Learning is taking place - injury

Things I have learnt having an injury. 

There have been a few different phases of mood associated with the news that I couldn't run due to pain in my achillies.  

Stage 1 

Relief! This was probably an indicator of over-training too. I was honestly relieved to have the pressure of competing and relentless training removed from me.

Stage 2 

Jealousy. I love to race. So after I got over the initial feelings of exhaustion,  and had a bit of R&R I was then itching to get back out there.... But I couldn't :( I then had to stand on the side-lines and witness ever one else continuing with their amazing seasons!  Made worse my the constant information streams from Facebook and Twitter! 

Stage 3 

Boredom and loss of interest. After a couple of months of swimming and cycling only,  I definitely lost my mojo. I find the threat of a competition looming on the horizon a good motivator, and there was no option of doing this. So another week off was in order.  

Stage 4 

Realisation that sport isn't everything!  I began to remember that I have some other interests!!!  And I have a family and friends who have suffered between mild and significant neglect at the hands of my obsession with triathlon and running.  I started to draw and paint again,  saw friends and family I hadn't seen in ages and tried out a few new things too.  

I think that one of the best was to approach an injury is to think of it as an extended off season. Focus on your form and weaknesses in the things you can do. I am lucky I can still swim, cycle and do S&C. Do all the things you don't have time for when you Adele training, working, looking after the kids etc.  

Yes it sucks. And no one wants to have an I jury, be in pain,  and generally not do what they want, but you really do have to look for the silver lining, else you will go mad!