Coach Val's 9-mile Victory Run - 1 year After Femoral Neck Stress Fracture

This is a 1-year anniversary that I never expected to celebrate with a 9-mile run.

It’s been exactly 1 year since I was officially diagnosed with a femoral neck stress facture in my right hip. I was put on crutches for 9 weeks at the time; with the first 6 being entirely non-weight bearing. Little did I know at that time where I might be one year later.

When I was non-weightbearing during those first 6 weeks, it meant, NO weight. I couldn’t so much as rest my foot on the floor for balance to reach for something. It was the hardest 9 weeks I’ve ever experienced and that includes my last 9 weeks of pregnancy.

Not only could I not run; I couldn’t carry a cup of tea from the kitchen to the couch!

So, that’s why sharing today’s 9 mile run with you is an extremely joyful celebration.

This run marks the halfway point in a training plan toward my first ½ marathon since my injury.

I live by a 5-pillar coaching philosophy and the 2nd pillar is build gradually.

I didn’t drop the crutches and start running at 9 weeks post-diagnosis. It’s been a slow and undulating process as I’ve worked my way back to longer distances. For the first couple of months, I only walked. Then, I moved to an easy effort run-walk program, which I stayed in for several weeks.

It hasn’t been a linear progression. I’ve had to deal with different aches and pains that can come with starting a new high impact exercise program. I also take a lot more time to warm up, activate and cool down. My self-care work doesn’t end with the run.

I continue to build strength and focus on recovery on a daily basis.

My pace is nowhere near where I was when I got injured, but that doesn’t matter. The only thing I care about, is that I’m back doing what I love and pain free!

If you are currently suffering through an injury, do not lose hope and do not let it get in your head. Care for your body with the utmost love and consideration. And, when you are cleared to return to sport (running), take it very slowly.

Run before you walk (literally).

Then, once you’re able to…RUN YOUR BEST LIFE ON CARBS!

Need help creating a training plan for your running and fitness goals?
Schedule a no-obligation, 20-minute call with Coach Val to discuss your individual training questions and see if coaching with Running on Carbs is right for you. Pick a date for your call here: runningoncarbs.hbportal.co/public/6614a8d9a027ad001f10db35