As I prepare for the Multisport World Championships in Townsville, I reflect on the unconventional journey and training block towards my third time representing Australia. From enduring two metatarsal stress fractures to spending nearly ten weeks in a moon boot, the path has been anything but easy. This blog shares my experiences, the mental and physical hurdles I’ve faced, and the resilience and patience required for me to compete at this level again.
It all started with an unusual localised pain in my foot for six to eight weeks, soon after diagnosed as two metatarsal stress fractures. As an athlete, the prospect of no running or high impact exercise for an extended period of time was daunting. For almost ten weeks I was in a moon boot and unable to run or train like normal. This injury tested my patience and mental fortitude like never before.
During these weeks I had to shift my mindset dramatically as time was running out. Doubt and negative thoughts crept in frequently. Would I recover in time for the championships? Would I be able to perform at my best after such a long break? I learned to counter these doubts with focusing on the things I could control and trusted my ability to overcome these hurdles.
Unable to run with just over three months out from Worlds, I focused on swimming, cycling, strength training and water running. These activities not only kept me active but also helped maintain my discipline and motivation to get me to the end goal. I had to listen to my body more intently, ensuring I didn’t push too hard and risk further injury and a longer recovery. Every month, every week and every day counted, but patience was still crucial.
I am still cautiously optimistic. My return to running has been very slow, starting with short easy runs and gradually increasing intensity and distance. I am realistic about the impact of not running for three months, but I’m confident in the cross-training and mental preparation I’ve done to perform at the level needed. My focus now is on fine-tuning my performance, building speed endurance and enhancing my competitive mindset.
My journey to the Multisport World Championships has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in myself. Overcoming two metatarsal stress fractures and the associated challenges has made me stronger, both mentally and physically. As I look ahead to the championships, I’m filled with gratitude for the lessons learned and the support received. For me this experience has reinforced the importance of patience, listening to my body, and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of adversity. I’m ready to give my all and perform to the best that I can, regardless of the outcome. I trust my ability just like I’ve trusted this process. Now it's time to cross that "finish line" and prove to the world that anything is possible!
Throughout this journey, the support from my sponsors has been an absolute necessity for my recovery and return to training. Body in Sync Remedial Massage helped speed up the recovery process. Brisbane Foot Clinic provided expert care and guidance, ensuring my feet were on the right path. The Athletes Foot Springfield was instrumental in ensuring I had the proper footwear, which played a huge role in preventing further injury. Kinect Physiotherapy provided tailored sessions that were essential in my rehabilitation. Pedal Passion has tuned and upgraded my bikes to a whole new level. Lastly Triple A Performance Training designed a customised training plan that accommodated my recovery needs and helped me regain my strength and endurance progressively and precisely.
To fellow athletes and anyone facing similar challenges, I encourage you to stay positive, be patient, and trust the process. Overcoming setbacks is never easy, but with resilience and determination and a good plan, you can achieve anything. If you’re in a similar situation, please reach out.
Thank you for following my journey to the Multisport World Championships, I’m looking forward to sharing my performances and experiences with you all very soon.
Comments