Listening To Your Body

Well, in just a few short weeks I’ll be embarking upon my second marathon in two years. Lately, I’ve been dealing with some discouragement. Two weeks ago while I was on one of my long training runs I noticed afterwards that my left foot began to swell. Later that day I began to experience a dull achey pain.

At first I thought it wasn’t nothing serious. At this same time last year I was icing both legs and not in near as good as shape as I am now. Thank you P90X! When the swelling continued after another week of running I decided to go get an X-ray and then reality set in. Come to find out I suffered a stress fracture right above my big toe. A common running injury that happens when training for distance running.

My Doctor told me I probably could still make my race due to the fact that the bone had already began the healing process but making my goal for this year might not be doable.

I am discovering that the older that I get the more I need to learn to listen to body. I have certainly pushed myself this time around. And there have been times when I probably should have backed off instead of revving up. I am discovering that if I am going to make fitness a lifestyle and not just a fad or phase of my life that there maybe days that may need modify or even rest. Remember muscles need rest to grow. In this case, my feet did. Or at least I think?

I’m I discouraged about my injury? Yes. The thought of dropping out has crossed my mind several times. But then my mind went back to a old saying that has become Tony Horton’s mantra of P90X, “Do your best and forget the rest!”

Some times stopping and pressing pause isn’t a bad thing. If you are in the middle of intense training and need a “break” take it. No pun intended. But resting a day or two may just be what you need so next time you can press play and go all the way! Good luck. See you at the finish line.