How to Stay Positive While Injured
Last fall I had to take 9 weeks off due to an issue with my piriformis. After several months of pain, it became too much and I had to stop. After 10 weeks of physical therapy, I was finally free and on my own. It was hard to stay positive when I wasn’t running, but I got through it.
And now, as I write this, I have ice on my left shin. I started getting shin splints at the first of March. I took a few days off and focused on strengthening my calves and the pain went away, but it came back two weeks ago. It came back worse. I went to the doctor today and she thinks it’s a stress fracture. I feel like I’m going back to square one.
One more thing before I get into my tips— know that you aren’t alone in this. I am going through the exact thing you are going through right now. Injuries suck and sometimes it can feel like you are alone, but you aren’t! My DM’s and email are always open if you need to talk or blow off steam. I’m here for you in this journey.
staying positive while injured
Get off social media If you’re like me and only follow running accounts, seeing everyone’s posts about how far they are running while you are sitting on the sidelines, can really make you miss it more. I took periods of time off and it really helped me stay positive and not have fomo.
Plan your future Something about not being able to run makes you want it so much more. I was so much more motivated to reach my goals. I started planning out my comeback miles and how I was going to get to my goal times. Even though I didn’t use the exact plan I created, it was therapeutic to be able to plan. It gave me hope and kept my mindset focused on running and getting healthy.
Know that it’s temporary There were days that I was convinced that I’d never run again. I knew that wasn’t necessarily true, but after a few weeks of the pain not going away I was definitely convinced that I was never going to run again. There was no light at the end of the tunnel. Except there was. I started seeing small steps forward at physical therapy and things started looking up. It may take a long time to come back, but a running injury is temporary.
Do other things Last fall when I was injured, I couldn’t do anything. The pain in my piriformis kept me from doing any activities— including yoga and walking (at times). But, if you’re able to, try to bike, elliptical, lift, do yoga, but only as your pain allows. I recently got into HIIT workouts, so I’ll be doing those while modifying so that I stay off of my shin. I’m also going to be biking more and other strength workouts so that I keep my strength up, even if it isn’t running strength.
There is no doubt that injuries suck, no matter how long they keep you out for. Just know you’re not alone and that you will come out of this stronger. Take it day by day and stay positive. You’ll be back before you know it!