A running update: injury is tough

These photos were taken the last time I went for a run – back in mid-June.

I had to pull out midway through the ultra marathon I’d spent six months training for due to a pain in my knee/hip that came from nowhere.

I haven’t been able to run since – it’s been almost 15 weeks. I had a consultant appointment today who says it’s bursitis – inflammation around my hip. I’ve been referred for a scan, will likely need a steroid injection, and follow-up physio.

I won’t be running any time soon.

First published on the Cardiff Mummy Says Instagram account and reposted here at a later date

Now I know this isn’t the end of the world and people are going through far worse – but running is a huge part of my mental wellbeing. It’s an escape from the stresses of life, it clears my head and lifts my mood. I have met so many friends through running, and I miss the social side too.

It’s been tough not having it in my life.

Especially as walking, the gym, yoga and swimming are all out as any leg movement hurts too much.

Not being active is affecting me a lot. After my appointment, I sat in the car park and cried. I’m feeling it even more this week as it’s Cardiff Half marathon on Sunday and I can’t take part. I missed it last year due to being poorly with Covid, and was so looking forward to it.

Cardiff Half will always be special to me because it was my first big event back in 2018, something I had to be really persuaded to sign up for and something I honestly didn’t know if I’d be able to do.

The moment I crossed that finish line, something switched in me. I felt like superwoman, like I could take on the world. I have always struggled with self-doubt and low confidence and, at the age of 40, I suddenly realised I was capable of more than I could have imagined. I could do hard things, I could push myself in new directions, and I could succeed. I was strong, brave and determined.

Six years and a few marathons and ultra marathons later, and running has given me so much inner strength, resilience, confidence, friendships and so much more. I know I am still all those things but being a runner who can’t run is hard.

I’m feeling a little lost without it and I guess I just wanted to share that with you all as you’ve all been so supportive of my running journey.