Battling Ongoing Injuries: My Diary as a Streak Runner

Another day, another injury! As many of you know, this vlog serves as my running diary, chronicling both the highs and the sometimes inevitable lows that come with streak running. Today, I want to open up about a niggling ankle injury I’ve picked up, how it’s impacting my training, and what I’m doing to overcome it, both physically and mentally.

How I Picked Up the Injury

Recently, I've increased my off-road mileage in preparation for the Fendallop 10K, a charity event supporting our local primary school. While pacing the 45-minute group on a particularly challenging route (half road, half trail), my ankle took a knock—nothing major, but enough to feel uncomfortable on both runs and walks.

Here’s the silver lining: since adopting the barefoot style with Vibram Five Fingers, I've found I land far softer than with traditional running shoes. This softer landing likely prevented what could have been a far more serious injury. If I’d been in cushioned trainers, I suspect the damage would have been far worse.

My Recovery Approach

Right now I’m still running, albeit very gently—about 6 minutes per kilometre, short strides, and minimal force. This allows me to keep the joint moving and promote oxygenated blood flow, which should help healing. Nonetheless, if you’re not a streak runner like me, I’d recommend more rest and stretching at home. Elevating the ankle, icing and gently heating it, and perhaps some anti-inflammatories if necessary—all part of my recovery toolkit.

If you find yourself with a similar tweak, remember: light rehabilitation and stretching are key. Running (especially if you don’t have a daily run streak to maintain) may not be the best option. Sometimes, rest really is the best thing you can do for yourself.

Staying Positive Mentally

Perhaps the toughest bit about injury isn’t the physical pain, but the blow to motivation. It’s easy to worry that time off will erode your fitness, especially if you’ve been building up to an event. The good news? It takes around six weeks of total inactivity to lose your base fitness. As long as you can manage some activity—however limited—you’ll bounce back far quicker than you might fear.

Missing races or events is tough, but it’s part and parcel of the running journey. Keep upbeat, remember your goals, and don’t let injury stop you from your overarching mission.

My Mission: Running for a Cause

Above all, everything I do is in the name of raising funds and saving children’s lives by pursuing the ultimate ultramarathon run streak—barefoot, and around the world. The more people we reach, the more children we help. So if you value my mission, please consider subscribing, sharing, liking, or commenting. Every bit of engagement helps spread the word.

Stay positive, stay happy—and keep running, however you can.