What My Running Injury Taught Me
One of my 2020 New Year’s Resolutions was to run a half marathon for the second time - and to finish faster than my first one in 2017. Spoiler alert: it didn’t happen. Here’s what I learned along the way.
The injury I ended up with was a stress fracture to my shin bone. Basically, a little hairline crack to the bone, but not a full break. In a nutshell, I didn’t stop training for long enough when I had a shin splint, so the injury became worse and put me out of all exercise for a while. After resting, I did physical therapy and then eventually worked up to a baby steps run/walk program. It’s been almost 6 months, and I’m still not 100%, but it’s almost there. It’s not the worst injury you could have, and I’m sure a full on broken bone is much more painful - but nonetheless this was not fun at. all. I wish it upon nobody.
You know when something’s wrong. When I first had the initial shin splint, I knew deep down that something was off. The thought crossed my mind that I might not be able to race, but I refused to speak it out loud or even entertain the idea. I’d had a shin splint before, and it felt a lot more painful. I just had that feeling.
If something hurts, stop. I ran on my shin splint, did barre class, continued everything full throttle knowing 100% in my head that I was pushing through pain. Not just weakness, but shooting pain. I ran to the point where I quite literally could not. Tears were streaming down my face, and I knew if I didn’t turn around I’d need to call for a ride home. Why on earth did I take it to that point? If I would’ve just stopped to rest when I had a shin splint, I would’ve never ended up this injured.
Sometimes it’s just not in the cards. I’m so dedicated to doing what I say, especially my New Year’s Resolutions, that I had a really hard time accepting that I would have to defer my race entry to next year. In the end, COVID-19 cancelled the race, teaching me that it wasn’t going to happen - no matter what. Sometimes, Mother Nature has her own plan and we have zero control over it. I was never going to run my race this year.
Follow directions. When I first started physical therapy, I followed all the suggestions I was given to a tee. The result? I healed up pretty quick! I was able to start running on a track way sooner than I thought. I did push my limits in barre class one day at home, and I was reminded instantly that my shin was not ready for that. Follow. The. Directions. Physical Therapists know their stuff - trust their process.
Slow down to speed up. My doctor and therapist have both explained that my injury probably came from my desire to make faster mile times. I was running harder to achieve better milestones, when in reality if I would have done more efficient cross-training or some sprint training, faster mile probably would have come more naturally (vs. crushing my poor shins to the ground more rapidly).
Be patient. Be patient. Be patient. When I finally was off to a great cadence in running on the track, I was ready to hit the blacktop. As soon as I did, I felt some slight soreness creeping up. I knew right away (from following my previous tips this time around!) that I had to stop immediately and take some rest. After a couple weeks of running rest, back to the track I went. It might be a while longer before I can hit the blacktop. I just have to accept it.
Stay Humble. That thing you’re 100% sure you can do? That you’ve maybe even already done before? Maybe you can’t. Every day is different, every year your body is different. Don’t assume. And don’t brag about it beforehand!
Keep trying. The bottom line is that I refuse to let this injury stop me from running. I might not have long distance races in my future, and I might not be able to go very far - but running is something I enjoy. I know that in time I will get better and I will fully heal. I’m willing to keep trying no matter how many times I have to start over!
