Dear Athlete,

 

Our sport is our everything; it gives us a reason to get up in the morning, it’s sometimes the one thing we can control. Thriving at our sport is what makes us great, it’s what pushes us to better ourselves day-in and day-out.

 

If we’re not careful, it can consume us. The constant need to achieve, the constant pressure to get better. And sometimes outside factors affect our ability to perform at our best. And that is something we ultimately can’t control.

 

So here is a note from one of our own; an ally in the sport. Someone who has had outside factors come in and rip the sport out from underneath her. And she turned to anything else she could control. I hope you read her story and see how she found her strength through the hardest times. Here is the weekly female athlete testimony:

 

Female Athlete Testimony #3:

“Junior year of high school I struggled a lot with calf pain that wasn’t getting diagnosed, but ultimately after months of doctors appointments and tests, I was diagnosed with chronic exertion compartment syndrome.

 

I ended up getting surgery for it because the doctors said it was the only way I’d ever be able to run again. Soon After my surgery the doctors concluded that my compartment syndrome was still there.

 

I went from counting the paces and miles, to counting every calorie”

 

I was devastated because I tried absolutely everything in my power to run again but…my legs just couldn’t. Not being able to run took a big toll on me because it was my entire identity. It was suddenly taken away, and I then turned to food and calorie restriction. These things were the only thing in my life that I felt I had control over. I went from counting the paces and miles, to counting every calorie.

 

I struggled with anorexia for a while before realizing the importance of fueling my body and finding my worth outside of running.

 

This time I’m running with more motivation than I’ve ever had before, and with the knowledge that food is fuel!”

 

Now I am back to running (praise God!) and I’m training super hard to try and walk onto my college xc team. This time I’m running with more motivation than I’ve ever had before and with the knowledge that food is fuel!

 

I’m excited to put my fitness to the test soon and time trial for The College of New Jersey!”

 

Update: this athlete made the team, and has completed her first XC season as a collegiate athlete!!! THIS is the type of athlete that is inspiring…someone who persevered against all odds and used her experiences as motivation to better herself. With the knowledge that food is fuel, she worked her way up to being an athlete competing in the NCAA.

 

Let this be a beautiful reminder that stepping into your potential WITHOUT the need to control everything can still yield successful outcomes.

-Anonymous

(Track/XC Female Athlete)

 

 

 

Thank you for reading. And if this resonates or if you have a story you want to share, send me a DM or even email it to me. Type it in your notes app, write it on paper, free text it…whatever format is best! I’ll be sure to keep it anonymous (if that’s what you prefer) and post it under the Testimonial page. Female Athlete Testimony posts are updated weekly.

 

Your story matters. Your experience may be unique…but many people will relate, and they need to hear what you have to share. Let me be the bridge between your story and getting your words out to the world. DM me or shoot me an email if you want your story to be shared on the “female athlete testimony” series.

 

Have you listened to the podcast yet?! If not, listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

 

 

Check out where my “Dear Running,” episode is located; click here and listen!