Guest post by: Sheree Shea, Mizuno Race Team Memeber
The medical technician ensures my lower leg is held secure within the orthopedic brace before placing the bulky headphones upon my ears. I lay motionless atop the sleek metal surface as it slides into the donut shaped openings — the faint sounds of the MRI waves begin. My mind wanders in reflection of the past months of training; where each workout added additional fitness and the minutes and miles seemed to float by effortlessly. I ponder where I went wrong, racking my memory as to what caused this mysterious injury. What is this nagging pain in my lower leg? How did I go from averaging 10 miles a day to hobbling 10 steps?
A posterior stress reaction in my tibia was the culprit, as appeared through the MRI findings. Accepting my prescribed eight week hiatus from running was difficult, to say the least. The days that followed diagnosis were gloomy as it seemed my athletic goals for the immediate future were wiped from reality. I tossed and turned at night wondering how this could happen to me, and why. As an immediate post-collegiate athlete, I was eager to compete and prove myself. Instead I was sidelined to the confines of stationary biking and pool running. The weeks inched by and I was able to maintain fitness through cross training and goal-focused training. The complete process- from mystery pain, diagnosis, acceptance, recovery and eventual return to running is tough, even for the most dedicated and determined athletes.
If an injury sidelines you from training and competition, here are a few tips to consider:
Stay positive: Remember that injuries are not forever. Take this time to reconnect with your love of the sport and focus on your well-being. Relax and allow your zest for life to rejuvenate. Fill your time with other low-impact activities you enjoy!
Recover properly and patiently: Given your individual timeline for recovery, respect your bodys limits as it returns to full health. Put your best effort forward when attempting to maintain fitness with cross training. Whether pool running, the elliptical, yoga, or stationary biking, these alternative sources build mental strength.
Create goals: Draw up a future plan for when you are able to return to running again. Here, these goals should be realistic and specific. Analyze prior training and attempt to pinpoint what variable likely sourced the injury. Variables to consider include: nutrition, volume, weight-lifting routines, shoes and equipment, stress levels, training surfaces, etc. When returning to consistent training, be sure to limit change to one variable at a time, to prevent additional injury. Consult with your coach, mentor and teammates for advice and goal-setting.
Patience: This is the essential element of returning to proper form. A more goal- focused training plan rather than a rushed return to fitness is crucial. You must recognize that returning to fitness with haste should be inferior to achieving your short term goals you identified. A patient return to running following injury is primary.
After six weeks of rest from running, my buildup into consistent mileage occurred slowly over the succeeding weeks. Following the steps of positive thinking, proper recovery, and patient goal-setting, I was able to restore my athletic ambitions and general sense of well-being. With each passing day I pause to think just how grateful I am every day I lace up my running shoes injury-free!