In my late twenties, following a string of overuse injuries, I was convinced my body just couldn’t handle running and resigned myself to being unable to run.
Four years ago when I started trying to run my only goal was to be able to run a 5k – and I fully expected to trigger some sort of minor injury as I did so – but just wanted to be able to run a few miles continuously, and figured that was all I’d every be able to do.
Just eight months ago I came to the conclusion that my body couldn’t handle speedwork.
These days I run 4 or 5 days a week, averaging about 40 miles per week. I routinely complete long runs on the weekend ranging from 15 to 20 miles without injury. Since August I’ve incorporated some sort of speedwork into at least one run each week and my body has handled the added stress just fine.
What changed? How did I overcome each of these early obstacles to get where I am today?
By being patient.
It’s really that simple. Being patient isn’t easy, and it might not be the only thing that’s needed – some obstacles might require you to work with a coach, or get faster, and some goals might truly be out of reach based on age, health, or physiology.
But most running challenges can be overcome by nothing more than a little patience: be patient in your recovery, be patient in your builds, be patient waiting on results. The body is amazing and you can do amazing things if you give yourself time.
Patience is the ultimate virtue is so many ways!