in all the years since i first started running, i’ve taken lots of breaks. sometimes because of weather, sometimes because i didn’t have good access to safe running paths, sometimes because i was lazy. whatever the reason, it was almost always my choice.
that is, until last year.
as i wrote last year, i finally saw a podiatrist for some ongoing foot and ankle issues i was experiencing, and his first directive was that i had to stop running and give myself time to heal. it was the first time i had ever been told i couldn’t run, and i struggled. i got the go ahead to ease myself back into it last fall, but for some reason i couldn’t take that first step.
and then one day a few weeks ago i decided to go for a run. it was cold outside but sunny, so i bundled up and promised myself i’d go for 10 minutes. nothing earth-shattering, nothing too long or too fast. 10 minutes. that’s all.
and it felt good. my feet hurt when i first switched from running to walking at the end, but after that the pain went away. the following week i decided to try it again, again sticking to only 10 minutes. same result.
i’ve since done a few more 10ish minute runs [about the length of 3 songs, so sometimes i go a little over], and i’m feeling pretty good. my new insoles seem to be doing the trick, and it feels good to move my body in that way again. i have a long way to go before i am ready for a 5k, but i’ll get there.
for now i want to focus on doing this one thing – running for 10 minutes – for a little while longer and slowly finding the joy in running again.
xx
I’m coming back from an injury as well! Easy does it but getting back into it feels so good (even if it’s shorter runs)!
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Yes, it feels so good! Sending you good vibes for a full recovery!
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Thank you!
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