The Upside of Injury

By Erin Shepherd

I have been running seriously for four years.  Prior to that, I didn’t do much of anything.  I played at going to the gym for 30-40 minutes, but I never really applied myself to any sort of organized activity. I tried to eat well, but fell into fad diet after fad diet.  Soon, I was in my mid-30s and just not happy with what I saw in the mirror, or felt in my clothing.  So, I ran, and I kept running.  If you’ve been on Team Ordinary or Ordinary Marathoners FB group, you’re probably familiar with my story.

Here I am, four years later, running hundreds of miles, three full marathons, dozen half marathons, and so many 5Ks, 10Ks, 15Ks.   I am finally sidelined with a real injury.  I have a probable stress fracture in my heel that I have to have verified by bone scan. Statistically speaking, I really was due for an injury given the amount of running I do.  Surprisingly, I am more at peace with this new development than I really thought I’d be. I am hoping it’ll turn me into a decent cyclist and swimmer, since those are weaker areas for me.  I’m hoping I will have more time to dedicate to yoga and strength training, another weak spot for me.  I will work on my nutrition, and ensure that I am doing the best, most healthy eating for me and my activity. I will work on my goals, short term and long term, to make sure I am on the path that I desire.  The only way to get back to running is to go through it.

Looking again at Mr. Frost’s quote,  think about how this applies to you.  What have you gone through to get around?  I know for many people that run marathons, this quote becomes applicable at mile 22.  For others, it might be just getting out that door for a run or bike  For others still, it may just be getting out of bed in the morning.  All of that is okay, as long as you do it, and you can find an upside to doing so.

Erin Shepherd is a Team Ordinary athlete coached by Scott Riecke.  She recently completed her first Olympic distance triathlon and will have even bigger and better things to come!