Once in a while, particularly when a plan has been set and motivation is in top gear, life throws a curveball. Or in my case last December, a moonboot.
2016 was to be my year of the marathon. Signed up for the one in Canberra in March, levels of determination were at an all time fist bumping high.
Then came anklegate. 2 days before due to go on holiday, I tripped over an uneven footpath during a lunchtime run with my boss.
Tears, F-Bombs, the works.
Everything about my ankle was ugly. The injury, how it happened and of course, worst of all…the footwear.
Then, recovery tested levels of patience and the threshold of self-belief.
Motivation to get back running is difficult enough to muster without it dissipating when sharp pain strikes.
When physical pain transpires into emotional frustration, there’s a good chance it spirals into hopelessness.
Getting the mind and body to sync after an injury is a tricky affair. The two need to negotiate and of course, it’s then left up to you to make the executive decision.
Mine was forfeiting the Canberra marathon. Boohoo.
But last Sunday, I managed to do a half marathon. Yay.
On reflection, the journey from recovery from moonboot to medal saw little anecdotes and reminders for life in general.
Done is better than good.
The run wasn’t pretty and we shuffled with the other laggers. People were packing up the water stations. I was half an hour slower than my personal best. But hey, that’s okay. It’s done. I crossed the finish line. With ankle intact.
Don’t do it alone.
If a challenge is too overwhelming, find a support network and ask them to share the burden. It doesn’t make you weak.
Running used to be a solo caper. But then there comes a point where getting up at 5:30am on a Sunday to run 18kms solo takes its toll.
Sydney Striders are my go to posse for Sunday runs and then there’s the online comadre with Zoey and the Operation Move community, a steadfast source of support and encouragement.
There’s no other person I’m more grateful to cross that finishing line with than Brenda. She was my constant.
Admittedly she got a little emo on me at 16 kms but I told her to save the victory tears for the end, where we lost it. Big hugs and bigger affirmations to our friendship.
Changing goal posts is not failure.
I like to have a plan and stick to it. If it goes out of whack, I will beat myself up over the incompetence of it all. And man, that’s energy wasted.
Emotional or physical, life’s full of injuries, is it not? Shit happens. It’s out of your own control. But we can always jump and quickly revert to what is.
Ever been injured? How was recovery? Have friends who get all emo on you?
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Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit says
What a great post Grace!
You’re right – changing goal posts is not a failure. You did good! And this is motivational given this ageing Deep Fried chook is needing to get back on the path of health and fitness.
I loved how you said “When physical pain transpires into emotional frustration, there’s a good chance it spirals into hopelessness.” I think this sums up how so many people feel when they suffer ongoing chronic pain as well.
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JodY At Six Little Hearts says
Well done Grace! You made the finish line and you tried. You were a winner before you even began.
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Lydia C. Lee says
Congrats! My husband did that 2 weeks before the Berlin marathon (the ankle damage on our uneven footpaths) – we iced the ankle all the way there (and he spent most of Singapore sitting in the room resting it) but it came good for the big day…heartbreaking stuff tho, when injury takes hold.
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Sarah @sarahdipity says
Congratulations! I’m in awe of anyone who can do a marathon
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Vanessa says
Sitting at home right now with an elevated ankle haha! Good on you for doing the marathon!! I’ve never been that fit, current ankle injury aside or not!
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Amy @ handbagmafia says
Grace, my mum always said trying was the important part and winning was just a bonus. She was right you know- you did it!
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mamagrace71 says
Amy, you’re mum’s a very wise lady! x
Ingrid @ fabulous and fun life says
Well done Grace on coming back from your injury in such a fashion! My daughter has just come out of her moon boot post surgery for a stress fracture that occurred 2 years ago and is now in rehab to return to her beloved running too. We must live relatively close to you as she originally considered running with the Sydney Striders too but ended up joining UTS Norths several years ago.
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Kathy Kruger says
Well done Grace – I think your Plan B was a really great achievement and who knows where you can go from here.
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Di from Max The Unicorn says
This is a great achievement, Grace, well done! Thankfully I’ve never had an injury, but I probably wouldn’t have the determination to train and run a a marathon after. Great work!
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Eva @ the multitasking woman says
That’s an amazing effort, Grace! I did the operation move learn to run course before falling pregnant and amazed myself that I could actually run 5km without stopping but due to back and pelvic problems during pregnancy I haven’t been able to run and gosh I miss it! I can’t wait to get back into it.
Sanch @ living my imperfect life says
Go Grace! That is so awesome. I agree it doesn’t matter if it was far from your personal best. Giving it a go is all that matters. I recently rolled my ankle during a hike and while fortunately there was no ligament damage, it did become weaker. Been to Physio and it was hard not being able to do my usually workouts. But I’ve been back this week and slowly getting there. Injuries can be very demotivating!
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Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says
What a comeback – you got to bring home the bling! High five to you and Brenda for crossing that finish line! It’s the finish not the fast that counts. As for the friend that gets all emo, that’s usually me!
Desire Empire says
Well done on the recovery and the race.
Carolyn
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Erika @ Ever-changing Life of a Mum says
One foot in front of the other I say! Love the little reminders you have received along the way. Running a marathon regardless of where you finish is absolutely amazing in my book. Congratulations!
Mumma McD says
What a legend, go Grace!!
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Denyse whelan blogs says
Remind yourself of this…and re-read whenever in doubt. THIS is Grace..the one who overcomes and succeeds! Wonderful analogy for life, dear G.
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Emily @ Have A Laugh On Me says
Oh I envy and admire your mental toughness girl – BAM! Go you xxx
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Raychael Case says
Go you! So very impressed. I was given the green light to commence exercise again but it only lasted a month and has set me back six months. Light walking is ok but it just isn’t enough. I’m never going to be a runner though.
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Brenda says
Love you long time. Xx
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Deborah says
Oh, great post Grace and very inspirational. Today I’ve written about joining a gym. A big step for me given I’m (officially) 65kg over my ideal weight… but hopefully one day I can post something similar to this!
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Lauren paris @ gold coast mum says
Seriously amazing! Well done! What a freakin machine you are!
As if running after twins wasn’t enough ;-DDD xxxxx
Ashlea | Glamour Coastal Living | says
Go You!!! I had a friend who had knee surgery twelve months ago and she has finally got her mojo back. It took alot of physio, training and gym for her to rebuild her strength and confidence. There is nothing worse than an injury to get you down in the dumps. So awesome you have an offsider too! So inspirational x
Sarah @ Tomfo says
You are so right…
Changing goal posts is not a failure.
Well done you inspirational lady.
Have a wonderful weekend. x
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Mary Denman says
Congrats Grace! It is hard to start over and I’m inspired by your story. I still have to wear my moonboot since I recently had Achilles Tendon surgery. But I’ll never be a runner. I’ve tried and tried, but my body never adjusts to it. Walking is more my speed!
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Emily says
So proud of you. Great post – I have an all-or-nothing personality, and would have been tempted to throw in the towel completely. But a half-marathon is AWESOME! From moonboot to medal – what a title. x
(But your last question made me laugh. Have I ever been injured? Little bit, little bit. 😉 )
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Trish MLDB says
Just totally awesome.
I’m hoping to get back to a half this year.