Beginner’s Guide to Injury
I never thought I would end up writing a report for PRC on the depressing topic of injuries but here I am six weeks into a complete sport ban and really twiddling my thumbs. So why not share some of my thoughts? Be warned though for there are many. One has a lot of time to reflect when one isn’t out there pounding the pavements.
I know all of us suffer from various twinges, aches and complaints which are handily paraded both pre and post race (I’m guilty too) but what does happen to the runner when they vanish off the face of the running earth? Janet has had a tough time this past year. So has Ricky. But what actually happens and how do you get over it? Here’s my take on it.
Diagnosis
Aah yes, this was the critical stage, right at the start that I chose to ignore for a week. That niggling pain at the top of my thigh (thanks Barra)? That was surely going to go away after a few days’ rest. And when it didn’t, well a girl has a training schedule, so best get back to it and run it out.
I’ve pondered this long and hard as to why I refused to get a diagnosis. These are currently my top three reasons:1.Hi, I’m Amanda and I’m a runaholic
2.Hi, I’m Amanda and I’m an ostrich (nothing quite like sticking my head in the sand)
3.Hi, I’m Amanda and I’m a skin flint.
Suffice to say, these are crap reasons and if you continue to run on an injury, bad things happen. In my case after the Sandy Slither I was only capable of dragging my leg behind me. Cue the physio and the diagnosis.
Obedience: stick to the instructions
OK, you’ve got your diagnosis and it’s not good. Nothing, absolutely nothing, in fact, less than nothing on the sport front for two weeks. How hard can that be?I refer to point 1 above. Addicts can’t quit. After a week of cold turkey I thought a wee cycle would go unnoticed. It’s non-weight bearing after all. This is the short cut back to square one. Or the big snake on the Snakes and Ladder board which takes you back to the beginning. Do what the physio says. Even if you don’t notice immediate pain. It will come back to haunt to you.
Diet
Oh boy, this is a tough one because I eat like a monster and that’s one of the reasons I love running. I can eat what I want and no one knows. I am glad to confirm that after four weeks of chomping Pringles, drinking wine and demolishing all sorts of comfort-food, your appetite will eventually return to normal i.e. three meals a day.
Lack of progress
Tendon / ligament injuries tend to heal quite quickly (or at least they do with me) and you have the satisfaction of seeing progress and therefore the light at the end of the tunnel. Muscle injuries take ages. And it’s not clear if they are better or worse than yesterday, or even last week. With no chink of light this can be very demoralising. Everyday is groundhog day. On my more optimistic and lucid days I can see improvement – I’m no longer dragging my leg behind me for example. Take comfort in these small victories but continue to stick to the instructions from your physio.Alternative activities
I have discovered there is no good alternative to running. You may wish to consider the following though: Tiddley winks. Knitting. TV (House and his team are my new friends). Darts (did you know that in a darts game you can take up to 3,700 steps – this could therefore be classed as too much. Check with your physio first. Oh and there’s also the risk of ‘Dartitis’). And finally snooker. Thank god the Olympics have started.
Recovery
The final hurdle! Well I’m not quite there yet so I’m imagining this one. Take it very slowly. Any pain. Stop. Don’t do too much. Essentially I see this as a cross roads. Go right and you will return to form eventually and be bagging PBs like the rest of them (in time). Turn left and you are back on that Snakes and Ladders board, slithering down snakes and never really making a come back. I guess I am writing this report in part so there is documentary evidence, where I state, that I am turning RIGHT. The recovery will be complete in time and I will not be tempted to race too soon (and that includes training on Wednesday nights). I will not tread the path of recurring injury. Guides Honour.
not amanda's legsHope you are having a good summer and to see you all in the autumn. Without a limp.
Amanda Henderson.
