Being back in running after an injury feels like regaining a part of oneself. It's both euphoric and risky. Euphoric, because the body remembers what it's like to move freely and strongly. Risky, because joy can quickly mask the body's warnings – and one can become too eager. That balance is exactly what I'm navigating right now.
My path back started 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 sat on the bike, carefully rebuilding 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
I then slowly resumed running with the Alter-G – a treadmill that reduces impact 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 full impact.
I gradually increased the weight and distance until I finally took the first steps outside. Initially, short runs, controlled, calm. But then – suddenly – it started to resemble real running. I just 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 big setback – thankfully. But enough to slow me down again. Enough to remind me of the thin line you walk in rehabilitation. Because you want so much to get going again – especially when the goals are waiting ahead. It's a real challenge to be good at listening to the body, especially when you feel you're finally on the right track. When you feel almost well, almost ready.
But I've learned – and am still learning – that these are the moments where you win or lose the long game. It's there you decide whether to move forward genuinely, or just take temporary steps. 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 progressing. 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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