The road to my first half is littered with injuries
When I originally decided I was going to run a half marathon, I had just gotten back into running. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, nor the amount of work I would have to put in to get myself there.
I also had not given any thought to injuries since I was sure I would be one of the lucky ones to get through my training without any issues. WRONG. Those who know me could have told me this, I am unlucky when it comes to injuries and always at the worst times.
In December, I was a few weeks into my training when I got sick with the worst chest cold I have ever had (insert roadblock No. 1). I was down for almost two weeks and could not get out of bed let alone run. It was awful!
Following that, I had some great weeks of training, barely missing any runs and really seeing myself progress. Then came roadblocks Nos. 2 through 4: the piriformis, knee and foot pain.
From my many years working at a desk, I developed some sciatica-like pain — literally a pain in the butt. Sitting for long periods of time can make it worse, which of course is hard to avoid when you work in an office.
The foot and knee, I have no idea. One day, it just hurt to run. I thought it might be related to the piriformis pain so the heating pad, foam roller, and TENS machine became my best friends.
I missed yet another two weeks of training, growing more and more anxious at the thought of my first half marathon quickly approaching. I decided it was time to go back to physiotherapy and enlist some professional help if I was going to overcome these injuries.
Luckily it’s not anything serious, all of my issues are related to an extremely tight IT band. I will be working closely with my physiotherapist to help alleviate the pain and get me back to tip top running shape.
The moral of the story here is that no matter how frustrating setbacks and injuries can be, they make us take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
Not being able to run these past few weeks has made me realize how much I love running and appreciate the fact I am able bodied. I have to remind myself on a daily basis that giving in and listening to my body does not mean I am giving up, it is necessary for my recovery.
Tomorrow I will attempt my first run since these setbacks. I am going into it with no expectations except hopefully spring weather and sunshine, I will see how things feel and go from there.
There is one thing I know for sure — in 9 weeks I will get to that finish line.
