Just back from a few days in San Diego. What a beautiful, peaceful place with absolutely perfect weather every day. I only got in one run during my time there as my Achilles is still bothering me. Recently, I had to switch over to intervals of run/walk to not do more damage to my tendon and hopefully keep moving forward. It’s important to know there’s generally an option for getting your workout in and that has to be good enough for now.
Depending on the injury, or issue, there is very often an option for getting in a workout. In the past, I would completely stop working out and feel totally sorry for myself. I’ve learned to find the modification that I can do and just focus on that. So, for me right now the option is walk/run intervals and I’ve resigned myself to this fact and actually quite enjoy it. Walk/run intervals are keeping me on the road and not further damaging my tendon.
What options are out there for your injury? It really depends on what it is and what your doctor, or PT thinks is appropriate. I can tell you what has kept me going during my injuries and hope you connect in some way.
Lower Body Injuries – Work Your Upper Body
When I had ankle tendon repair surgery it was a long time before I could even walk. To keep my sanity I worked my upper body. I broke the upper body into sections and each day I did something while seated in a chair. Chest and biceps one day, triceps and back another. There are many videos available on YouTube, but I used Body Beast videos by Beachbody.
Can’t Run – Walk
If you can’t run at all there is always the walk option. You get just as good of a workout with less stress on your muscles and joints. When I am in the walk mode I tell myself a simple truth – a mile is a mile no matter how fast you move. Shoot for 10,000 steps a day and you’ll be getting enough movement.
Returning to Running – Try Run/Walk Intervals
I’m currently using Galloway training methods coupled with heart rate training to get myself back on the road. My Achilles has been bothering me terribly and it’s been frustrating. Run/walk intervals allows me to get in time on my feet needed without further injuring the tendon. When using these intervals you are not putting constant stress on the tendons. When you are walking you are using different muscles than when you are running. The switching back and forth allows muscles some time to rest. I’m hoping this will keep me in the game for my race in November.
It’s hard to keep motivated when you feel down and out. Talk to you doctor and see what you can do. Finding something I could do has helped keep me sane when I easily could have given up. I hope you find a way to keep moving through. Please share below what has kept you going during injuries.
Reclaiming My Health 