Why do I keep getting injured when I run?
The short answer
Part of injury and recovery risk is genetic - variants in genes like COL1A1 affect tendon and ligament resilience, which is why some bodies tolerate high mileage and others break down.Collagen-related genes influence how your connective tissue handles repeated load. If you carry variants linked to lower tendon resilience, ramping up mileage too fast is more likely to end in a niggle than it would for a friend with sturdier wiring.
This does not mean you cannot run. It means your safe rate of progression is slower, your warm-up matters more, and strength work around the joints is not optional for you the way it might be for someone else.
Do this today
Increase your weekly running distance by no more than ten percent. Boring, unglamorous, and the single best way to stay uninjured.
Genes in playCOL1A1COL5A1GDF5