You also need to think about what you do outside of the run, because looking after your body shouldn’t be reserved for when we are already injured. “The best thing you can do to stay injury-free as a runner is to build a strong, healthy body,” Alex says.

“Most injuries are caused by tight and/or weak muscles, so it’s important to focus on your strength and conditioning just as much as your running. Making sure to work on both legs equally will reduce imbalances, so doing single-leg exercises like pistol squats, Bulgarian split squats, and the humble lunge will help. Your goal is to be a well-balanced and efficient runner, so focus on strengthening your weaknesses before you try to break PBs or race as hard as you can.”

Warming up is also key. Alex suggests using resistance bands as an excellent way to activate weak or ‘lazy’ muscles before you head out. But most importantly, “return to exercising slowly. Don’t go back into it full pelt and don’t expect to be able to hit your previous paces right away. Be kind to your body!” she reminds.

Running: how to treat and prevent shin splints