Being back to running after an injury feels like regaining a part of yourself. It's both euphoric and risky. Euphoric, because the body remembers moving freely and strongly. Risky, because joy can quickly mask the body's warnings – and you might become too eager. That balance is exactly where I am right now.
My path back began after a stress reaction in the femur – an overuse injury that required a complete running break. The first three weeks were without a single running step. Instead, I was on the bike, carefully building up circulation and strength without stressing the injured area. It was frustrating – I wanted to be out there. But it was necessary. The body needed rest.
First Steps, With and Without Help
Then I slowly started running on the Alter-G – a treadmill that reduces load by "holding" some of your body weight. It was a huge relief. For the first time in weeks, I could feel the running motion again, but without the full load.
I gradually increased the weight and distance until I could finally take the first steps outside. First short runs, controlled, calm. But then – suddenly – it started to look like real running. I managed to get a few good sessions where everything felt easy, natural... Could I be back?
And then came the setback.
Long-term Patience
It wasn't a major setback – luckily. But enough to slow me down again. Enough to remind me of the thin line you balance on in rehab. Because you want to get going again – especially when the goals are waiting ahead. It's a real challenge to be good at listening to your body, especially when you feel you're finally on the right track. When you feel almost healed, almost ready.
But I've learned – and am still learning – that it's in those moments you win or lose the long game. It's there you decide if you want to move forward for real, or just make a short-term gain. For if you push through and ignore the signals, you risk going all the way back to the start. And it's not worth it.
Right now, I'm a bit behind my original plan. But I'm still on my way. The process isn't linear – it's zigzagging, filled with small victories and necessary setbacks. And the most important thing is that I'm still moving forward. Not just towards running again – but towards running strong and sustainably again.
It's not just about coming back quickly. It's about coming back right.
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