Quick Tip–The Difference Between Pain and Discomfort

If you run long enough, you’re going to have to deal with some aches and pains from time to time.

But one question I often get, especially from newer runners, is whether a particular issue is something they can run through or if they need to take some serious time off to rest.

Essentially they are trying to determine the difference between pain and discomfort.

The Difference Between Pain and Discomfort

Knowing the Difference Between Pain and Discomfort is Important

On the surface, differentiating between pain and discomfort may seem rather trivial.

But once you dig a little deeper, you begin to realize that knowing the difference is vital if you want to run and avoid serious injury for a number of years.

For the sake of this post and the podcast episode below, here is how I’m classifying the difference between pain and discomfort:

• Pain is intense. Pain changes the way you run. Pain gets worse the more you continue to try and push through it. Adjectives you use to describe pain may include sharp, stabbing, and shooting.
• Discomfort is there, but more in the background. Discomfort may, though it doesn’t always, decrease during your run. Discomfort can be described with words like annoying, lingering, irritating, and aching.

Realizing the difference between pain and discomfort makes knowing what to do when it comes to managing/treating the situation much clearer.

Press play below, to hear me talk about some of the ways I recommend taking care of yourself whether you’re dealing with a  pain issue or  a discomfort issue!

What are Your Tips/Tricks for Knowing the Difference Between Pain and Discomfort?