The Injury

I thought I was invincible; running 5 days and 50 - 60 miles a week. It had become joyful routine, mid distance in the week, long distance (20+) at the weekend and I genuinely enjoyed it. Sure, after clocking up the miles muscles ached and fatigue set in but it all passed once Monday (rest day) came along. I was progressing through my training programme nicely and eagerly anticipating my first Ultra Marathon in Anglesey on the 19th of January.

9 miles or so into a 24 mile run I noticed a slight discomfort mid shin on my right leg, as if it were bruised. I presumed I'd knocked it earlier in the day and soldiered on finishing the 24 miles, tired but comfortable. The first steps the next morning were tender ones, with sharp pains coming from my right shin. It eased up as the day went on and I dismissed it as acclimatisation pain, this is what it feels like after running 24 miles, right? 

I ran through the discomfort for the next 4 days, thinking I could power through it like other niggles I had experienced. Discomfort turned to intense pain however with a certain spot on my shin too painful to touch. On Christmas morning I covered 4 miles on the treadmill and every foot landing was agony.

A trip to the physio and a suspected stress fracture. I have done no running in almost 4 weeks and missed my Ultra Marathon debut. Naturally I was completely gutted, demotivated and seriously considering deferring my registration to the 2014 event. After some helpful talks with Lia and Sara at RunningSahara I banished those thoughts and cracked on with my glute and cardiovascular exercises to maintain fitness and build overall leg muscle; thus spreading the strain more efficiently across the leg. It's no substitute to running and I may have to re-calculate my MdS ambitions in terms of finishing time but I'm desperate to get to the start line, injury free.

I feel no pain when walking now, not even going up/down stairs. Ill give my leg as much time as possible though and look to start running again first thing in February. It seems several of the MdS runners have picked up similar injuries at the same time, just as the total miles per week tally gets near its peak. Although its obviously a set back, this injury has been a learning curve. The body clearly has its limits, limits that can be overcome, but it will let you know when to draw the line if you're listening. In the future I will take every niggle or discomfort seriously and look to nip it in the bud as soon as possible, even if it means taking a week or two off.

I'm already planning my running endeavours after recovery, with a trip to Merthyr Mawr sand dunes and the Pembrokshire coastline before the pre MdS taper begins. I can't wait.

Keep Right On