This forum has been very helpful to me since I started running (5 years ago), with countless tips starting off by telling me how to attach my number when I had no idea what to do for my first 5k. Keeping me motivated during lockdown and giving so mush support as I did my first marathon and then ultra.
A month ago I had an accident. I came off my horse and landed on my head. I spent a couple of days in hospital, there was a bleed on my brain but luckily it was minor and required no further intervention. My memory of the weekend in hospital is almost non-existent and from then to now it is patchy.
A couple of weeks ago I had an appointment with my physio. My balance was all over the place and she both helped me with what to work on to improve that as well as giving me a good outlet to talk about what happened and my plans (both running and riding going forward). She also told me I should have a catch up with my GP.
So the catch up with my GP was last week. She was overall happy with how I am progressing and said I just need to be patient, as following a brain injury it can take some time. She answered a few specific questions and agreed I could run, as long as I take it easy and stop if it gets too much. I had done two 2 mile runs at that point, so it was good to be able to talk to her about how I felt. She also said she'd put me in touch with a brain injury charity, as they would be a better place to ask my questions. So she did, then I went to that charity and they direct me to their forums, which ended up being HealthUnlocked. So while I know I wasn't directed right back here to the running forums, in my head (which you can tell isn't working properly right now!) I feel I was directed right back here.
Last week I did four runs. Three of them were two miles. Then on Sunday, of course, I did my long slow run. It was 3.5 miles. I felt amazing at the end. Over the next 6 months, or however long it takes, I will have good and bad days. I need to enjoy the good days and be patient on the bad days. Patience isn't my strong point, but I'm working on it.
Both my physio and my doctor said the race I'm aiming for in November (which may be an ultra) is not impossible. So that's a big positive to focus on.
Written by
R4inbow
Ultramarathon
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Hi R4inbow , while of course I'm really sorry to hear about your accident, I'm also really impressed that you're already starting running again. Wishing you all the patience you need, a full recovery and many more happy miles! 👍😊
Goodness R4inbow, what a horrible thing to happen. I love that you are back running, but even more I love the hope and focus that the running is bringing for you. Wishing you all the very, very best as you work your way back to full health and fitness. Be kind to yourself along the way xxx
You've been through it haven't you? Brain injuries are odd, I had one at age 12 and although been fine pretty much since, I have no memory of childhood at all. I doubt it'll come back now.It's good you've had support to return to fitness
They are indeed very odd. How interesting about your childhood memories, I can't feel bad about losing a couple of days and just being a bit forgetful of the weeks afterwards.
Sorry, interesting is probably the wrong word, but then I feel like a lot brain injuries are very interesting it's just horrid that they happen to actual people. No idea if that makes sense.
Interesting is the perfect word. Most people my age done remember a lot of their childhood, but it was strange as a teenager when friends did the remember when..... And I came up blank.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Nice little 3K run as start of taper week but also got strange knee pain every now and again...
Resting a bit too much in my taper...
Comeback trail (post London Marathon)
