A runner's rehabilitation journey

We recently welcomed experienced runner, writer and coach, Fiona, into the Profeet Lab to undergo our Signature Running Assessment service.

The appointment also elicited a very interesting dialogue in which we learned more about Fiona and her passions. As an over-50s runner she has already racked up a long and impressive history of marathons (20+), ironmans and ultras. Clearly, fitness has played a key role in her life to date, so when she experienced a niggling and then more persistent injury it sparked a philosophical review of the ‘running cycle’. Maintaining performance as we get older requires more attention and more adaptability.

Fiona observes that:

“I’m starting to see injury as an inevitable chapter in most runners’ stories, especially for those of us who’ve been in it for the long haul.”

Hitting the nail on the head

This holds true for many, especially those who have already trotted past 50 and are wondering what the future looks like in terms of our physical abilities.

“Our parents didn’t run marathons into their 50s, 60s or 70s. There’s no blueprint, so we’re writing it as we go,” notes Fiona.

As a writer, Fiona has captured and set down her experiences. She tracks the activities that led up to her injuries, that began as minor matters but burgeoned into more troublesome diagnoses – posterior tibial tenosynovitis – and later a stress fracture. These are the observations of a very physically fit person with a consistent track record, beginning to see the impact that time can have on a once invincible body!

How to deal with this?

It’s a very interesting question and one, given that we’re expecting more than ever from our bodies today, (70 is the new 50), bears scrutiny and further exploration. If we’re going to continue with our sports at such an intensity for longer than ever before, how can we manage this process and remain well, active and satisfied with our own performance? Read Fiona’s accounts as she embarks on her reinvention project.

> Live to reinvent
 
We will be following Fiona’s progress as she continues to take on new challenges with heat, high altitude and distance in mind – and as her new philosophy evolves.

With thanks to Fiona Bugler

If you’re starting your own reinvention project, we recommend booking a Signature Analysis & Custom Insoles service at Profeet.