Tag Archives: tendon injuries

Strong First, Fast Later: Choosing Healing Over One Marathon

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I was just two months away from race day, my mileage climbing, my determination high—and then my Achilles reminded me who’s really in charge. Here’s how I decided to trade one marathon for many more years of healthy running.

The Decision I Didn’t Want to Make

I had been working hard to come back from Achilles tendinitis. I made it through a 12-mile long run, but the soreness and tightness afterward told me something wasn’t right. With the marathon looming, I had to ask myself the hard questions: Do I want to run 26.2 miles like this? What will it mean for my long-term goals?

The answer became clear: one marathon wasn’t worth risking years of running ahead.

Listening to the Warning Signs

Pain during a run can sometimes be manageable, but pain and stiffness the next day are warning signals. After my long runs, I noticed my Achilles was tighter and sorer the following morning. That was my body telling me I was pushing too hard, too soon.

My New Focus: Healing First

Instead of piling on the miles, I’ve shifted to running just three times a week, no more than two miles at a time. On other days, I walk or bike to keep moving without overloading my tendon. The difference already shows—my stiffness is decreasing, and I’m walking more easily.

Building Strength and Stability

Running less gives me more room to build the strength I need:

  • Heavy strength training to support tendons and muscles.
  • Barefoot lifting at home to strengthen my feet.
  • Balance and mobility work to stabilize my ankles.
  • Massage and mobility exercises to help my Achilles remodel and heal properly.

It’s not always as fun as just running, but I know this work will pay off when I return to full training.

The Mental Side of Rest

Cutting mileage is hard. I’m used to running for hours each week, and now I’m running just 15 minutes at a time. This week felt okay because my body clearly needed the break—but I know the mental challenge will come. My hope is that focusing on strength and recovery will give me the mindset I need to get through it.

Looking Ahead

This isn’t the end of my marathon journey—it’s just a pause. By choosing to heal now, I’m giving myself the chance to run stronger and healthier for years to come. And when I finally line up for my next marathon, I want it to be with confidence in my body, not worry over my Achilles.