Welcome to my running journey

Hell Hath No Fury Like An Injured Runner

It’s true. Hell hath no fury like an injured runner. I’m pretty confident that’s how the saying really goes. I’ve been injured, so I can attest to the frustration, grumpiness and sadness that comes along with injury. My husband would probably attest to that too.

Over the years, I’ve been sick, have moved a few times and have had pressing work and family obligations. For all these reasons, I’ve found myself unable to run as I normally do, which is almost daily. I’ve even recently had a few setbacks in training, which have been super frustrating. All is not lost, even though it feels that way. Here's what I’ve learned to get through these setbacks.

My Bum Ankle

A few years ago, I had an ankle injury that required a few months of physical therapy and some time in a ‘walking book’. I felt angry that I was injured and my body wasn’t healing fast enough. I was equally annoyed by the limitations imposed by the injury. Unable to walk long distances, I had to rely on my husband to go grocery shopping or on the kids to get the mail. The worst feelings were sadness and isolation from being unable to participate and socialize with my run club. All of these emotions, and many more, swirled around my head and fed the misery of being unable to run.

During this time, I was listening to one of my many podcasts, 40+Fitness, and heard something that tipped the scales. The trainer suggested that while an injury may limit some movement, the whole body isn’t broken. In my case, while my ankle was off-limits, the rest of my body could still move. This light bulb moment changed everything.

My Attitude Adjustment

Instead of dwelling on what I COULDN’T do, I figured out what I COULD do while recuperating. My PT said I could use my spin bike. I could also lift weights and found great satisfaction using my boxing heavy bag. Without a doubt, I missed running more than anything; however, I found new outlets to satisfy some of what I was missing.

This change in perspective brought about a change in attitude. Instead of thinking about PT and the boot as a limitation, I began to think of PT as a way to fix the imbalance in my body and strengthen it to become a stronger runner. The PT exercises were necessary to heal my injury, but would also make me a better runner. This is why I continue my PT routine to this very day.

A Slight Change in Plans

Having been an injured runner, I totally empathize with other injured runners. It’s a significant change in daily routine and the feelings of frustration, helplessness and sadness are very real. If you are struggling with an injury or illness, take the time to be angry and acknowledge whatever feelings you experience. Just don’t live there for very long. Get the expert help you need to heal from your injury and find something else you can do while you recover.  

Without a doubt, an injury, illness or other setback can be immensely frustrating. However, don’t let it prevent you from staying active and healthy in one way or another. Consider this setback as a slight change in plans. Take the time to recover and position yourself to be a stronger runner and healthier for the long run, pun intended.


Throughout 2020, I'll be fundraising for Fxck Cancer, a nonprofit providing information on early detection and organizing special VIP-style events for cancer warriors through the Dyin 2 Live Dreams program. Please support these programs and cancer warriors with a donation using this Fxck Cancer Donation page. Thank you!