During my cross country season, I injured my toe—and honestly, I never expected something so small to have such a big impact. It wasn’t a major injury by any means, but it was enough to keep me from running. And for me, that was the worst part.
Running has always been my escape. It clears my mind, gives me purpose, and makes me feel alive. So when I couldn’t do it, it wasn’t the physical pain that hit me hardest—it was the mental struggle. I felt stuck, frustrated, and even a little lost.
For the first few days, I kept hoping it would magically get better. But it didn’t. And the more I sat around thinking about running, the more upset I felt. That’s when I realized I needed to shift my mindset. If I couldn’t run, I had to find other things that made me happy.
I started reading more, spent extra time with friends, picked up sketching again—little things I had pushed aside during the season. And slowly, I started feeling like myself again. No, it didn’t replace running, but it helped me cope.
That experience taught me something important: recovery isn’t just about healing your body—it’s about caring for your mind too. And sometimes, distracting yourself with things you enjoy can help you stay grounded while you wait to get back to what you love.
Now that I’m back on my feet, I don’t take running for granted. But I also know that when life forces you to slow down, it’s okay to lean into other passions. That balance is what keeps you going.
Yash Mittal
