I first stopped running six weeks ago when I thought I had a posterior tibialis strain. However, it turned out to be a tibial stress fracture, confirmed last Monday. During the first four weeks, I tried to keep up with some random bike rides and swims, but I lacked structure, routine, and a goal. My ultimate aim is to break the elusive 15-minute barrier for a 5K by March (national champs), and I’d be lying if this injury setback hadn’t filled me with self-doubt. But I’m feeling a lot more optimistic now I’ve set myself up with a short-term goal to concentrate on.
After signing up for a triathlon last week, I am in my second week of “actual” training. Last week, I swam three times and cycled four times, the most I have done in years. It feels amazing to finally get through the adjustment phase of training in new sports. Swimming, in particular, has been rewarding as I feel myself getting better every time I hit the pool. I swam 4 km this morning, the furthest I have gone in six or seven years, and it felt great.