You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it
So another week into my recovery process and I am finally walking again.
Going on my previous experience of a calf tear and the text book rehabilitation process I probably should have been able to walk much earlier than I have, but with the damage done to my ribs on the fall using crutches has been challenging to say the least.
Recovery and healing rarely happen overnight. It’s a process that requires a lot of patience, regardless of what kind of healing you’re going through.
But it’s important to know that things change and that time does do wonders.
The question on most people’s lips when they first see me is how am I mentally?
And I’ve one simple answer.
I am good.
Like really good.
I am not just putting a “brave face on it” or “putting on a show” I am genuinely in a really good place.
I am in no rush to get back on the track.
Of course I’d love to be on that start line at the European championships in Pescara at the end of September but I am also happy to play the long game and if that means I don’t get to that start line there WILL be others, the European indoor championships in March next year, the World Championships in Gothenburg next August.
Athletes miss races, miss events and even seasons through injury.
For me athletics has always been a bi-product of my love of fitness.
It brings focus and purpose to my training.
But when I am in off season I always have other events I like to focus on, and this year is no different.
Running instructor Debbie and I like to do a fun event / challenge once a year. Last year saw us running and kayaking round Santorini, next year we have a multi event that’s see my return to bike training and this year is no different.
We have a non-impact event in 6 weeks that fits perfectly with where I am right now.
For me my love is in all things fitness and my focus is always on what I can do, not what I can’t do.
It’s about keeping positive, keep an upbeat attitude that gives out that energy and drive to focus on recovery.
Mental health has a huge impact on healing from any injury, it’s key to not dwell on the past or look to far into the future.
So I am not.
I am just focusing on the here and now and what I can control.
And I am enjoying having the extra downtime, without track commitments, I can now fit all my training into my daytime hours so I’ve more evening time for family which is so important as one of my children heads into her GCSE exams and I have extra time to finish my level 4 course in strength & conditioning
I will be back, but not until I am ready.
I have a plan.
The plan doesn’t necessarily end with me racing on the track this year.
But what it does feature is a full rehabilitation process, not just of my calf but of my achilles issue that caused the calf to tear in the first place.
It’s not an uncommon injury amongst masters athletes, in fact achilles and hamstring issues seem to be the number 1 common injury. We are pushing the boundaries of power after all.
My priority is to full rehabilitate, keep fit and continue to find the fun in fitness in whatever I do.
The same applies for anyone hitting barriers in their fitness plan.
Be patient.
Use any setbacks or obstacles to re-evaluate your plan.
Not getting to your regular class? Find an alternative. Maybe an on demand class?
Struggling to find that motivation to run? Join a group.
Can’t seem to crack those bad habits with food? Enlist the help of a coach.
Injured? Focus on what you can do. Core? Upper or lower body? Swimming. Cycling.
Getting fit or faster or healthier is just like any recovery plan, it can be challenging, but if you map out a plan and keep a positive mindset, you can get there.
After all the key to everything is patience. You get the chicken by hatching the egg, not by smashing it.
And you know where we are if you need any help, with the ability to work with us virtually, in a group or personally we have that flexibility to overcome your barriers and the patience to hatch your egg without smashing it.
Love
Karen and the team
