A Runner Needs To Run


 

What not running does to a runner.

I had a back strain 3 weeks ago which had me on my husbands recliner for 6 days, then taking it easy for 2 weeks. I went to a chiropractor, the ER and to my PMD trying to find someone with a magic wand to wave over me and make me normal again. The closest I came to magic was the Valium (truly “Mother’s little helper”) that made my back relax enough so I could walk without being hunched over in pain.

I had one failed attempt at running 2 weeks into this ordeal and a whole lot of worry since. I am not a worrier by nature, I try to go with the flow…as long as things are flowing along nicely and according to plan.  ๐Ÿ˜‰ But take running away from me and all bets are off. Runners need to run…0r at least know we can if we want to. While we all need a break or rest period from running, we still enjoy other things, like yoga, cycling, paddle boarding, hiking…you get the picture…but I couldn’t do any of those things either, except some very light yoga. 

What did I worry about and what did I learn from this forced break from running? A lot.

Worries:

  • What if I can’t run Boston? It was my first thought and am still worrying about it. I’ve only had one painless 3 mile run, so the fear is still very real. I don’t want to disappoint anyone. ๐Ÿ™
  • What if I can’t run, like ever? This has been keeping me up at night. What if I can no longer run? What would I do? I know I would stay active but running is what I do. And what if my back doesn’t allow me to do the level of activity that I want, then what? Sounds all very dramatic when I put it in writing but it is what it is.
  • Will I be able to run my half in November? With all the worry over Boston I almost forgot to worry about the USA Women’s Half Marathon in November. How much training do I really need to be able to run that half and not die? I hope 4 weeks is enough because that’s where I’m at. Again, providing my back continues to let me. 

These are my 3 biggest worries. There’s more but I won’t bore you with all my woes. Is there a therapist specifically for runners? Is that a thing? VitaTrain4life are you out there? Do you know? 

What did I learn from this ordeal? (Because we all should learn something from the things that upset our lives, right?)

Life Lessons:

  • I’m not very happy when I can’t run. I won’t goes as far as to say that I’m not nice when I’m not running but I could be nicer. Pain + zero running = GROUCH

    Taken from Google images
  • Maybe I need to incorporate other activities into my fitness routine. Hmmmm, ya think? Yoga/stretching is now going to be part of my life. And as soon as I feel comfortable with my back issue strength training will also be a regular activity. No more just lifting my 8lb weights before bed. I’m talking CrossFit, HIIT workouts or Bootcamp. Sign me up!
  • Running is a privilege. I’ve said it before but until you have lived on the other side you may not really understand the true meaning. I know there are a lot of people less fortunate than me and I am thankful everyday for my family, a roof over my head and my health. The fear of losing the ability to run was real and being able to run today literally brought tears to my eyes. I will be forever grateful for every run, good, bad or ugly. 

โ€œI donโ€™t run to add days to my life, I run to add life to my days.โ€
                                                                                                                               Ronald Rook

Have you ever had a forced break from running? Do you ever worry about the day you can no longer?

Thanks for reading.

                       Denise

 

 

4 COMMENTS

  1. Deborah Brooks | 22nd Oct 19

    A runner is never happy when they can’t run. I have been sidelined before with a stress fracture and could not run for 3 months. It’s the worst! I missed a number of races. I kept up my cardio with cycling. Hope you are back at it soon! Remember that there are always more races to run!

    • Denise | 28th Oct 19

      3 months is so long! If I didn’t have Boston to train for I wouldn’t be too worried.
      Thanks for the encouragement!

  2. Marcia | 28th Oct 19

    I’ve been sidelined from running many times and every single time the threat of not being able to ever run again crosses my mind. I’m keeping everything crossed that you’re up and running again in plenty of time to be totally ready for Boston.

    • Denise | 29th Oct 19

      Thank you Marcia! I need all the positive energy I can get!

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