Injured

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I clearly remember the date I tore a muscle in my left calf, because it was New Years Day. A “welcome to 2024” run that didn’t quite go according to plan when it delivered this unwelcome gift. Still, I was an experienced runner, so I knew what to do to get a quick recovery. Rest, massage, foam roller, more rest, a gradual return to exercise and above all else, listen to your body.

Well maybe I didn’t listen well enough.

Two months later, two failed attempts at recovery and I was still unable to run more than a few hundred metres. Unfortunately, a voice in my head kept reminding me that I had races booked in February and March. It was a persistent voice that even persuaded me to seek answers from the internet, where I found a worrying amount of contradictory advice. Some of which I considered buying into as they promised the rapid healing I needed. So much for listening to your body.

Now being a male, I had obviously not suffered in silence. No indeed. I had told everyone I knew, and anyone who would stand still for long enough, about my misfortune. And yet, I can’t recall any of them giving me any clear practical advice…..but of course they had. Eventually, I heard their wise words (common sense), and I booked an appointment with a physio. Carole was not only excellent at her job, she was also a talented runner, an “Ironman” no less. Surely, now I would listen and follow the advice given.

Well yes……………..And no!

I did listen and I did follow the prescribed “strengthening exercises” and the “return to running program” to the letter. Right up to the point where I began to feel confident I was recovering. At which time I abandoned the gradually progressing program and leapt into a pacey 10K. Well, the program was good, but I thought I could cut a few corners, fast forward a bit. I didn’t need to follow this all the way to the end, did I?    

The result was, in hindsight, very predictable. The injury returned.

So maybe now I would listen. Had I not learnt the lesson yet?

Despite a distant voice reminding me about the Pauanui Half in April, the month passed with no running. As did May. In June the return to running was so gradual and so hard. I hadn’t run with any consistency for six months. I used to run for 2-3 hours and go to work the next day without any concerns. Now 2K was a struggle, and 4K  gave me DOMS. It was going to be a long, slow road back but hopefully I had learnt something valuable since New Years Day, about the difference between hearing and listening,  between following a program only until it gets tough instead of believing fully in the whole plan. 

As Christians we must be careful of who and what we are listening to. We are surrounded by many distracting voices, some of which will not bring about any healing. In our prayers, our bible reading, and our fellowship, we can find the truth, a program we can believe and follow completely.

In Mark chapter 4, verse 23-24; we can witness Jesus explaining to his disciples the importance of listening with an open heart so that the unclear becomes clear.

Mark 4: 23-24 RSV   “If any man has ears to hear, let him hear” and he said to them ”Take heed what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given to you.

And in Mark chapter 4, verse 25; Jesus goes on to explain that those who do listen will be rewarded.

Mark 4: 25 RSV   “For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” 

Open your ears to the word. Listen to the holy spirit and be guided by scripture.