Training for IMLP took me away from speed training; I know a lot of ironman training programs do incorporate speed sessions. But my goal was simple: to finish the race within the 17 hour time limit. So I wasn’t focused on speed. Late summer/ early fall I decided it was time to gain my speed back. I’m not going to lie, running hard and fast is tough. But, I was able to get back to my sub-8minute miles, and was estatic. I made sure I was able to have Thanksgiving off in order to take part in our local Turkey Trot; I had a goal to beat my previous 5k time.
I failed to mention during this time, I switched shoes brands (and shoe type). From my first run in the shoes, there was pain in my left foot. But I figured it was just my foot getting accustomed to the new shoe. (I am “profoundly” flat footed and decided to try a minimalist shoe). There continued to be pain as I ran, but we all know that runners are pros at running through pain.
Then, one day, I started out on a run and it was too painful to run. I decided to take a couple days off from running, focusing on biking instead. A week later I attempted to run again, and found the pain was extreme. After working a busy shift, the pain was not only present when I walked but all the time.
Enter peroneal tendonitis.
Long story short, this is my second week in a CAM boot, out of work, in hopes the tendons will forgive me for being so cruel to them. I was unable to take part in that Turkey Trot, and haven’t run for almost a month.
I have been sidelined before (i.e. my appendix), but this injury has been a lot harder, emotionally. I still have the occasional pain when I walk without the boot, and I haven’t been able to bike for over a week, and kicking when I swim even aggravates the foot. The impatient person in me wants this to heal quickly–even though the damage I did was probably over a couple months. I’ve tried to do other activities, but nothing has “felt” the same way as a tough run or good bike ride feels. Truth be told, deep down I fear I may be unable to run again. The goals I had for next year’s races seem to be disappearing before my eyes. It’s lead to feelings of depression and sadness that I haven’t felt in a long time.
Yes, you might say I am being dramatic right now, but the fear of being unable to do the things I love, is real.
I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. A friend of mine reminded me that things happen at the times they were meant to happen in our lives. But right now I cannot seem to figure out what the reason is behind this injury…
Has anyone else been sidelined by an injury? How did you cope?
A Rendezvous with Sneakers 
Dec 02, 2015 @ 23:08:35
Try to stay positive and find other things that you can do. Injury sucks, but to recover fully you must be patient since it needs rest and time. Good luck!
Dec 04, 2015 @ 18:39:03
Injury happens to all active athletes regardless of our level of fitness… but… and here is the big difference… endurance athletes like yourself focus on the injury, understand the cause and then rehabilitate, overcome and get back in the game…which may include proper rest…and cutting yourself a break… you have many years still left to play… this is one of those pay segments…when I hurt my knee I worked out using a buoy between my legs (No kick) and focused the swim workout on perfect stroke, lateral breathing and shoulder strength sessions… hope you will be better soon…