Hey kids,
A year ago, I never would have published a blog called “I ran 1 mile.” In fact, last summer I ran a half marathon through the Swiss Alps (hardest physical challenge of my life so far – really). But since February when I broke my tailbone, I haven’t run at all — aside from sprinting down a few New York City blocks when I’m late for an appointment.
For most of my life, running has been my go-to mental release. It always helps clear my head, helps me work out problems, and gets me feeling more alert and energized. Historically, even going out for a 1 mile run or a jog around the block has helped me get my blood pumping when I’m feeling lethargic or in need of a boost.
For the past 7 months, I haven’t felt that “runners high” (aka endorphin rush) even once. I didn’t realize how much I missed it until I decided to go for a run in Balboa Park yesterday – and I felt that head-happiness almost immediately.
I gave myself the green light to finally try a run after 7 months because A) my tailbone hadn’t been aching in awhile and B) I could tell I was desperately low in endorphin production. I could just feel it, and it wasn’t good.
When I first broke my tailbone, I couldn’t even walk down the street for a week.
The verdict now? I can run a mile without my tailbone hurting at all, which is awesome! My lungs are going to need a little time to catch up, though, which I didn’t expect.
For any of you out there who have fractured your tailbone (or any bone for that matter), you know the frustration that comes along with not being able to move your body the way you’re used to. So little victories are a big deal.
I didn’t want to push it much more than a mile, so I could assess where my tailbone was at the next day. I do feel a little bit of aching (like I would if I sat directly on it for a couple of hours) but it’s really not bad. My next run, I may try for 1.5 miles. Wahoo! I really hope I can get back to the point where I’m running longer. I felt so good and happy during the run. Running is absolutely THE best thing for my mental and emotional health.
I listened to The Last Of The Real Ones on repeat, stared at sunbeams through the trees, and almost cried because it felt so good to move like that. Ah, the sweet sweet taste of an emo-fueled run. I’ve missed you.
I’m learning to appreciate my body and all it can do, way more than I did before I fractured my tailbone. I truly celebrated running a mile. It felt like a huge accomplishment. And I’ll continue to do so.
More to come. More to come. One day, I’ll run 5 miles in one day again, and that day will be glorious.
But this day, this one-mile day….this is glorious today.
So don’t forget to celebrate those little wins. :)
Have you ever gotten injured and had to go through a long period without being able to move the way you’re used to? How did it feel? How long did it take to recover?
That ultra-kind of love,
Jenny
Leave a comment!