Here I bring you a detailed account of what goes into the mind of a runner during the injury phase :

Injury 1: March 19, 2023

My first injury of the year was during one of the Taekwondo kicks. During one of the back flips, I felt a strain in my right thigh. Though I immediately knew there was something wrong, I shrugged it off with minor strain. But after competing for 10 kms in an event on March 26^th, I was limping after finishing the race urging me to seek medical help.

From there started a long hiatus of visiting multiple orthopedics and physiotherapists. After multiple failed diagnosis, I visited Safdarjung Sports injury Centre, Delhi where it was diagnosed that I have an IT Band issue in my right thigh near pelvis region. All I was prescribed this time was deep stretches to correct the same.

It took me 3 long painful months (of inactivity) to recovery from this injury. I dwelled into my world of sorrow, neglecting any alternative workouts. Feeling desolate and I was often tearful in front of Raghav.

By July 1, as the pain subsided, I resumed my training with my coach. But I had realized I was foolish enough to waste 3 months without any exercise.

Injury 2: July29,2023

During a hill training session, I stumbled upon a small rock in the dark, resulting in a twisted ankle. Knowing my history with such injuries, I rushed home, consumed by the overwhelming desire to cry. Having already lost three months to a previous injury earlier in the year, the pain of being unable to run for another month surpassed the physical discomfort of my twisted ankle. I spent an entire hour releasing my emotions.

However, I woke up on July 30th with renewed determination. I resolved to stop pitying myself. It had taken exactly 1 month of workout to gain my form back to where I was pre-injury during the first injury. I was not ready to repeat it this time. I learned to focus on what I could do rather than dwelling on limitations. This time, I could see myself as healthy person with just my right foot twisted. I could see that my upper body, core, thighs and even leg workout could be done.  So, for the first time in my life, I started doing proper strength training under my husband Raghav’s guidance and that brought me immense joy. Gradually increasing weights from 3 kg to 4 kg felt like a significant achievement.

Continuing with my recovery, I set a goal to walk 10 km each day from August 2nd to August 11th to assess my progress. When I felt no pain, I eagerly went for my first run on August 15th. It was an indescribable feeling – for others, it might have been ordinary running, but for me, it was like soaring through the air. This swift recovery took just one week to pre-injury fitness , thanks to my perseverance in strength training and cycling sessions.

Injury 3: December 13^th, 2023

During a yoga session, while performing a back-bending asana, I strained the muscles in my right rib. Initially experiencing intermittent pain, I ignored it, a common trait among runners. . And you cant be a runner, if you don’t shrug off the pain for few days(we are foolish people in every sense).  However, during another yoga session on December 18th, the searing pain in my ribs hindered my movements. Despite taking frequent breaks, the discomfort persisted, forcing me to abandon the session entirely.

Even though I attempted my morning running workout on December 19th, managing only 2 sets of 200-meter sprints, the pain was unbearable. Realizing the seriousness of the injury, I understood the necessity to rest. Activities such as strength training, yoga, and even long walks became painful. I knew now it was serious and I had to rest it out. I couldn’t do strength training/yoga/run and even long walks pained. Consequently, I made a spontaneous decision to travel.

I embarked on a last-minute trip to Sadhana Forest ( read the full account of the unconventional trip here) . Currently, I’m still experiencing discomfort in my right ribs. Upon returning from the forest, I turned to writing as a means to uplift my spirits during this challenging period.

In case you can relate this article, I would request you to add a comment below. Also, I am happy to listen to your take on injuries as a runner as well . Until we meet again, bye bye !!