This post may contain compensated links. Find more info in our disclosure policy
I never imagined that my journey back to fitness would begin with a simple slip in the mud. It was a crisp, beautiful day on the coast, and I was out hiking with my two dogs, Jasper and Watson. As we navigated the path, I took a step—and suddenly, I was down. A sharp crack filled the air, and an immediate wave of pain shot through my leg. My heart pounded as I struggled to my feet, limping and unsure of what had just happened.
A Painful Detour: My Injury Story
Scared and in pain, I somehow managed to get back to the car. My husband was out on a ride, but by sheer luck, I spotted him on my drive back to our hotel. I pulled over, picked him and his bike up and headed straight for the emergency room, hoping for the best but fearing the worst.
At the ER, an X-ray confirmed my fears—multiple fractures in my fibula. The doctors put me in a splint, and after a long, uncomfortable drive home, my own doctor repeated the X-ray. The fractures were confirmed, but thankfully, no surgery was needed. I was placed in a cast for four weeks, with a follow-up to determine whether I could transition to a boot or remain in the cast longer.
Shifting My Mindset: Overcoming Setbacks
The news was devastating. Just weeks before, I had been in peak training mode for a 25-mile trail run in April. My year was mapped out with big plans—hiking around Lake Tahoe in the summer, exploring Patagonia in the winter. Now, everything had changed. The trail run was officially out, but I wasn’t ready to give up on my other goals just yet.
The Road to Recovery: Steps Toward Running Again
For now, my focus is on healing—one day, one step at a time. I’ve started incorporating small movements, following my doctor’s recommendations, and staying as active as possible within my limitations. I know this journey will require patience, but I’m determined to return stronger than ever.
If you’ve ever faced an injury that sidelined your goals, you know the mental and physical challenges that come with it. But setbacks don’t have to define us. They can shape us, make us more resilient, and push us to new strengths we never knew we had.
Follow My Journey Back to Fitness
This isn’t the journey I planned, but it’s the one I’m on. And I’m embracing it fully. Follow along as I document my recovery, share tips for injury rehabilitation, and offer insights on staying motivated through setbacks.