Hello friend!

Commiserations - it is ZERO FUN being injured, and it's easy to find yourself spiralling when this part of your life that you've invested so much energy in and that brings you so much joy and/or keeps you sane is suddenly placed on hold. Some tips, tricks, and words of wisdom from one injury-prone runner to another:

During this time, stay connected to your running pals (and get to know them as people other than "the people who I run with").

Continue to move the bod in whatever way you can! Source those endorphins/dopamine however you can. And maybe try to do so with friends – running can often be a solitary endeavour, so it’s good to mix it up a little and explore what exercise adds to your life in terms of the social aspect.

Learn as much as you can about the recovery process and things you can be doing to expedite it, but without obsessing over it. Things within your control are finite, and that’s an important thing to bear in mind as you navigate the physical and psychological experience of being injured.

This is cringe (but humour me): think of your life as a pie chart, and consider those segments that running sometimes eats into. Think of ways you can re-invest in those areas of your life that sometimes come second to training (time and energy-wise). You’re first and foremost a human being, not a runner. What else makes up your human being? Remember that the attributes, qualities and skills that make you a good runner are transferable to other areas of your life.

Being injured might just be an opportunity for you to take that break you always say you’re going to take but never do. REST!!! You’ll avoid losing your passion and joy for running long-term if you practise taking your foot off the pedal in periods like these. Be gentle with yourself.

All the best!