Coming Back Strong: Trail Racing After Injury
Returning from an injury is one of the most mentally and physically challenging journeys an athlete can face. After weeks of rest, recovery, and fighting the urge to get back out there, I finally reached my limit. When one of my longtime friends invited me to join her for a trail race, I couldn’t resist. I knew it would involve elevation and softer terrain—less impact than road running—which made it feel like the right time to give it a shot.
The race, Dancing with the Dirt, turned out to be more like Dancing in the Mud thanks to a solid 24 hours of rain leading up to the event. We woke up at 3:00 AM, drove an hour and a half to Devil’s Lake, picked up our packets, and lined up for the start.
Once the race began, I instantly felt a rush of joy—being surrounded by runners again, breathing in the trail air, and simply moving. I took it cautiously, alternating walk/run intervals and staying mindful of the slick, rocky terrain. I saw several people slip and even witnessed a twisted ankle, reminding myself to stay steady and focused: That won’t be me. That won’t be me.
At mile seven, we reached a scenic lookout and I was feeling strong—until I realized our group had followed the wrong trail. We had gone about 0.6 miles too far and found ourselves deep in weeds, rocks, and branches—ducking under and stepping over trees. I hadn’t studied the course in advance, which was my mistake, and I had trusted the group ahead. Eventually, we reached a road and confirmed we were definitely off-course. We retraced our steps, climbed back up the trail, and rejoined the course behind the main pack.
Despite the detour, I settled back into a rhythm. Run, walk, breathe, stay safe. My knee held up well thanks to KT Tape and a secure bandage—no pain, just focus.
Crossing the finish line was emotional. I did it. Soon after, my friend Ann caught up with us, full of energy and excitement. She crushed it, and I was so proud of her. We stood in line for lunch, swapped race stories, and celebrated not only the finish—but the fact that we started.
The drive home was filled with laughter, gratitude, and that familiar post-race buzz. I’m so thankful she asked me to run. Now… let’s see how I feel tomorrow. For now, it’s rest, recovery, and soaking in every moment of this comeback.
Thank You Ann!!!
