Trail running this time last year.
Earlier this month I talked about running after injury and hopefully getting some answers regarding my leg and what’s going on with it.
It turns out that it’s quite likely a bone injury after all. A stress fracture or beginnings of one according to the sports medicine doctor. So no running for another four weeks.
And here’s the kicker: no hiking either.
Hiking in Banff Nat’l Park
Who knew that hiking wasn’t a low-impact sport? I thought that I was taking care of my leg by limiting myself to hikes, but apparently long hikes with steep descents are just as bad for a weakened bone.
I can’t say I regret all the hikes we did on the adVANture that I wouldn’t have been able to do had I known. I mean, we hiked in Glacier, Banff, Great Basin Nat’l Park, Zion, and I got to revisit my old favorites right here in Boulder. But it means that the healing process is a lot longer.
The good news is that I have a plan. A really good plan, actually. I went ahead with the gait analysis and discovered two big things:
- 1. My core is shockingly weak, which is effecting my entire gait and the way my body responds to the impact of running.
- 2. My foot strike is beautifully neutral and not a problem at all.
So that means that once I get my core strengthened (hello Pilates!), adjust a few other tweaks to my overall gait, and heal my tibia, my running posture and gait should be really efficient and strong. Which will allow me years and years of running long mountain trails.
Which, you know, is my ultimate running dream.
It’s going to be a long spring and summer, though. Once I get the green light to start running, it’s going to be a super-slow regimen to prevent further injury and allow my muscles to get back in shape. No steep runs. No long runs. In fact, I’ll be running a program that a lot of beginners do, so if you’ve been thinking about running, we can train together virtually!
It looks a lot like this:
- Run one minute, walk nine minutes (two times for a total of 20 mins) three times the first week.
- The second week, I’ll get to run for two minutes, then walk eight (for 20 or 30 minutes).
- And so on for ten weeks until I can run without walking.
My chances for a racing season this summer is looking pretty slim. But look out fall! I’ll be ready for you!
Lots more mountain biking in my future!
training opportunities
All is not lost, however. Anne Hughes (y’all remember her from her late-blooming athlete interview about Climbing in Three Dimensions) reminded me recently on facebook that Injuries are Training Opportunities. Indeed, that exact guest post she wrote for us last year talked about exactly that.
Keeping that in mind, I am looking forward to slowing down and embracing a different kind of season this year.
A season that will be focused on strengthening my core via Pilates and climbing, and working on my endurance with a ton of mountain biking. Luckily, since my mountain biking skills got so much better after spending last summer in the pacific northwest, I’m itching to learn even more and explore the trails here in Colorado.
Disappointment and frustration are slowly easing into optimism and enthusiasm for new beginnings. I’m interested in seeing how I grow as an athlete this season. How will my patience evolve? My knowledge of my body? How will my body change?
I am reminded that setbacks are rich experiences for growth and learning—often more so than successes.
What are your goals for the upcoming season? Have you had to adjust any? What have you learned from setbacks and injuries?
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Welcome
If you’re new here, welcome. I’m delighted you stopped by.
Sign up for my monthly newsletter for more inspiration and practical tips to help you get—and stay active. You’ll also receive a FREE email series sharing the 10 Essential Elements of Adventure.
If you’re interested in life coaching and ready to make a change, contact me for a free consult.
Anna and Jill – Thank you both for your kind words and encouragement. They're very much appreciated!I like this quote I got from my sister-in-law about patience this morning: "Patience is good. Though sometimes I'd like to have it right now." :)
Ohh! So sorry for the injury! But I love the way you are tackling your rehab and training to get back to form. I struggled with proper training after my numerous bouts from chronic tendinitis, and after 20 years still sometimes overdo it after a flare-up and set myself back again. I'm sure you'll be strong again soon. Patience, however.
I think that you are going to be a very intelligent runner after this experience. AND, a stronger climber and mountain biker. :-)