Starting again - a bit of a long rambling post

[R4inbow]

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.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Oh R4inbow that’s awful. I rode horses a lot until quite recently and know what peril they can put us in. 🙁

It sounds like you’ve had the best care so far though, and how lovely that you’ve been given the all clear to start running gently again. 🙏

Take it really easy and I hope you make a full recovery. ❤️

[Cmoi Marathon]

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! 👍😊

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry to read this. It must have been scary.

But you sound so positive and excited about the future that I’m really pleased for you.

Good luck with your training and enjoy every run 🍀

[R4inbow Ultramarathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you, I guess one good thing about having no memory is that I have no idea if I was scared at any point

[misswobble Marathon]

Good luck with the training! If you take it steady you’ll get there 🙂 Bon voyage 😀🏃‍♀️👍💪

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

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

[R4inbow Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank you, you're so right that it's the hope and focus from running that's making such a difference and helping with overall recovery.

[RunWillie Marathon]

Sending best wishes for your healing R4inbow & hope the easy running helps as you recover 😍

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles]

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

[R4inbow Ultramarathon in reply to SueAppleRun]

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.

[SueAppleRun 10 Miles in reply to R4inbow]

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.

[R4inbow Ultramarathon]

Thank you for all the lovely comments everyone 😍

I've had a few good days in a row and starting to feel a bit more like myself