Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 121, August 2019 | Page 37

ROAD RUNNING
to run, but there were so many other things I
could do, including variations of cross-
training like cycling, aqua-jogging, and core
strength. I have successfully returned from
previous injuries in this manner, so my
coach worked out a rehab programme. I
must say, he did not go easy on me – the
only rest day was Sundays – and I did a
lot of aqua-jogging, which is not fun! The
spinning bike was even worse, but that
was what I needed to do, so I did it. And
whenever I got off that bike, I was dripping
in sweat, and it was a great way to get my
frustrations out. I actually liked my new
beast mode, and I laughed when one of
the guys in the gym said, “Jis, jy trap die
s**t uit daai bike!”
swollen, and every step I took was very painful. I
then texted my friend Ellie, a professional athlete and
physio based in Australia. She had a look at a photo
of my foot and advised me to ice it and get it checked
out as soon as I got back home. That day I still went
to the shops to buy gifts, thinking the movement will
be good for my foot.
but I was limping, and then had to slow to a walk.
When I arrived home, I immediately applied ice to the
twisted ankle, to prevent any swelling. I tried not to
panic, but there was no time to see the physio, as I
had to get ready for my flight. I thought if I diligently
apply ice over the next 48 hours, it will be OK.
On arrival back home I saw the physio, and we
decided to rest the foot for two weeks, without having
any tests done. We did not suspect anything more
serious – because of my high tolerance to pain, I was
walking normally. I then resumed my training after
two weeks, and on the first session had pain, which
built up as I tried to run through it. At the end of that
session I could barely walk, and I was in so much
pain that I immediately went to see the physio, who
took me to see the orthopaedic specialist. He initially
diagnosed it as peroneal nerve damage, but it turns
out that was secondary to an avulsion foot fracture,
which they discovered on the X-ray.
Apart from the training side, I focused a
lot of my time on mentoring and training
the young women in the Endurocad
programme. Each week we would have
two strength training sessions, and I
would accompany them to races as
assistant coach. I also organised skills
workshops to educate and empower
them. This certainly kept me occupied,
and made me feel as though I had
a greater purpose. However, it was
during this time that Endurocad hosted
its first track league meet at Coetzenburg, and as
the Athletes Manager at Endurocad, it was part
of my job to attend and assist at the event. It was
uncomfortable for me to detach myself from being
an athlete and to watch everyone enjoy their running.
I was happy to see them achieve, but selfishly, I felt
sad, and even though many people reached out, I
didn’t really feel like talking about my feelings. It was
too painful. There was just this void, like a hole that
only running could fill, no matter how hard I tried to
distract myself- nothing could fill this hole.
Then I was joined in the pool by a training buddy,
multiple World Triathlon Champion Flora Duffy, who
is also battling a long-term foot injury. She is a big
inspiration to me, because of how she is handling this
injury that has sidelined her for almost a year now.
When I felt sorry for myself I said, “Look at Flora,
it must be so hard for her, yet she is still pushing
through.” We became aqua-jogging partners, doing
sessions together and motivating each other through
it. It was fun and really made the time fly by.
Control the Controllable
When I boarded my flight, I immediately applied ice
again and elevated my leg throughout the flight. Upon
my arrival in Japan, I ensured that I got treatment.
They had organised a massage therapist for the elite
athletes, and I saw her for four days up until my race,
to release the tightness on my peroneal muscle.
On race day, she applied tape on my ankle, which
I thought was feeling better. During the race I was
so focused, I was chasing a time and the adrenaline
was rushing through my body, causing me to block
out any pain. I had learnt to do this through mental
training, and prior to every marathon I see a sports
psychologist to help me mentally prepare. This is where things became really hard. I had to wear
a ‘moon boot’ for six weeks, and decided to have a
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injection into my foot, to
fast-track the healing process. PRP involves them
drawing your own blood, spinning it to separate the
plasma, and then injecting the plasma into the injured
area. I really hated the moon boot, and I felt physically
and mentally vulnerable. I avoided going out to social
events and public places, because I was just tired of
explaining the injury, and having people looking at
me with pity. At times I even felt sorry for myself, and
would just hide out in my flat and ball my eyes out.
But the next day, the sun would shine again, and I
would carry on with my rehab routine.
The night after the marathon, I had a throbbing pain in
my foot, which resulted in me having trouble sleeping.
I woke up the next morning and squinted as my foot
hit the ground. Looking down, I saw my foot was It was time to soldier on, no more hiding. I wanted to
move forward, which meant I had to think positively,
be brave and search for solutions. I might not be able
Trying to stay motivated while
unable to run...
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