An incredible high followed by a crushing low - Couch to 5K

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An incredible high followed by a crushing low

Gabby08 profile image
Gabby08Graduate
4 Replies

Two weeks ago today, I enjoyed my best run to date. It was the first day of my holiday, the sun was shining and at 8am, there wasn't another soul in sight as I whipped along the beach. I cooled off with an 'invigorating' swim in the North Sea and then headed home for some well-earned bacon and eggs.

Later that day, during a 14-mile walk along the coastal path, I lost my footing and went over on my ankle. It was a little sore but not enough to stop me. It wasn't until I took my walking boots off that I realised I'd done some damage.

I stopped running - much to my disappointment - but as the days went on, things weren't improving so on Thursday, I bit the bullet and went to the minor injuries unit. I've torn a ligament and chipped a tiny fragment of bone so it looks like I'm going to be on the IC for a while. My race for life number turned up on the same day, just to add insult to injury.

Does anyone have any advice? How long might I be out? Are there any exercises I can do to strengthen my ankle? Will I have to restart the programme? And how do I keep myself motivated enough to get running again once I'm mended? I'd really love to hear some positive suggestions as I'm driving myself mad! Thanks in advance!

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Gabby08 profile image
Gabby08
Graduate
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4 Replies
Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

So sorry to read this - how frustrating for you. I know it is no consolation now but you will get back to your running. I picked up an injury at week 8 of the programme which kept me out for several months🙁. However, I was already hooked and kept coming on here to keep me motivated and to enjoy others journeys. I graduated 20mths ago now and it all seems like a distant memory! Take the time you need to heal and know that running will still be here when you are better. Good luck🙂

Gabby08 profile image
Gabby08Graduate in reply to Sandraj39

Thank you! That's exactly what I needed to hear - I'd been avoiding the forum while I licked my wounds but now I think hearing about other people's successes is just what I need to keep me motivated.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Nobody can say when you will be ready to run again, except maybe a specialist, nor how long it will take, so there is no knowing how far back you will have to go.

There are very few of the longer term graduates on here who have not suffered injury, had to stop for a while, then build back up again. Things which were mere knocks causing inconvenience to the non running public, become run threatening injuries to us wimpy runners.

You will know when you can run again.,...when it feels right. Then you will have to find out what you can do and build up nice and slowly again.

Keep smiling.

Gabby08 profile image
Gabby08Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thank you. I'm assuming it will be at least six weeks from my initial injury, so another four from now, for the fracture to heal - and then it'll just be a case of waiting until I'm ready. I suspect the ligament damage will be more of a problem than the fracture when it comes to running again but I did wonder if there were some strengthening exercises I could do to help in the meantime.

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