Tags
barefoot running, optimism, run, runner, running, running injury, swimming
Much as I’m disappointed at having to step away from running, there’s an incorrigible optimist inside that sees the bright side.
While I was feeling sorry for me and mine (my little girl took a nasty fall at school and is currently at home for a week), a pair of dumbells arrived. That was a sign to shake off some self-pity and think about what I could do. This is a good opportunity to work on overall strength and wellbeing, not just running. Then, I called the pool and had a nice chat with an absolute stranger, a retired admiral, who runs a program to train people to swim and/or learn lifeguard skills. It was off hours but he answered the phone and gave me the details. Another sign?
It’s easy to give into despair like when I tore the ligaments in my ankle 3 years ago. It took me 6 months to get back and that’s when this blog started. This time around, I have a little more runner resilience at my command.
dug out an old pair of smiley ๐
The sooner I get a plan in action, the faster I can get back. There is a solid belief in the healing power of yoga and an absolute sureness of being right where I am meant to be. It will be interesting to be a beginner all over again with a new skill. I’m a terrible swimmer so perhaps this may be a good way to explore if I can find some grace in my movements. Perhaps work on that aversion to diving, maybe learn lifeguard skills. Something out of my comfort zone. Who knows where this road goes?
It helps to have friends and family that care enough to ask and listen to my woes. I’m grateful for all the support and cheer that many fellow bloggers have provided. It has been easier to accept my current situation and get on with life with enthusiasm. Running is just part of life, another adventure awaits!
Just a wandering thought- would me and my run still be valid considering that there is no running for now?
me and my run 
Not running is an essential part of running, so of course your blog is valid.
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Thanks AJ. Just one of those wispy thoughts…
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Just wanted to wish you the best of luck ๐
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Thanks ๐
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Sounds to me like you have a positive attitude and a plan in place. Go for it!
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๐ Thanks!
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See, not getting to run is turning out to be a blessing in disguise! Moreover, since you are going to be be back running after four months stronger, this blog will serve as a sort of ‘What I Talk About When I Don’t Talk About Running’ on the lines of Murakami ๐
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Thanks Dhiren! Love the play on the title of one of my favourite books.
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Running, and Not Running: two sides of the same coin! Blog on, Sonia!!
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๐ It was just a random thought… most if my posts came as a result of a run. Now that the road has been pulled from below my feet, it will be interesting to see what crops up.
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You asked a very interesting question so I looked up “what does run mean?” And Google provided some interesting explanations. Synonyms: route, journey. To do or carry out. You might like the idea of journey so your blog can be viewed much more broadly than the physical act of running. So no need to be concerned anymore. Me and my run is just fine. Blog on and enjoy what comes up.
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๐Thank you for this thoughtful comment. It was just one of those random questions. I do plan to journal about my rehab and return to running (somewhere it seems fine if it happens and even if it doesn’t). This change has already made me look at my yoga practice differently.
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A bummer, for sure. I don’t want to parrot the clichรฉ about one door closing, another opening, etc.. great to see that you’re already charging along full steam with other things. May you keep reveling in the journey, whichever path you take. And keep writing, please!
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Thanks Satish! I suppose it is a gift of running, the ability to move forward no matter what. I do look forward to getting back stronger as a runner.
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Oh I hear your cry and feel your pain, it your attitude is right on point! I too had to step back from running in November due to a debilitating bout of plantar fasciitis. And just at a point when I was running strong, pace and endurance greatly improved and just loving it! Probably all reasons why I chose to ignore that niggling soreness and stiffness in my heel…
I too was devastated , but am pleased to say I chose a similar course of action to you and decided to see it as a opportunity to finally in est in some strength training. What an eye opener that has been and I have found a love for weights which I previously dreaded. I’m back running and feeling the benefits of strengthening all those muscles I thought I could ignore. Who knew upper body strength would make such a difference on long runs?! So co tinue to embrace it as you are, running is never going away and is always waiting for us!
I see from your other post that your problem is runners knee – I’ve also suffered in the past and found that strengthening whole kinetic chain has helped, but also read something recently about being sure to strengthen whole thigh, rather than just the largest most dominant muscle as this can pull the knee cap of its course and out of its groove. I also frequently hold my legs together with kinesiology tape which is a modern day miracle and right up there with physiotherapists in my book. Look on you tube on their channel to see how to tape your knee while you excercise to support it while you build up other muscles. And good luck with the swimming! It’s also one of my goals to learn proper technique. I need to action that thought rather than waiting for an injury to take it up ๐ All the best for a strong recovery and a healthy return to running!
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Thank you for sharing your story! It’s great to hear recovery stories and makes it easier to keep upbeat about the ride back to running.
Thank you once again for reading and taking the time to write in so much detail. ๐ Happy runs to you
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As you said… run is a metaphor! So the blog goes on. \m/
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