A lot of you read A Word of Caution for Anyone Taking Melatonin about breaking my leg while training for a marathon. Many of you pointed out that I needed to check my Vitamin D levels, and you were correct. My doctor had me do additional bloodwork, and I’m now taking Vitamin D supplements and adding more Vitamin D-rich foods to my diet.
In my latest post-op visit, I asked my doctor the question I’ve avoided for weeks: “Will I be able to run again?” He said his standard response is “yes,” but said it all depends on me, and how my leg feels when I get back to it. He noted that if it hurts when I run, my distance running days may be over.
I would love to tell you that I took the news well, but the truth is, I spiraled. For over a decade, the daily rhythm of my feet on the pavement (or tread) Nutrition - Weight Loss stressed, or angry, or looking for a break, I ran. It became central to who I was. It gave me goals to chase that pushed me out of my comfort zone, while making me so proud of myself. The thought of never being able to do that again crushed me.
If I’m not a runner, what am I?
It’s a silly question. I am a thousand other things. Journalist. Wife. Dog Mom. Swiftie. And I can always be all of those things, but I can’t shake the purpose that running gave my life.
I’m four weeks post-surgery, so it’s still too early to know if I’ll ever run a mile or a marathon again. But I am trying to focus on the things I can do right now. I’ve been listening to the meditations that are part of the Runner’s World Guide to Mental Health program. They’ve kept me grounded when I start to panic about my running future.
I’ve been doing strength training, focusing on upper body strength, but also on my leg that isn’t broken. A few years ago, we published an article about how to maintain muscle mass even when you’re injured. How You Can Treat and Prevent Bunions research shows that when one limb is immobilized, strengthening the other one will help you recover muscle mass in both limbs. (A note: if injured, please get clearance from your doctor before trying any physical activity.)
Maybe I will never run another marathon, but I am not ready to throw in the towel yet. While I wait for the all clear to start weight bearing on my broken leg, I am going to work on my physical and mental strength, so if I can get back out there again, I will be the strongest, best version of myself.
If you’re also looking for some motivation, encouragement, and assurance as you navigate an injury or time away from running, our A Word of Caution for Anyone Taking Melatonin includes expert-backed tips on topics aimed to help you as a runner. Plus, our exclusive member programs like our Guide to Mental Health and This Study Challenges the Golden 10 Percent Rule can help you not only practice healthy methods to mitigate stress and anxiety as a runner, but also find new ways to grow stronger while you’re injured. (And we have plenty of other programs like Guide to Mental Health and health and injuries collection for when you are cleared to return to running.)
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Aly is the Director of Content Hype at Runner’s World. She started running over a decade ago when she saw a Star Wars themed race happening at Disneyland and thought it looked like fun. Since then, she has run 8 marathons (so far!), and hundreds of shorter distance races. She is known for signing up for 5Ks in every city she travels to. She loves watching reality competition shows, playing board games with her husband and taking naps with her dog.
