Grateful For It

Last year at this time I was training hard to break 5 minutes in the mile before the year’s end, only to get sick for almost the whole month of December.

I delayed my attempt, not willing to give up just because I would miss my deadline.

Well, sub-5 never happened.

I’ve had more setbacks in the past year than in my entire life combined, and I am currently rehabbing my hamstring… again. Despite this, my current prevailing sentiment isn’t frustration. Surprisingly, t’s gratitude.

Not for the injuries or the setbacks. (Obviously!)

But for every setback, there’s been a subsequent breakthrough. The happy day when the issue was finally and completely resolved.

I may not be running right now, but I am still jogging! And if the past year has taught me anything, it’s that soon enough I’ll be back on track.

Sincerely,
Nicole

text: 313-462-9648
email: nicole@sifuentescoaching.com

I went to the PT for my sore achilles last week. The PT did several running assessments, took video and followed up with instructions for a month of new daily exercises.

I started the exercises a few days ago and yesterday felt that my achilles is maybe a little worse. I may have overloaded it following the PT plan and am unsure if some of the exercises are appropriate for my specific injury.

Today, my achilles continues to regress. I'm not sure what to do — stop running and only walk? Stop doing the exercises?

Sincerely,
A frustrated runner.

Dear Frustrated,

You’ve done the right thing to see a PT. I wish this wasn’t the case, but it’s fairly common for rehab exercises to cause some initial soreness. Ask your PT if the regression you’re experiencing at this point is cause for concern or to be expected.

Definitely stop running if your pain is greater than 2/10 or if it’s getting worse.

It’s important to have confidence in your PT so you can commit to their treatment plan, even if your path to recovery isn’t linear. Remember that (unless you’re also a PT) your provider knows more than you.

You had doubts about some of the prescribed exercises, so ask your PT about it. If you aren’t satisfied with the answers, get a second opinion, a third opinion, until you find a provider you trust.

Sincerely,

Nicole