Road Block: Injuries
Author: Elise Greenspoon

Whether you’re an Olympian, a varsity athlete, or a beginner, there is nothing more frustrating than an injury. It’s in a league of its own, really. It’s one thing to be sick and not be able to perform as you normally would you’re sick. There’s no way of doing it any better. If you miss a scheduled workout, you can make it up on your own time, or even cross train. The injured athlete unfortunately has a much bigger obstacle to over-come. Usually at your physical peak, feeling stronger than you ever have, you’re shot down.

The thing is, no one outside of running can possibly fathom what you’re feeling. You’ll hear things like “so what? It’s an excuse to take a couple weeks off! It will be good for you!” Are you kidding?! Sure, I’ll take a couple weeks off, and how about you stop drinking coffee every morning, or taking a smoke break at 10:30, playing guitar, shopping etc etc etc for a couple of weeks. Fair trade. Running isn’t something we do to “stay in shape”. It’s as essential to us as a morning cup of coffee. We all know how avid coffee drinkers are without their morning cup-a-joe well it’s not that different when a runner can’t run.

So what do you do? What CAN you do?

First, see some kind of athletic professional. Whether an athletic therapist or physio therapist. They know virtually everything there is to know about almost every injury, common or rare, so trust what they have to say. Don’t undermine them. If they say “do nothing for a week”, do nothing for a week. It very well might be the closest thing to a death sentence you’ve ever received, but they know what they’re talking about. Their recommendations should be followed.

Ice Ice Baby. Ice is the one and only remedy GUARENTEED to decrease swelling, promote pain relief and a faster healing time. One problem: No one ices. We all know how beneficial it is, and we all know how crucial it is for recovery, but it is so often neglected. Really, we all need to just suck it up and let ourselves go numb but again, easier said than done!

Cross-Train. If you’re given the go-ahead by your therapist, try to find an activity where it is possible to make an equivalent workout. Swimming and biking are the most effective, as you can alter the intensity, speed and pace. Stair master are great for the gym bunnies, or maintaining a low body fat percentage but really, are you a gym bunny? Those machines are great for in-between run days when you want a simple, no-nonsense hamster in a ball type of workout, but for the injured runner, have little to no benefit.

Depending on the place of your injury and the intensity of it, only certain cross training options will be available to you. Sometimes the bike puts way too much stress on your legs. If your injury is muscular, involving the tendons, ligaments or nerves, the bike might not be your best bet.

Swimming on the other hand is usually the safest bet. Absolutely no impact, full body work out and very easy to make a workout equivalent. Unfortunately, there are quite a few of us that swim like rocks if that’s the case, flutter kick or running in the water work phenomenally.

Finally, and most importantly, you need need need to stay involved. If you sit on the couch by yourself, all that you’ll accomplish is some quality spirit breaking. If you’re out, watching the work outs, cheering your friends/teammates on, you’ll still feel like you’re taking part in the workout, and you’ll have that much more motivation to get better and come back with a bang!!!

Rest, Ice, Cross Train, Stay Involved BE HAPPY.

staceylance reg: Aug '05 posts: 2	06/08 09:42pm title: We Hear Ya! Hey Elise... I just want to let you know that, although right now you cannot run, just hang in there!!! This time will only add fuel to the desire you already have to run. This ultimately will drive you and push you to limits you did not know you could reach, when you return... which will be soon!!!! Stay positive!!! Every avid runner has an injury at some point or another (unless of course you are a freak of nature). We cannot change the situation so instead invest every ounce of your energy in getting better...well, because we miss you!!!! But for now, we greatly appreciate your cheers from the sidelines! Love, Stace
kassie betts reg: May '06 posts: 1	06/09 12:19am Another great article, Elise. Good to see you're staying positive through this injury, and helping others cope with theirs. Next time I get hurt (please god, not soon), I'm glad to have you on my side! I think I speak for everyone when I say thanks for being there for your team even when you can't run with us. It definitely helps us along and it shows what great commitment you have. Can't wait to see you back... Lots of love, Kassie Betts
juan dice reg: Jul '05 posts: 833	06/09 10:52am It's great that someone finally put their thoughts into words cause i could never exactly put mine down without it coming across as some whinny runner. It would seem that when i get injured they are big ones, so i understand the death that one feels when you wake up and you can't plan your daily run or training for that matter. Running is like a drug, but there is not weening process when you have to stop..It's usually cold turkey, and thats the hardest part. Running would be easy to stop if you were miserable when you were doing it, but it would seem that you get injured right when you love it the most... I've learned over the years that my team and running friends are the best support system possible but not just for my mental wellness, for theirs as well. It's almost as if being around and in contact with them motivates them - makes them take their running into perspective and not be ignorant of its effect on people. It's almost as if they realize how much it would suck for them to go cold turkey from the best drug in town, and not be able to wake up and plan their daily run. Being injured isn't a good reason to stop being part of a team...show that you care about them and they, if they are truly your friends, will show they care about you. This has been my experience, hope things work out for you. Keep your chin up. Thanks, Evan
Lesley Poole reg: May '06 posts: 2	06/09 07:54pm Great article once again, Elise...I'm sure there are countless runners out there who can relate. Good for you for continuing to go out with the team, I know how much it helps to have some cheering and encouragement from the sidelines...keep your chin up, and just remember: "a setback is simply a setup for a comeback". Take that home, chew on it. (it's delicious) hahah. Love you and miss you like crazy, ~Les xo.
mike c reg: Mar '04 posts: 1299	06/13 02:22pm great read , keep them coming
mike c reg: Mar '04 posts: 1299	06/13 02:22pm the team id pulling for you Evan!

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