t want to be straight out of the traps running 5k daily. That will leave you susceptible to injury and not only leave you back at square one, but also it can be damaging to your mental health, particularly if you are going to need to rest for a few weeks or even longer.

3. You might get bored!

If you’re starting out by running alone, there is a chance it just isn’t for you and that alone time you may find quite dull. Don’t worry, that doesn’t mean running isn’t for you. Lots of people feel this way.

The solution, find a running partner or running group. There will be a running club in your town or city, in fact there will be many, and they can be great for meeting like-minded people, setting communal goals and getting the encouragement and inspiration to keep going.

The Bottom Line

Running is a fantastic way to boost your rehabilitation efforts. Just remember that it is important to slowly work your way up to running, whether you’ve just left rehab or not. Practice running in longer and longer increments so your body can build up the endurance that is required to run consistently.

Healthy exercise can help you feel rejuvenated, accomplished, and happier. Running, just like rehab, requires dedication and preparation, but by staying consistent, staying hydrated, monitoring your heart, and taking care of your feet, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running!

About Theresa Duncan

Originally from Detroit, MI, Theresa has been offering health and fitness advice for the last 30 years while working as an engineer. She decided to turn her passion into a profession, and finds nothing more satisfying than helping others reach their health and fitness goals.