I want to chat about something that many of us have experienced at one point or another—dealing with an injury, especially as we age.
I started running as a way to stay in shape after Saidey was born. I didn’t love it- heck, I didn’t even like it. But what I did like was how I felt afterward- so I kept doing it. Eventually, I found a group of people that were running at 4:30am (which worked perfectly for me because my family was asleep and no one “needed me”). We ran 5-6 days a week- 4-15 miles a day. These people became my closest friends- you learn A LOT about people when you spend hours with them a week- with nothing to do but breathe and TALK!
Friends and family would warn about injuries, especially my knees as we were running mostly on concrete sidewalks. I would always respond back that my knees were “just fine”- and, they were- until they weren’t!
We were out for a six mile run that morning- and we got about 1/2 way when my knee just locked up and gave out. I fell down. When I made my way to standing- I hobbled my way back to Starbucks, our meeting place. I grabbed an iced coffee and sat down for a few minutes with my friends. When I got up to leave- my knee locked up again! This was a new kind of pain for me. A pain I knew I had to do something about.
My orthopedist gave me a few options- but told me if I didn’t stop running like I was, I’d have a total knee replacement by the time I was 40. Since that sounded horrible- I decided to stop running. After several 1/2 marathons, 7 full marathons, 1 Goofy Challenge and 2 Blue Ridge Relays- I hung up my running shoes.
BIG PIVOT
I got the micro fracture surgery, was 6 weeks non weight bearing- and went to physical therapy like it was my full time job. I healed.
In our younger years, bouncing back from an injury often felt like a minor inconvenience. We'd push through, charge ahead, and maintain our busy routines without skipping a beat. However, as we grow older, injuries seem to take on a life of their own, demanding a much more cautious and measured approach to healing.
In my case, it was about 4 months before I was doing things on my knee without fear or hesitation. And honestly, I didn’t think about that time much at all- until recently. I found myself right back in the same place, with the same knee. Losing stability, locking up and just hurting after physical activity like a long walk, pickleball even GOLF! I’m still not running.
So, this morning I reached out for an appointment to an orthopedist- will keep you posted….
In the meantime I’m trying to stay busy other ways- and I thought I’d share- just in case you find yourself needing to slow down physically during a time of healing- I know how frustrating and mentally challenging it can be.
Here are a few suggestions to keep your mind and spirit active, even when your body needs to take it easy:
1. Get into Reading
Dive into that pile of books you've been meaning to read. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, or even an engaging audiobook, immersing yourself in a good read can be both relaxing and intellectually stimulating. I try to have one physical book and one audio book going at the same time. Audio for when I’m driving or doing laundry or dishes, and a physical book when I’m winding down. One is a non- fiction, self help, something to learn from and one is absolutely fiction- something I can get lost in- and just enjoy. To me it doesn’t matter which one is physical and which one is audible and I kind of mix it up from book to book.
2. Learn a New Skill
Is there a hobby you've always wanted to pick up but never found the time for? Now might be the perfect moment to learn something new. Consider trying:
Knitting or crocheting (I think about how my grandmother would magically create amazing things and I wish I would take time to learn these skills)
Playing a musical instrument (I tried this- guitar- it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done- my fingers couldn’t keep up with my brain)
Writing or journaling - I love this idea- it can be very therapeutic. I love writing this blog and I’m also working on a book!
3. Expand Your Mind with Online Courses
The beauty of today's digital world is that you can learn just about anything online. From mastering a new language to taking up a course in photography, the internet is an endless resource of knowledge waiting for you.
I am a HUGE fan of learning new things online- there is a course out there for what you want, I’m sure of it! And if not- CREATE ONE!
4. Meditation, Mindfulness and Breathwork
Use this time to practice mindfulness, meditation and breathwork. Not only can these practices help reduce stress and anxiety, but they also promote overall well-being. WIN WIN.
5. Connect with Loved Ones
Take the opportunity to reconnect with friends and family. Even if it's virtual, meaningful conversations can have a profound impact on your mood and outlook.
6. Plan and Organize
Use this downtime to organize areas of your life that might have been neglected. Whether it's your home, your finances, or planning future projects, getting things in order can give you a sense of accomplishment. I see many bags of clothes and home goods taken to Goodwill in my near future.
Remember, healing is a process—one that demands patience and compassion for yourself. While it may be frustrating to slow down, it's also an opportunity to explore activities that you might not have considered otherwise. Embrace this time as a chance to grow in different areas of your life.
Stay positive and keep your spirits high!
With Love from my Core- and my broken knee,
Amity ❤️
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