When I was sidelined from running I promised myself that I would be smart about my comeback, take things slowly, and continue with my strength training. Even though I didn’t hurt myself running, I know that coming back too fast too soon is a sure fire way to get a running injury.
After a failed comeback attempt in August and an epic vacation hiking at the Grand Canyon, I started back slowly, running 3-4 miles on the flat, forgiving surface of the track, at an easy 10:30-ish pace.
But then as I was testing my legs for the National Press Club 5K, a math error tricked me into running at a sub-9:00 pace.
This includes my warm-up and recovery laps
And then I surprised myself at the race and ran fast enough to take first place in my age group.
And then a beautiful morning stretched my 7 mile run into 8.
[Tweet “Throwing Caution To The Wind #runchat #WednesdayWord”]
When I learned that today’s Wednesday Word is cautious I thought it would work well with a discussion of how to make a comeback from a running injury. But instead of taking all the great advice you shared on my post about Savanah’s comeback, I have to admit that the beautiful sunrises, cooler weather, and joy of being able to run again have me throwing caution to the wind.
See what others have to say about being cautious
at Deb’s Wednesday Word link up.
What makes you throw caution to the wind?
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Congrats on the recovery and kudos to you for embracing it! Congrats on the AG award, also!
I don’t think I often throw caution to the wind when running. I realized how afraid I am to do that! Fun topic to write about today
So glad that you’re having a successful recovery! With my (bad) luck I don’t think I could ever throw caution to the wind!
And yet you’re doing a tough mudder – I am too cautious to do that!
I”m pretty much on your wavelength…I’m not great about being cautious with injuries! I think it’s because after all these years of running, I’m pretty good about knowing when to push and when to pull back. Not always tho, and that’s when I end up hurt..
PS Love your new logo at the top of the blog!!!
Thanks. It is hard to know when you are “better” enough to do harder workouts – like intervals.
happy that you are recovering well!! you look great! 🙂 I have had a bit of an injury situation but I think it’s better now–it might have just been over use.
Sometimes a beautiful day can definitely tempt you into throwing caution into the wind!
I still just don’t get how you people run an “easy” 10 mm. I was dying at only half a mile at that speed. It is never an easy pace for me, & only rarely a race pace (and then only for a 5k).
Stay safe & uninjured.
Everyone’s pacing is different! Sometimes I feel like my legs just get into a faster gear and go. 😉
I have joked I have 2 gears: slow & slower! Running faster is almost always an effort for me.
Yay for your comeback – and clearly you’re mind and body were connected, so glad you’re back and strong!
You’ve had an awesome comeback. But I think you were cautious and smart during your injury, which allowed you to throw caution to the wind when you were ready! I think after being too careful and worried over something, I just hit a point where I say “Let’s do this”.
Welcome back from injury!!
Congrats on winning your age group-how awesome!!
I am ignoring my injury-lol but look forward to taking a much needed break and recovery after my 2015 race.
It’s so hard when you have a big race on your schedule. I hope your injury stays quiet enough to get you through!
I have been cautious with my foot- I figure some running is better than none. I know when the weather is nice and the road is flat, it is another story!
That moment when I realize OMG I am so close to a PR, that is when I throw caution to the wind! 🙂
For sure! And it’s so worth it!
I am so glad your comeback is going so well! I hope this good streak continues!
Thanks. Me too! I’m trying to be smart about it … if not completely cautious.
So great to hear your comeback to running is going well! You’ve been very careful and calculating with it and it is paying off!
Isn’t it interesting how distraction can actually allow us to take the pressure off of ourselves and just “run”. Good luck with your comeback!
Yes, those first nice cool days make my runs go longer too.
Been there, done that! I just had a great race this past weekend, and that (momentarily) has me fantasizing about upping the mileage and doing more speed work in another attempt to set a new PR at my next 13.1……but, in the back of my mind, I know I’m playing with fire. And that cautious part of me will probably win out and persuade me to take things a (tiny) bit easier. COngrats on your comeback 🙂
I’m excited at how well you are coming back, but sad because it seems like you could have run Ragnar!
I have a ways to go before I’m Ragnar-ready. I still need lots of days off and am exhausted after 8 miles. But I’m still sad about missing it.
Sounds like you’re having a great comeback! I think the cooler fall mornings make it easier to throw caution to the wind and run longer or faster than planned.
Thanks for linking up!
I hope recovery continues to go well! I’m most likely to throw caution to the wind when I’m running with a buddy and they start going faster than I had planned. Often, I want to keep up and I’ll decide to just hang on as long as I can.
You are so right! While I like having a running buddy to push my pace a little bit it can be hard when someone is just a bit too fast to keep up with. I have to swallow my pride and let her go on without me.