MILLY VOICE

So, this is tricky to write. Tricky because, not very often do I resent running. Sure, last year I found that during training, some runs are hard, some don’t go to plan – but they always seem an adventure of sorts, and even when the going gets tough – you find your motivation gets going. You can do this.

Life had been busy, but despite on going leg problems, I had felt determined to take part in a 50km in May – somehow I would be ready! Yet, after setting out for a long run several weeks ago, I had to stop after 13 miles. Literally could go no further. I hate stopping running.

It was a horrible run. My own fault – the route which I had poorly chosen had led me mainly on hard city surfaces. Hard ground is not my friend - IT band pain soon crept in, both legs. The leg pain by my knee was so acute that I had to virtually limp my way home. It was a horrendous feeling. I came back, and after chatting to some very wise people, I realized I had to re-think what was going on with running and a 50km I had signed up for in May. The situation since has really upset me. But I know that re-thinking this race, and my strategy for the next few months was, and is, the right thing to do. Throwing myself into a race my body isn’t prepared for will most likely result in a much longer time off due to injury. I also don’t like training with such a pressure on my shoulders – I need to listen to my body, and if I need to improve my methods in order to improve my physical fitness at the moment, then so be it.

It's a mental journey, for sure. After a flu bug as well, I have had to slow down. Now it’s going to be getting back to basics, building up slowly, re-thinking some plans in order to be better prepared for bigger plans later this summer. I'm excited and determined to believe I can do it, and I'm motivated by future plans. It’s just, for now, really hard going. It's time now for being strict with regime: physio, stretches, pilates, foam roller, lots of water, core strength, positive thinking. The last, I know, will make one of the biggest differences.

This isn’t failure, it’s just hard when you are a motivated and competitive person. But I hope this is helpful to anyone else who is also coping with sports injury. It really is tough, but it will be ok.

I need to be proud of my physical self , after all, it’s got me running this far.