As most of you know, I’ve been running a lot more frequently lately to prepare for a full marathon at the end of September. I’ve also been training for two half marathons that I’m running next month. Unfortunately, I had to take a bit of a break this week because I’ve been having some issues with my shin and ankle on my left leg. I ran on Sunday, and it hurt so bad I wanted to cry! I took a few days off of running this week to let it rest a little bit, but I was also determined not to take too much time off since my races are coming up soon.

For those of you who are active every day, you know how frustrating it can be to take a break. Especially when you have big races coming up in only a few weeks! But, I didn’t want to hurt myself further, so I laid off of it for a few days, and did LOTS of stretching and icing. I didn’t stop working out altogether, because that would have driven me crazy. I did some more of the elliptical, so it would be less impact on my legs, and took the opportunity to focus my energy on some core and upper body work. I even got to the pool on Thursday! First time swimming since August, I think. I was crazy out of shape, but it did feel good to get back in the water. And it helped to take some of the pressure of my joints. It was a good change of pace while I focused on allowing my leg to rest.

I did run again on Thursday morning, and even though my leg didn’t feel awesome, it felt way better than it did on Sunday. At least this time I didn’t want to cry! I’m crossing my fingers that it’ll continue to feel better and I won’t have any other issues. I’m really starting to get anxious with it being so close to race time.

Unfortunately, injuries are always an inconvenience no matter when they occur – whether you have a race coming up or not. It’s hard to listen to your body and take the rest it needs, but it’s so important that you do. Continuing to put pressure on your body when you’re in pain is only going to open you up to more injuries, and you’ll be out even longer. Listen to your body! No one knows it better than you do. If you’re feeling sick, or you’re in pain, that’s your body telling you to step back. Trying to keep going like that isn’t going to help at all.

It’s great getting new personal bests and pushing yourself to see what you can do, but everyone has a limit. That limit is different for everyone though, so don’t be comparing yourself to what someone else is doing. Just because one person can run a million miles every week without getting hurt, does NOT mean you can! Listen to what your body is telling you. No one is super human!

Anyway, I’m hoping to get a long run in this weekend – need to get a few more before next month – but if my leg can’t handle it, then I’ll listen to it, and be done early if I have to. Here’s to hoping I can make it through! Send good vibes my way. 🙂

Until next time! 🙂

Megan Reiffenberger