Things you don't wanna hear when you're injured...

I'm easing through week #9 (some of you are already judging that time frame right now, see #1 below) of my fracture healing. I'm out of all ankle supports and walking with a slight limp. I can do anything except for running. Though my doctor thinks I'll be back by July 4th, I'll be happy with August 1st. For workouts, I was limited for a couple of weeks to the arm ergometer and upper body weights (after taking two weeks completely off). The arm ergometer is mind numbingly boring and looks something like this:

Against my doctors suggestion, I started riding a stationary bike at about 5 weeks. When I had my boot removed, I started pedaling a spinning bike and pool running with a cheap boot that I found at a thrift store. Eventually, I added lower body weights, elliptical, stair mill, yoga and today, lap swimming...basically in that order.

Now that I'm on my way to being able to run again, I've been fixating on conversations that I've had with people regarding my injury. I know people mean well, but sometimes we respond when no response is really needed. So, with humor and love, I'll save you some trouble and give you some examples of things injured runners don't want to hear.

1. It could be worse.

 

This is quite possibly the most frustrating response to any injury, illness, etc. Of course it can be worse. It can always be worse. Holy shit, I could've been mauled by a bear in my marathon (which actually happened) But stating this trivializes a person's emotions.

2. He said you'll be in the boot for how long? Oh, it's gonna be way longer than that! You've got, at least, 6 months!

I get it, everyone has a different recovery time. But, not everyone has a medical degree, so STFU.

3.  Just take it easy. Listen to your body.

Duh. I'm tough, but I'm not stupid. I love running. I also just love being physically active, but not as much as I love running outside. I physically cannot run if I wanted to. My body literally cannot even do it, because it's so painful. Additionally, I have two parents that are already gonna tell me that, I don't need more.

4. My _______ had that injury and never ran again!

This one makes me so mad, I can't even respond. Usually, it's followed by a massive explanation of their intense surgery and recovery time. Since this injury, I have seriously caught myself from sharing personal stories about injuries, illnesses, and other experiences that are similar to what someone else is going through. Why? Because they didn't ask for your story, they just wanted the space to share theirs. I tread pretty lightly around this, and if there's a lesson to benefit, maybe...but if my motivation is to shine the spotlight my way. No. I have been guilty of doing this SO often, maybe other people do, too; but I see it now and am hard working at it!

5. That's why you shouldn't be running X miles a week.

I run because it makes me happy. Most people saying this have had some limitation, mental or physical, that keeps them from enjoying running. That's fine, if running isn't your thing, but it doesn't mean that it shouldn't be my thing. Furthermore, I have times of rest and recovery, coupled with times of intensity, and followed by relaxed runs with friends. It's what I do and how I connect, and I do this very safely.

6. You need to eat more/less XYZ.

Everyone is on the "cure all" diet, and they are all singing a different tune. Paleo, vegan, or gluten-free: you do you, and I'll do me. 

For whatever reason, I rolled my ankle. Maybe it was the lack of a warmup or maybe it's poor biomechanics (which I'm working on with my PT). I've rolled my ankle doing many things, besides running. Countless other people have done the same, sometimes ligaments tear, sometimes bones break...but in the end, give space, lend a hand, listen, and don't be a jerk.