The Running Injury Cycle Pt. 4 - (re)Discovery

Unpopular Opinion: To grow as a runner, you need injuries.

Setbacks shape us.
Time off is time invested.
Our biggest milestones often happen off the road.

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Advice no one wants to hear.

Because our setbacks feel big.
They’re ours.
And in the thick of it, it’s almost impossible to see the upside.

But the truth is — injury is often the beginning of transformation.

Peyton Manning had 3 neck surgeries in 19 months.
He was cut by the Colts. His career nearly ended.
He had to relearn how to throw.

But he came back.

Not as the same quarterback — but as a better one.

He changed his mechanics. He sharpened his mental game.
And in 2013, he threw for 5,477 yards and 55 TDs — both NFL records.
He ended his career with a Super Bowl win in 2016.

His body was different. But his mindset was elevated.

I’m not Peyton Manning. But I’ve finished 7 ultramarathons, 2 marathons, and a bunch of other races.

I’ve also been injured training for nearly all of them.

Injury forces you to stop. Reflect. Learn.
And if you’re willing — adapt.

Each setback has taught me something:

• Better warmups

• Smarter strength work

• How to love swimming, biking, even the elliptical

• How to tune into my body before it breaks

• And how to stay mentally tough while sitting on the sidelines

Injury is part of the process.
It’s how you become durable.
It’s how you build resilience — in body and mind.

Yes, it sucks.
But if you stay open…
If you listen to what your body’s telling you…
You’ll come back a wiser, more well-rounded runner.

Because in running, like in life — setbacks are guaranteed.

But growth? That part’s optional.

Keep moving forward.
– Jon

13 athletes who made amazing comebacks after career threatening injuries

Peyton Manning on his rehab and how he almost didn’t make it back

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