Finding The Good
-Leah Nicholson
“As I like to find the beauty in the trails, I also like to find the good in setbacks.”
I’ve always been a runner. I started running in middle school, ran on the cross country and track teams at Western Carolina University, and then found my love for trails and ultra distances after college. I love being out in nature, seeing what the trails have to offer, and finding the beauty in the offerings no matter how challenging- wildlife, flowers, fungi, moss, views, clouds, bugs, rain, mud, ice. I like the challenge and the feeling of accomplishment. Running is also my time to process all the stresses of everyday life and the stresses of being an ICU nurse.
I’ve had my share of injuries, but I’ve never had an injury that didn’t resolve after a little rest. At the beginning of the year, I joined a local running club, and I set two big goals- run 100 miles and run a PR in the 5k. I started having knee pain last winter while finishing the 48 NH 4000 foot peaks and after a long stretch of continuously pushing the pace and neglecting all strength, mobility, and cross training. I took a week off from running with no relief. When my knee started to bother me with tasks at work, I knew it was time to reach out for help, and I started working with Neil in February.
The treatment plan was always clear, realistic, and adaptable as things progressed, or as they didn’t sometimes. We were hopeful for a quick return to running and racing with spring and summer goal races, but unfortunately, my knee injury was slow to heal. Neil was so supportive throughout. I started to question if I would ever return to running or work a shift at the hospital without knee pain. Even when there were some tears of frustration while working with Neil, he navigated my crying with such professionalism. Mobility and mental health go hand in hand, and his empathy was apparent. I knew he was rooting for me, and I felt empowered rather than embarrassed.
Slowly but surely, I worked through a walk/run progression and eventually ran a continuous 40 minutes! I immediately signed up for a 100 miler. Training was a balance between listening to my knee and pushing my knee to prepare for 100 miles, and Neil helped me find that fine line. Grindstone 100 in September was my first DNF, but I made it 72 miles before my knee had had enough. Everyone has assured me that running 72 miles is an accomplishment, but DNFs are heartbreaking, nonetheless. After a little rest, I changed gears and worked to salvage my other 2024 goal. I won the CHaD Hero 5k and then ran a 10 second PR the following weekend at the Great Bay 5k with a time of 18:32 (pictured right). My previous 5k best stood for 16 years, and I am now faster than my 21-year-old self!
As I like to find the beauty in the trails, I also like to find the good in setbacks. My knee injury was certainly a wakeup call if I wanted to continue to run for years to come. I am thankful for coming out stronger, faster, and more resilient both physically and mentally after working with Neil.
This article first appeared in the November 2024 Cioffredi & Associates Newsletter:
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