I've been looking forward to this spring season for over half a year.
The plan was clear, training set, and goals established: First DM 10, then EM in road running, and finally the crowning event, London Marathon. But instead of start numbers and new PRs, before DM 10, I faced a thigh soreness that wouldn't fade – and later an MRI confirmed my suspicion: Stress reaction in the bone.
Plans Out the Window
It began as a vague soreness, familiar to many runners. Nothing severe – just a sensation that appears during and right after training, where something doesn't feel quite right.
I first tried to cut back, take it easier. But symptoms didn't improve. Only when I stopped completely and got it checked did the answer come: I needed a full three-week break.
Watching goals disappear one by one – DM, EM, and London – was a huge disappointment. I've invested so much. But precisely now – during these pauses – there's a chance to reflect.
These reflections resulted in three tips I've learned – and want to share so you can hopefully avoid a similar situation.
1. Listen to the Small Signals.
Persistent vague soreness isn't just "something I can run off." The body tries to tell you something, so listen before it gets serious. I attempted early to pause and change my training approach, but too many weeks passed before I properly investigated the issue.
Next time, I'll get an MRI faster if it doesn't improve and it's difficult to identify the problem.
2. Take Pain Seriously – and Take Responsibility.
It's not weak to stop. It's strong to dare to pause, adjust, and ultimately prevent a longer injury. Initially, it doesn't change much whether I took one, two, or five days off: Fitness doesn't change in such a short time. A stress reaction, however, needs time without load to heal, so a good advice is to take an initial break of several days and be good at ignoring the program.
This is an extremely easy advice to pass on, but terribly difficult to follow in practice – I know myself.
3. Give Yourself Space to Be Disappointed – and Move On.
Disappointment over missed races is real, and it's okay to be sad. But don't let it define you. Use it to build something new and stronger – both physically and mentally. I give myself one to three days before I start looking ahead and moving on. Negativity isn't good for anything, neither for yourself nor the future, just as it's not fair to those around you.
After London Marathon, having seen it from the sidelines, my mood turned around, and since then I've looked constructively forward. How do I best come back now? It's my major focus.
Now I'm slowly getting back on track. I'm not in a hurry – because I know the wisest path forward sometimes starts with a step back. And perhaps most importantly: I've become better at listening. Not just to the body, but also to myself.
Interested in More?
