You want to amp up mileage too soon after an injury.

The fix:

Taking the fully prescribed time off to rehab has a similar effect to a taper period. Your body needs this time to repair and rest so it can return to its normal state.

An athlete approaching the end of rehab has to remind himself constantly, If I make a mistake now, I could be out for six months or more.

Take advantage of the downtime to write out a long-range game plan. Having something down on paper gives athletes a record to stay honest and remain objective, rather than putting a positive slant on lingering symptoms.

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