Injuries always seem to come at the worst possible time, like just when you are getting fit, feeling good, and have a big race coming up. They are never fun, and most always cause a lot of pain, frustration, sadness and annoyance – all of which I am going through at this very moment.
After spending the winter months struggling with a few minor injuries (nothing that fully sidelined me), I was able to start getting in some really good, consistent training through February and March. My fitness was coming along and I was feeling healthy and strong. I had a few smaller races in March, done during weeks of high mileage, and the results were quite positive. On March 28th after a 10000m race at Sanford University, I left for a 2 week training camp in California and I was feeling excited and ready to run fast. My coach predicted I was ready to run a personal best in the 10000m on April 4th.
I went for a little ‘shake out’ 10k on the morning of my flight and noticed my right heel was really hurting. It had been a little sore the past few days, but I thought it was just from my work shoes. I didn’t think much about it, until I got off the plane and realized it now hurt to walk as well. My teammates informed me that I most likely had Plantar Fasciitis – something I’ve heard of but never had before and knew it was very painful and hard to get rid of. This was not good news. The next morning I ran 20km and my heel was hurting the whole time. This was not good, not good at all. My coach confirmed that it was indeed plantar fasciitis. I thought “Ok Tash well its not too bad right now, I’m sure I can still run, and most definitely race in 5 days”. The next day I ran 14km, and it was worse. I thought, I would give it one more try 3 days before my race, so I went to the track to attempt a work-out. I limped through the 5km warm up, and knew in my gut that I couldn’t finish. I tried to run my first interval – a 1km. I made it 1 lap, and was cringing in pain. I stopped, walked off the track and tears just started rolling down my face. I knew I couldn’t race on Friday night. And I also knew that I was going to have to take some time off of running, which also means missing more spring races. I was pretty distraught.
I spent 3 days of working my butt off in the pool doing water running (awesome workout), and attempted a run. Still pain. Attempted another run the next day- even more pain. So now I realize that I clearly cannot run through this injury. I need to take at least 2 weeks of absolutely no land running, to let my heel get better. Good-bye Ottawa Marathon on May 24th. My heart hurts knowing that I will no longer be able to race the event where I was hoping to get standard for the Commenwealth games this summer.
I spent most of yesterday being sad and depressed. But what good was that doing? I was only making the situation worse by feeling sorry for myself. Injuries happen to ALL elite athletes. It’s part of what we do. I know that this is just a small blip in the big picture. I also know that I can work hard cross training on the bike, elliptical and pool running, and will be able to maintain good fitness. I know that I will once again be super fit and ready to run fast. Yes, this injury sucks, but it could always be worse. I am lucky that I am in California right now with access to an outdoor pool to do all of my pool running in. I am fortunate to be surrounded by my coach and teammates, lifting my spirits and helping me stay positive. I will go home next week and work hard with my phyiso and coaches at Innovative Fitness Kitsilano to get me back to running as soon as possible. I will be back running in no time, and I will be faster then ever!
So next time you get injured, remember, it’s only a small set back. Stay positive, and take the necessary rest and rehab to get better so it does not become an injury long term. Training through it will only make it worse. Be patient and take care of yourself.
Natasha Wodak
