Obviously I’ve been busy with Run This Year 2014, as this is my first real post of the year. I’m happy to announce that I’ve been able to do short runs with no pain. Really short runs. Like 600 meters. We can now begin the Comeback Watch!
My comeback to running is going to be a slow process. I’ll need to feel out my foot as I go, being careful never to take a step too far and set myself back to limping and walking with pain. I’ll need to take it slower than slow and let my tendon continue to toughen up.
[What happened to my foot? Read about that here.]Small Victories
On January 1st, I walked/jogged for a total of .27 miles and my foot felt fine. It doesn’t feel normal, but there was no pain or discomfort. It’s hard to explain, but it still feels different than the right foot and I’m beginning to think that …this is just the new normal for my left foot.
On the 3rd I did a CrossFit workout and there was 600 meters worth of running in the warm up. So I ran it, nice and easy. Again, no problems.
On Sunday, I stood to play keyboard for church (a near 6 hour commitment of intermittent standing and sitting) and my foot wasn’t happy about that. I wore bad shoes (flats with no support) and my foot was definitely sore and tender. From standing for too long. UGH!
After resting my foot Monday, I went out for another little walk/jog today.
I was hoping it might be a 1/2 mile day. However, I didn’t take time to warm up my foot. I walked for a brief amount of time and then started running around a 9 minute pace. I got maybe 200 meters or so before I could tell my foot wasn’t up for it. So I walked again for a bit and then turned around and tried jogging back.
Run Goals
I’m fully aware that returning to running after injury is a lot less fun and adventurous than training for and running big races, especially when you consider how slow my rate of return is going to be. I’m hopeful that I’ll be running a half mile a day by the end of January. Not very thrilling stuff. I desperately wish I could be writing about the latest trail run adventure I had. Instead, I’m going back to my 2012 archives and re-reading those stories!
I’ll consider myself lucky if I’m able to run one marathon by the end of this year. Truthfully, I’d be happy with a half. I still have a date with that sub 2 half, but I must be patient. Very patient.
As Run This Year 2014 has gotten off to a big start, I think about whether or not I should set a mileage goal for myself. I like to imagine that I can start hitting 15 mile weeks by March and catch up to 800 or so total miles by the end of the year. Part of me feels that is super conservative and doable, and the other part of me doesn’t want to tempt myself into thinking I can “make” that happen.
Quite simply, my run goal right now is to be able to do 3 to 5 miles with no pain. If I can accomplish that, then I’d want to do a half marathon. We shall see.
I’m glad that you’re enjoying the little victories because they are indeed victories!
While it may not be as quick as you’d like, I know your date with a sub-2 half will arrive sooner than you know it.
Coming back from injury can be agonizingly slow. Just keep celebrating the little victories and be patient. You will be back to running marathons before you know it.
Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success. Congrats on your continued recovery.
This all sucks but in the scheme of things, it’s a small blip in time. I admire your attitude about all of it. Celebrate the small victories. Hugs.
I feel your pain. I’m up to 400m of running at a time after 5 months of essentially nothing. It’s a long road back but I’m told the patience will be worth it. Hopefully our patience will listen.
We can do this! 😀
Slow but steady!
I’m glad you’re taking it slow but steady. One thing that i’ve learned after dealing with a lot of injuries – your concept of ‘normal’ running changes. How you used to feel running may not be how you’ll feel NOW. Certain aches or twinges will be part of your new normal – and you WILL adapt to it. It just takes some time and experience as you see how your body recovers now after your runs.
Thanks, Rachel!
It sounds like you are on a great path to recovery. Taking it slow and listening to your body is definitely key although I am sure that you are eager to get back at it. I will be cheering you on along the way!
😀 Thank you!
Injuries are hard to gauge, but you’re doing it right. Slow, steady, bad tracking every feeling. Keep healing friend
Keep it up! 🙂 As long as your out there moving, that’s what matters most. 🙂
Have fun! 🙂
I so love your attitude on this AND that you are doing it safely vs. some of the other stories I read of people going back to soon… HUGS!!!!!!
I remember all too well the post injury return to running. Safely returning to running is more important than the miles right now. As you already know, take it slow!