Lessons Injury Taught Me
By Rachael DePalma
As runners, most of us have been injured at some point. Unfortunately, it tends to come with the territory. Training for races and running on concrete often leads to tired joints and muscles that need to be stretched, rested, strengthened, and well-fueled. If we don’t find the right alchemy for our particular body at that particular moment, we wind up injured. Even when we do everything “right,” the unpredictable could happen, and a couple of seconds could lead to an injury that lasts for several years. It’s nearly impossible for a runner to avoid injury. Most of us know the heartbreak of experiencing pain or a twinge when running and knowing something is “not quite right”. Or, we’ve unexpectedly fallen and been out of commission.
The crutches I borrowed from a PPTC member during the first two months of my initial injury!
Not being able to lace up our sneakers and run down the road is rough; we’re left in a withdrawal state looking for something to fill our daily dose of runner’s high. Yet, as runners in a running club, one of the hardest aspects of being injured is often overlooked- our sudden decrease in social connections and community. While running regularly, we may see our running buddies a few times a week for morning or evening runs. When we’re injured, that socialization is no longer built in. We may try to substitute running with gym workouts or swimming, but nothing feels quite right. Sure, part of it is that running is special and unique and brings us a joyful rush that no other sport can mimic, but it’s also the lack of social connection. We’re missing that communal space that occurs in the early part of the day before heading out to work. We’re longing for the decompressing run to end the day and friends who will either listen, talk, or be a quiet presence alongside us. We’re missing in-person connection.
A few years ago, I fell while running and badly damaged my knee. What helped me the most once I recovered a little was establishing a new workout routine, which includes meeting with friends. That brought back a little bit of the run club camaraderie. Every Monday morning, I meet up with a friend to work out. We don’t always say much or do the same exercises, but it’s a dedicated time for us to check in with each other, catch up, and support one another. I’m also so grateful for running friends who helped me when I was first injured, told me of opportunities to walk with others and who I could borrow crutches from, and connected me with others who were recovering from injuries. Their kindness and compassion meant so much; they still mean so much. Never underestimate how much your support could mean to someone who’s injured.
When we’re injured, I think sometimes we (me included!) put so much focus and pressure on running again, that we often start running when our injury no longer hurts instead of when it’s fully healed. For me, this has led to a longer, more stubborn injury.
Our focus on the return to running can narrow our view so much that we fail to appreciate the time for what it really is. It can be a time to rest and refocus on your non-running dreams. Once I started viewing my injury not as a setback but as a reset, I found it easier to accept. Less time running meant more time to explore other interests. Slowly, I began to introduce more hobbies into my life. Now, I’m a member of my community garden where I’m able to commune with the earth and volunteer monthly on the compost committee. I write poetry and stories and take metalworking classes. I’ve started working on ways to explore creativity and foster community through hosting events. I’ve found communities through these outlets and still meet up with my friends from PPTC as much as possible.
Granted, I’ve been injured for a long time. I’ve adjusted to it. Running is no longer a part of my daily schedule and hasn’t been for a while. Are there days I wish I could put on my sneakers and run around the park? Of course! However, I have found a workout schedule that I love. I work out 3-5 times a week (when I’m not battling some illness, as was often the case this winter):
-Gym with a friend 1-2 times a week
- Walk to get coffee with the SEC group on Fridays (when I wake up early)
- PT every other week
- Swim once a week
A coffee, hot chocolate, or tea hits the spot after morning walk…or run. :)
Being injured has been tough, and it has also opened up my world. It made me re-evaluate my identity and I’m grateful for it. I skipped the parts where I cried and screamed in my bathroom out of frustration, and if you’re there right now, I’m reaching out to give you a hug; it will get better.
If you’re currently injured and need to talk it out or are looking for advice, resources, or a listening ear, feel free to reach out to me through the blog or my personal email. I’m happy to help! Another great resource is the injury-and-recovery channel on PPTC’s Discord.
Wishing you all healing and community support. <3
Just looking at this image brings me healing. I hope it does the same for you.
Written and Produced by: Rachael DePalma (she/her)
Photos by: Rachael DePalma, walking group photos by: Linda S. Chan (she/her), Andrew Lee Lassiter (he/him)
PPTC is a diverse and supportive team. We want to celebrate the diversity of our club and membership. We welcome and encourage everyone to share their stories with us.