Written by I am getting SOOOO frustrated!
My boyfriend is running and running, he did a 10 mile run yesterday and I’m just sitting around, doing NOTHING. It’s so frustrating. I can walk quite easily on my ankle now, but it’s still aching in the morning and feeling swollen in the evening. In a couple of days I’m going to go out for a trial run- just half a mile or so- to see how it feels. But I’m getting so stressed about it! Earlier I was in tears because I was afraid I’ll have put on loads of weight. I know that’s a bit ridiculous, I will have put a little bit of weight on but not a load, I’ve been trying to eat carefully. Otherwise I’ve just been doing all I can to help it heal: icing, resting as much as possible, wearing a compression bandage sock thing, and trying to keep myself as active as possible with gentle exercises without putting too much on my ankle. I know an injury can get set in its ways if I rest it too much.
So I’m feeling pretty fed up and a bit low, but I’m planning my return to running which is helping. Have decided to go back through the B210k programme again as a way of getting my fitness levels back up. I’ve also bought myself some new joggers which came today- I’m wearing them right now and plan to wear them every evening until I do my first run just to keep me feeling energetic and remind me where I’m heading. Yeah, I have to admit I’m feeling pretty fat at the moment, and every little snack leaves me feeling hellishly guilty.
Have invested in a copy of Run Fat Bitch Run. I find it quite good as a motivator, although a bit hard hitting. I like to look in the mirror and look at myself from the most attractive angle possible… this book points out that we all do this, and we are not as attractive as we make ourselves appear. How we really appear is as we do in all those photos friends put on facebook and we quickly click “detag”, that’s how we really look. Run Fat Bitch Run tries to be direct, straight-talking and humorous. As I said it’s a bit too honest for me, haha, but if you’re just starting out and need something to get your head into maybe for half an hour before your first few runs, I’d recommend getting your hands on a copy. I started my running journey through self-motivation using the C25k programme, I managed to keep myself going with encouragement from my boyfriend. I’m 99% sure that without my boyfriend I probably wouldn’t have started and definitely wouldn’t have kept it going for the 18 months or so its been. I would have needed something like this. A book I can have a conversation with, does that make sense? This book personalises the little niggling voice which tells you to get off your arse and run, then gives you the knowledge and motivation to follow that voice. I know I’m going to need that voice when my ankle’s feeling good enough to get running. I know I’ll probably leave it a few more days than I really need to before I admit that I can start again now. Even with the frustration of not being able to run, there’s still the lazy cow deep down which is relishing in the excuse.
So what’s my top tip for dealing with injury and getting yourself motivated again? I suppose reading back through this, it’s to splash out and spend a bit of money on yourself hahaha… that’s my tip for anything really, spending money and treating yourself. Just keep those treats non-edible! Which is easier to say than it is to do. But keep going, keep motivated and soon enough the running bug will be back!
I have got my monthly weigh in and measurement taking at the end of the month, but due to a throat and sinus infection I have been out of action for two weeks. I feel fat. Ok I know I am fat, but I feel fatter than I normally do because I haven’t been able to do any exercise at all on doctor’s orders! So I know exactly how you feel. Treating yourself is a good thing even if it is clothes that you plan to go running in, it gives you something to focus on while you are recuperating. HOpe your ankle gets better soon and remember take it easy until it completely heals or you will do more harm than good x
I really understand your frustration, but be careful with your injury. If you run on it, it could end up taking longer to heal! I managed to get tendinitis after a race at the end of November and then kept running 5 times a week because, like you, I can’t go without a run! My ankle stayed painful until I was forced to stop running a couple of weeks ago when it was even too cold for me, plus a week’s ski holiday. So after two weeks off, it’s healed, touch wood! I know it can be really annoying not running, and that after a while, all you think about is the next run, but take your time. If you can force yourself to leave your running shoes in the cupboard for two weeks, it’ll be worth it in the end. Good luck!
Oh how I feel your pain! I not long ago injured myself so badly that not only was I not meant to exercise but I literally couldn’t even walk for weeks! Even walking around the house would make my knee pop out and lock in place. It was horrible. I felt lazy as if it was by choice and went for a walk one day only to have my knee pop out while I was 2 blocks away from home! I hope you managed to rest up enough to heal and are much better now. I just found your blog and love your passion and honesty.
Serena =)