Being an injured triathlete isn’t as bad as being an injured runner. If you can’t do one of your triathlon disciplines, chances are you can do at least one of the other two. So while I’ve not been able to run because of my shin splints I reminded myself that I’m a triathlete now as well as a runner.
I had two weeks off from running and two days off from doing anything at all, but for the other 12 days I was cycling, swimming and getting on the turbo. I went to see my sports massage guy – the same guy who has patched me up before three marathons I thought I might not see the start line of.
“I’ve seen a lot worse walk through my door today hoping to do London still.” It made me feel a lot better than I had an hour earlier when I was crying in the office toilets that I’d messed everything up.
By Saturday my shin splints seemed to have disappeared, but I didn’t run. I hopped on the turbo trainer and pedalled hard as Chrissie Wellington shouted encouragement through my headphones. I’m a triathlete.
Sunday marked three weeks until London, the long run on the training plan and the start of the taper. I knew 20 miles was out of the question, but a run of some sort seemed realistic. I put on my trainers with no idea how long I would be running for; I might be hobbling back home after a mile or maybe, just maybe I could stretch my legs a bit more.
A mile in and everything seemed to be in working order. Two miles in and I seemed to be going a bit fast. Five miles in and my legs had decided to do a lap of Victoria Park. Eight miles in and they’d decided they fancied another. 11 miles in and the canal had turned into a wind tunnel and my legs had lost all power. 16 miles in and my last three miles had been a battle against the wind and my brain.
The plan had been to do most of my training effort from the weekend on the turbo, taking some of the strain off of the long run, but a few miles in and my legs had forgotten that they belong to a triathlete now.
Unsurprisingly, the next day the shin splints were back along with the ice packs and appointment for another sports massage in a week. I knew I’d run too far to escape free of charge. But with an extreme taper they’ll hopefully be fit enough again to bash out a few miles through London in a few weeks. And if not, that’s OK too because my eyes are on the prize in Bolton this year. I’m a triathlete.
love your mindset! A triathlon was always on my bucketlist, and I was kind of jealous when you first started blogging about it. I am a runner who likes to swim, but I never wanted to compromise my running training for cycling. That was, until I got injured. Not loving cycling as much as running, but getting there and proud to announce I signed up for my first triathlon!! Running injuries suck less if you can outswim or outcycle the frustration :).
thanks for your wonderful blog, I am always inspired by your posts! (not much of a commenter person though, sorry bout that.. (and about all the horrific typos, English is not my native language))
I think that taking up triathlon has made me a stronger runner and (shin splints aside) helped me avoid injuries. Good luck with it and thanks for the comment!
Laura.
Oh Laura, do take care. Mustard Pots to the ready for London and the clacker. But your read and your joy is just wonderful.
I can’t imagine trying to train for something like a triathlon. I’m scared enough about my half marathon in November!
Look after yourself. x
Ouch! I’ve suffered with shin splints for years now, they were at their worst when I was in full time dance training. Now they can start aching after just running for a bus! I’m still determined to run a little though, short distances and super cushioned shoes at the ready.
Tash | Ballet, Dance & Fitness
Boo shin splints suck 🙁 Hope they go away soon!
Love the message from your mum!
Whenever I hurt myself (dodgy hip, shin splints, ab strain etc) the physio tells me to lay off running for a bit and try cycling or swimming. But I don’t want to!
Since I’ve started triathlon training my running has improved so much. Word is improving running for triathletes is more training on the bike. Or that’s what my coach says to get me on my bike more!
Hope your shins get better soon!!
I’ve never had shin splints, but I don’t envy you. I’ve heard that they are awful. I hope they start getting better soon!
I do love your outlook and attitude- as ever, you’re an inspiration!