In October 2024, I had a knee injury 7 miles out on a trail run that ended up being more serious than we first thought and requiring a pretty significant surgery. I’m also not getting any younger, so that fast bounce back to activity that I was used to just didn’t happen. I got really down and started having the “will I ever run again” thoughts. My PT was a great person and was able to push me to limits, keep me safe, and also keep me realistic in my build back to running again. And that’s where I think I’d start: keep perspective, be realistic, and focus on the next step. Sometimes seeing all the way to the end result feels unattainable, but getting to the next step is more realistic and manageable. Be proud of…and celebrate…the work accomplished today! Also, surround yourself with people who are compassionate encouragers, and also who will keep you grounded and accountable all the way around…try not to isolate. We’re all a little different, and our needs vary, but that’s my encouragement.

Ran the Caving Cow Trail Half a couple weeks ago, which is always a fun challenge. Lots of vert over a short distance. This year, my wife and kids ran the 5k on the same trail. A unique twist is you run almost a mile through a cave system by headlamp. Coming up is In The Heat Of The Night 50k in Alabama in August. That’s usually my A race I’m training to for the year, but this year it’s intended to be part of the training block. October is the No Business 100, and that’s the training block we’re in from here forward. So, the current plan is smart training to try and build and keep injury low, and just those two races to finish out 2026.

For me, it was my pacing. Trails (in general) force a slower pace, which can mess with the head and urge the runner to push harder only to burn out quick. My encouragement is to push yourself, but try to be smart and stick to the plan as much as possible. And have a blast!! It’s supposed to be hard, but also fun!!

@Valarie Wofford yes, strength is important! I lift 4-5 days a week, with more intentional leg days trying to build general strength and keep my trick knee from falling apart since going under the knife. I’ve been doing a lot of single leg exercises both body weight and weighted, and it seems to be helping.

@Amy Tingay that’s a great point!!

Call it one of my undiagnosed “quirks”, but I rarely deviate from something I find that works for me. I was hardcore New Balance for years because of how well they fit my weirdo foot and didn’t cause blisters. I was told to try Topo for at least a year before I bought my first pair, and then they sat in the closet literally untouched until the soles of my NBs wore so far that one afternoon my feet were screaming in pain. Cautiously took the Topos out for a try, and I’ve never looked back. I’ve put on Hokas, but they weren’t a good fit for me. Never have given Altra a shot, but it sounds like maybe that’s one for me to admire from afar.