Training for Training

by Clara Grandt on October 22, 2012

Each morning I wake up and put my feet on the ground, praying there’s no pain.  I recently took the longest amount of time off from running due to an injury, or anything, in seven years.   Now, I am back on my feet!  Not too fast though; I must take things slow.  A few short runs that could barely put the “s” on the end of “miles” got me started, but I am so thankful for those short runs because those are the first steps to more runs, longer runs, and races. 

Through this process of being injured, healing, and starting the baby steps into training again, I’ve also gotten more “training” in areas other than running or cross training.  In order to get back to running as soon as I could and prevent any future complications, I quickly trained myself into the habit of helping my body recover better and faster.  I wore “the boot”, rode scooters around the grocery store, and began a consistent stretching, icing, and vitamin supplement routine.  I even started wearing my Mizuno Wave Riders to church for better foot support since they are my most comfortable shoes- dressed in my Sunday best, you might say.

I also feel like I’ve gotten “trained” in the area of appreciation.  I’ve always been grateful for the ability to run, but there’s nothing like not being able to do what you love to make you realize HOW MUCH you appreciate doing it.  My short runs have been full of taking in the smell of fall leaves, feeling my body break through the cool and crisp air, and feasting my eyes on the vibrant colors of the changing leaves.  This is probably the closest I’ve been to being able to relate to an excited puppy being taken out of the house by his owner for a nice little jog.   Basically, I’m just excited and happy to be running.

Patience is the next thing that is being trained into me.  I feel I’m usually a patient person with most things.  However, I don’t have much patience for running over 7 minute miles, but I’m learning that it’s okay sometimes to run slower (sometimes).  Even though my mind and most of my body are itching to go faster, I’ve had to train myself to understand that since my foot had weakened, it might need a little more time to get as strong as the rest of my body so that it can all work together in peaceful and uninflamed unity (you can do it, foot!)

Through this process, there have been two more big and constantly trying “training” areas- faith and dedication.  When I still had pain walking after taking what I thought was plenty of time off, when the doctor told me to wait another week before running, and every time I go out for a run now, I still have to stay dedicated to continue doing what I learned in helping my body recover better, use a little more patience, and appreciate that I am running again!  All this I do with the faith that this training will pay off and I will be running and racing full strength again.