Modern Athlete Magazine Issue 121, August 2019 | Page 39

ROAD RUNNING
so that I would have an explanation for this mystery.
Without a diagnosis, I did not know what needed
to be treated, meaning I could actually cause more
damage if I continued my rehab program.
Nolene has found comfort and purpose
in mentoring young athletes
It was during this time that I was contacted by the
organisers of the New York Marathon. They loved my
story and wanted me to be part of their elite field in
November. It has always been my dream to compete
in the largest and most popular marathon in the
world, because since my fascination with marathon
running started, I have watched the race in admiration
and told myself one day I will race New York. The
excitement and motivation was short-lived, however,
as my knee pain was still there six runs later. Now I
thought I was really losing my mind!
Suddenly There was Light
Fortunately before I could continue with this mindset,
almost like a miracle, I received a message from my
physio saying that the hip specialist found something
on my scans. Hallelujah, my prayers were answered.
He had discovered some inflammation over my iliac
crest bone (top section of the hip), so bone stress in my
hip was causing the referring pain on the outside of my
knee. Finally, I knew at last that I was not crazy. After all,
I know my body, and something just did not feel right.
Treatment involved, a serious of radical, focused
shockwaves – more agony! – and then extended total
rest, so it was goodbye New York Marathon. That was
a hard pill to swallow, but I had to accept that’s what
I had to do to allow my injury to heal. So what now,
how would I occupy myself so as to not think about
running? I came up with various steps:
• Step 1: Think about what I want to achieve
outside of sport and set new life goals.
• Step 2: Focus on self-love, like doing things that
make me happy.
• Step 3: Put myself out there, grow my brand
and network, and build relationships with my
sponsors and friends.
• Step 4: Use the time to do good in my
community, including mentoring young athletes.
• Step 5: Focus on my job as Athletes’ Manager
at Endurocad.
For example, I wanted to use this time to build new
skills, so I signed up for the Athletics South Africa
Level 1 Coaching Course. I am now a certified
coach and have already helped a few athletes with a
training programme for the Cape Town Marathon. The
challenge of helping others achieve their goals really
excites me, and is something I am passionate about.
Also, two years ago I started the sacanrun shoe
project in partnership with the Cape Town Marathon,
and although we have collected over 800 pairs of
running shoes for underprivileged runners, I have
not been able to give the project the full attention it
deserved.
More Than Just a Runner
What I have learnt from this experience is that there
can also be a bright side to injuries. If you make the
most of your recovery, you can come out stronger,
both physically and emotionally. I initially felt as if
I had lost my identity, but eventually I realised that
running is a big part of my life, but my life does not
solely revolve around running. I discovered that what
you do is not who you are! My worth is not based on
how well I perform, and if running were taken away
from me today, I would still be me. By changing my
mindset, I realised my life is not that bad! I have a lot
going for me, I have a job, and I am still physically
able to do other things. It opened my eyes to the
many possibilities outside of sport, and that there is
so much I still want to do and learn.
I believe that maintaining health in sport is a result
of the right blend of support, your surrounding
environment and nurturing yourself. It’s about getting
proper direction while having a support system of
people who are there for you when the going gets
tough, the friends that check in on you, make sure
you’re okay, and know that even though you act
strong on the outside, you might be suffering on the
inside. A friend sent me this message “If you saw the
size of your blessings, the battle would make sense.”
I was grateful for this message, as I was so caught
up in my own pain I did not see how truly blessed I
was. The support of my team, friends, family, club and
sponsors has carried me through, because they were
there for me when I needed them, and have gone out
of their way for me.
So if you are reading this and you are going through
a difficult time, consider this: When times are
tough, remind yourself that no pain comes without
a purpose. Just because you’re struggling, doesn’t
mean you’re failing! Right now, I am in a good space,
even though I am not running yet and unable to
do any form of activity that involves my glute/hip
region. My mind is not wrapped so tightly around my
struggles anymore, I have surrendered to a greater
power, and that has allowed me to relax and enjoy
life. It took me a while to get here, but I finally feel like
I have a purpose and direction outside of my own
running. And I will rise again, because I have slayed
the dragon!
ed as two
was originally publish
This shortened piece
neconrad.co.za
ole
://n
http
at
g
blo
’s
longer parts on Nolene
39