The Difference Between Soreness, Fatigue, and Injury
And how to know what your body is actually telling you
If you run long enough, you’ll feel all three at some point: soreness, fatigue, and injury. The tricky part is they don’t always feel that different at first, especially when you’re motivated, following a plan, or training for something that matters to you.
One of the most important skills you can build as a runner isn’t speed or endurance. It’s body awareness. Knowing when to keep going, when to adjust, and when to stop. Its the number one thing my athletes here on a daily basis, “ listen to your body”.
Let’s break down each so you can start to identify the differences on your own.
1. Soreness
The “this is uncomfortable, but expected” feeling. Soreness is usually a normal response to training, especially when:
You’ve increased mileage or intensity
You’ve introduced strength work or hills
You’ve done something new or slightly harder than usual
