On April 15, 2018, I was signed up to run the Boston Marathon with my best friend from college. Instead of running, I had what I thought was a routine Meniscus repair surgery scheduled that day. This injury sidelined me from the marathon. Surgery was scheduled, and the doctor told me I would be able to walk after surgery. I would be back to running with no restrictions or pain within 4 weeks. I was ready. Let’s do this!
After surgery, I woke up to a huge knee brace and my sweet husband who had to deliver bad news. Imagine my shock when he told me that the doctor also found cartilage damage on my femur that was causing the pain, so he micro fractured it to hope for some regrowth. This meant 6-8 weeks of non-weight bearing on that leg.
Ugghhh. I cried and cried and cried for days maybe even weeks.
I can’t remember a time in my life without running.
I started running when I was 12, and I NEVER stopped — I NEVER took a break. I was NEVER injured. Running is part of me; it is me.
As much as I felt sorry for myself, I did not allow the surgery to define me.
I was going to work hard and hopefully overcome this obstacle.
I worked super hard and had a few steps forward and a few steps back. Finally, after 3 PT graduations, a year and a half to the date, I am back hitting the pavement consistently. I celebrated with my friends running my favorite loop in First Landing State Park 5 1/2 miles.
Here are a few things I learned about being injured –
- Stairs are very difficult on crutches
- Listen to your PT and continue your at home exercise FOREVER
- Surround yourself with positive people who love you
- Patience and Persistence Wins every time
- If you love something, don’t ever stop working at it.
- What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.
If you’re currently injured, keep going! Dedicate yourself to your recovery the same way you dedicate yourself to training. This will be just another step towards your running success.
Fast Facts about Amy:
- C0-Owner and Race Director at J&A Racing
- Favorite J&A Racing Event: MSP Design Group Big Blue 5K.
- Favorite Personal Race Memory: Winning a bottle of wine at the Wineglass Marathon for finishing 3rd overall female.
- Random Fun Fact: My Marathon PR (3:10) is at the Shamrock Marathon prior to owning it.
