So you're injured. Let's face it, if you're training seriously, it's almost inevitable that the injury bug will bite at least once every couple of years.  Given this, here are a few quick tips for dealing with your time on the disabled list:

1. Seek treatment  –  If the injury has caused you to miss a few days in a row or if it has persisted for more than a week or so, it's usually a good idea to go see a medical pro.  Diagnosis is the first step towards recovery.  Armed with knowledge about your condition, you can now start counter measures (e.g. rest, ice, stretching, strengthening, physio, etc.)  Simply waiting for things to get better on their own is a slow, and sometimes pointless, process. 

2. Cross Train like a Banshee  –  It's really important not to lose the exercise habit.  You should plan to spend at least as much time doing aerobic x-training as you would have spent running.  Depending on your injury, good aerobic x-training options include swimming, aqua running, cycling, the elipitical trainer, or the stair climber.  In addition to putting in the equivalent time, it's also a good idea to vary the intensity of the exercise.  Put in a few "speed days" per week in your x-training regime.

3. Be patient on your return – When you return to running, it's wise to take a gradual approach.  Depending on your injury, a run-walk routine is often a good way to start back.  Also, continue to keep your aerobic minutes up there by combining x-training with your limited running program.  Again, don't lose the exercise habit.

4. Stay Positive – Of course you'd rather be running, but it does you no good to dwell on what you can't control.  Instead, focus on things you can control, like the re-hab exercises your physio has prescribed you. 

And remember, you can come back stronger.  

For example, Run Quick client Joanne W from New Hampshire was hit by a car and broke her leg in late 2002.  After getting out of her wheelchair in late February, she started x-training and graduated to running again by that April.  Thirteen months later she achieved her first Boston Qualifying time in the Vermont Marathon.  

Broken leg to Boston in just over 18 months - hang in there; things do get better!