Runners: When you’re injured, doesn’t it feel like everyone and their mother is suddenly running? Like every where you look you see someone running? Like every tweet, Instagram, and blog post you see is about running? You begin to feel jealous and even mad at other people because if you can’t run, no one else should be able to either. Please tell me you know what I mean. Or just nod along as I continue to Think Out Loud….
I’m not injured (yet) but I’m feeling all the typical denial/jealousy emotions that go along with injury. I even said to someone “I’m not a runner now,” like not running for a few days qualifies that kind of crazy response. In my mind, it seems as if everyone is running ALL THE MILES and I oddly feel left out. If some people can run marathons or long distances back-to-back-to-back with minimal rest, than so should I, right? If recovery to someone means two days off, why is it that not the case for me? If all of those Pinterest quotes say “push through, because giving up is worse,” shouldn’t I keeping going at full speed? The truth is, I want to be one of the those physically resilient people, but I’m not.
Recovery is different for everyone. Even though someone recovered fast, it doesn’t always mean that they are in better shape than someone who needed more time. On the flip slide, the person who needed more time to recover didn’t necessarily work harder than someone who bounced back quickly. Like training, nutrition, and most things in life, recovery is personal.
Stop worrying. Start yoga-ing.
As much as I wish I was fully recovered and could crank out a double-digit run on any day, that is not the case. My legs are tight, my knee has started hurting, my feet hurt after 20 minute runs and I’m tired. I’ve been beating myself up for the fact that I’m not in “marathon shape” anymore. I’ve felt guilty for sleeping in and skipping workouts, especially at this time of year when everyone else in the world seems to be “killing it” in the gym and on the pavement. I see people who ran the same marathon as me who seem to have seamlessly transitioned back into training (keep in mind these assumptions are based off blog posts and social media). I’m worried that not running consistently or hard will lead to a severe decline in fitness. I think about the races on the horizon (still 2 months away) and already feel unprepared.
Lots of UNNECESSARY worries, right? Although I “preach” rest and recovery, it’s hard to accept. It’s hard to accept that my recovery period might mean no running, when someone else’s might mean only 20 miles/week. It’s hard to accept that I might lose some fitness. It’s hard to accept that people are still allowed to workout when I’m not. But a slow recovery is only for my benefit. I may not see it now, but my body will thank me later for not rushing this process. If I feel strong tomorrow and run, great. If not, I shouldn’t push it. I need to do what feels right, despite what everyone on social media is posting.
Source
If I’m teetering on the edge of injury, there’s no point in testing my body’s limits for the sake of one workout. For lack of a better phrase, it’s a marathon not a sprint. One workout (or any for that matter) isn’t worth an injury. I may not be at the “acceptance” stage of recovery, but I’m heading in the right direction.
How do you deal with recovery?
What is your social media pet peeve? Mine is that everyone’s life looks and sounds so perfect, healthy and happy. There’s always more to the story though.
This all so true! I have always struggled with seeing other bloggers share their weekly mileage and seeing it so high and being able to run day after day. I’ve had to learn to accept that although I may not be able to run 7 days a week and a ton of miles every week, I am still a runner.
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…{Thirsty Thursday} Strawberry- Banana Coconut Water
Yes! If you like to run, you’re a runner. I try to remember that it’s a lifetime sport so I don’t have to rush through recovery.
I feel ya!! I’ve tried training for 5 half marathons and have only been able to complete one due to injuries. I’m always wondering what I do wrong that keeps me from being as intense as other runners who run marathon after marathon. But I just think my body isn’t made for lots of miles. Even now I’m injured and have resorted to walking on a treadmill. At first it was hard, but being injured helps me to remember that I don’t have to exercise extreme amounts to be healthy. A 1/2 hour fast pace walk on the treadmill and some weights is great too! Hope you heal soon!
Faith VanderMolen recently posted…Weekend Eats in NYC
It’s hard to accept that some bodies are more apt for high mileage. I like your thought process. Healthy doesn’t have to be so extreme. I’ve found that yoga is a great way to still sweat and get some movement without too much intensity.
