Ok, so not being able to run has finally driven me a little bit insane. Going to the gym, interval sessions on the cross trainer, it just isn’t the same as miles and miles of road in front of you.

If you’re a runner you’ll know what I mean.

I’ve got at least another month before I should even think about running a short three miler again, but running is on my mind. My next race is also at the forefront of my mind.

“Don’t try running if your knee hasn’t healed. It’s only going to get worse if you keep trying to rush back into training before it’s ready. All that will happen is it’ll reoccur and you’ll be doubly miffed about it.” – Wise words from my friend when I said I was considering skipping the gym and going for a run this weekend.

I know he’s right but it’s just more frustrating than anything else when I’ve  got my next race lined up and the time I want to complete it in.

Robin Hood Marathon 2013

I think it’s the fear as well; the fear that when I do start running again my injury will return and I won’t even be able to run a couple of miles.
I’m desperate to get back in to running but the fear of my knee hurting is holding me back as well which is equally frustrating.

Anyway, this post isn’t supposed to be a rant, it’s about finding new ways to channel the frustration of an injury in to something else.  So I decided to see what can help with the injury recovery process.

Earlier this week I was lucky enough to speak to star of Channel 4’s How Not To Get Old and author of Eat Yourself Young Elizabeth Peyton Jones. She’s all about eating clean and keeping young, offering up tasty recipes on how to restore your vitality.

I mentioned my knee injury and she advised me to add turmeric to my morning drink. So instead of going for that coffee or that fresh orange juice, have a really alkalizing drink to neutalise your body and set you up for the day.

Worth a shot isn’t it. I also bought a foam roller on the recommendation of a friend to help with muscle tension and stretching to help leg injuries. I must admit, I do need to get in to the habit of using it because when I do, it’s fantastic and I can almost feel my muscles thanking me.

Ice cold baths are another tip I’ve heard world-class Olympic athletes such as Jessica Ennis use after a training session. Unfortunately I can’t say I’ve tried this yet but I’ve had the occasional blast of icy water at the beginning of a shower for as long as I can handle. I’m also a big fan of icing an injury, even if it doesn’t hurt.

2012 Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis

The truth is that what really works is what you don’t want to hear, what you’re scared to hear as a runner; rest.

It’s possibly one of the worst words a physio, doctor or trainer can say to you, especially when that rest is for a period of several months. However the truth is that it does work…..well, it had better work or else I’m going crazy for no reason!