This is a lesson it took me a long time to learn. I used to push myself too much and consequently I was injured alot and missed multiple races due to injury. This year during marathon training, I really listened to my body and stuck to my recovery plan even when I saw others running. It made the WORLD of difference.
Good for you! I love hearing success stories like that. More isn’t always better.
That’s probably one of my biggest social media pet peeves as well. Everyone tries to make their life out to be perfect online, which you can’t really fault them for, but it’s important to keep in mind that there’s ALWAYS something going on that we don’t see, and that it’s not fair to compare our behind-the-scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. thinking out loud #105 .
As much as I hate that other people make their life perfect on social media, I can’t say I haven’t done that too. Why do we fall into that comparison trap so easily?! I love the quote about not comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone’s highlight reel.
I totally relate and I haven’t run a marathon before! When I was injured, I was frustrated seeing so many people out there. My injury is “less serious” than others yet I was out of running for a few months. After races, it’s hard to get that mojo back but the recovery is so important to make sure you’re starting to train healthy again. Otherwise, it’s a vicious cycle of injuries (trust me, I’ve learned the hard way on that one). So embrace the yoga, embrace the spinning, and run when you can but only when it feels right. And enjoy the sleep!! I get the guilt 100% and it’s not fun at all, but I’m beginning to realize how good I feel when I’m well-rested. The workouts I do fit in are so much better.
pickyrunner recently posted…Let it Go
This was just what I needed to read. Thank you :) Recovering from an injury is such a vicious cycle, one that I don’t want to fall into. I know that resting now is the fastest way to a full recovery, and it kind of helps that I have the holidays to keep me preoccupied. Oh, the extra sleep has been a beautiful thing!
I know if I were to run a marathon or do some fitness event that required recovery..I would not be doing well. I’d be VERY jealous and hop back in to my normal routine way to quickly.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Chocolate Pumpkin Pancakes
It’s so tempting to not jump back into my routine. The comparison and jealousy hits me hard but I know longterm I’ll be happy I took this recovery time.
Hey girl — your body will definitely let you know when it’s ready. I admire you for recognizing what’s going on, though. Even though it’s hard, you know what you have to do! Just be patient :) :) Umm, social media pet peeve is people who tweet/FB about going to the gym/their workout. It shouldn’t annoy me, but it’s like, “okay, congrats” haha. I’m bold!
Emily @ Sweets and Beets recently posted…WIAW – Vegan Ice Cream + My New Kryptonite
You’re so sweet! Our bodies are pretty darn smart, it’s just our heads that overthink things. UM YES! Like, “Wahoo, you worked out.” What are they expecting to hear??
I don’t know how people work out hard everyday! I worked out 6 days last week (the first time in a while that’s happened and post-marathon) and I was super sore! I can’t kill it EVERYDAY in the gym. Impossible, especially without eating everything!
breathedeeplyandsmile recently posted…How to Get Help with Thanksgiving from Whole Foods Markets
Yes! I definitely don’t have the energy to kill it everyday, and I know my body would not like it. I’m also such a baby when it comes to pain so any soreness and I’m usually like “oh, rest day!”
I sure hope that I’m not projecting that perfect image…I don’t think I am! But I do try to keep it positive.
[email protected] the Long Way Home recently posted…Random thoughts on the run
I think you do a fabulous job!
I can relate to how you feel when it comes to speed. Sometimes I get jealous that some people are just naturally talented enough to go run 8 minute miles as their easy pace, when that’s all-out sprinting for me. You’re right that it doesn’t mean I’m not working as hard as them, but it’s a hard thing to remember when you’re getting your doors blown off!
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself
It really is hard to remember. Comparison makes our accomplishments seem trivial, which is not the case!
Just stumbled upon this post, as I am injured and can no longer run the marathon I have planned for less than 2 weeks away. I am super bummed and the nice weather doesn’t help either! I see everyone running outside and get super jealous. I just need to be patient like you said!
Kerri McGrail recently posted…Homemade Sea Salt Plantain Chips
I’m so sorry to hear that, Kerri. While I’ve never had to pull out of a race because of an injury I can imagine it’s painful to let go of the goal. I often tell myself that there’s enough running to go around. Meaning, just because other people are out running doesn’t mean I can’t get back into when healthy.