Welcome to Wednesday Word, a weekly linkup for everyone, not just health and fitness bloggers. Each Wednesday you will have a single word prompt to write about. Let your imagination run free and share with your readers your interpretation of that word, or simply use it as inspiration for your post. Today’s word is perspective….. I’d love to have you link up, and if you do, please remember to follow my six simple rules.
Perspective – the capacity to view things in their true relations
or relative importance
<trying to maintain my perspective>
~ Merriam-Webster
Keeping it all in perspective – easier said than done…
As runners, we want to run. And when an injury rears its ugly head, we ask our doctor one of two questions, “Can I run through the injury?” or “When can I run again?”
Let’s face it, runners like to be active, and we don’t like to sit around. We equate a week or two of sleeping in and missing our early morning runs to punishment.
Several years ago I had a calf injury and needed to take a few weeks off from running. When I asked the doctor when I’d be able to run again, noting that I was coaching and needed to run with my running group, he very sarcastically said, “I’m sure there are many athletes paid far more than you, who are sidelined and deal with it.”
Alrighty then! Obviously he just didn’t get it – at least not from my perspective.
Years earlier, Bill had seen the same doctor (he’s part of a well-respected orthopedic surgery group and I had forgotten that Bill had seen him). At thirty years of age, Bill twisted his ankle pretty badly in a basketball game, and the doctor told him that he was too old to be playing basketball or running. Bill’s ankle healed and he continued to play basketball; and later ran sixteen marathons. Take that, Dr. W!
From the doctor’s perspective, we were nothing more than weekend warriors wasting our time. From our perspective, we were athletes continuing to do what we loved.
Mine is but a simple example of perspective; and not one where different points of view were a big deal in the grand scheme of things. Age sprinkled with a little bit if wisdom has taught me to look at a situation from all angles, and not be so quick to judge…
When has your perspective been different than others?
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Next Wednesday’s Word: Complacent
Well doesn’t he sound like a gem! Love this example of perspective – it can truly change everything!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…September Blog Stats and Income Report
Yeah, I have a feeling he’s retired by now. He was definitely old-school in his thinking.
What a sad perspective your doctor has! It is very disheartening to hear such words be said to you from someone who is suppose to promote healthy living which often includes fitness! I’m glad you were able to get back into it as well as your husband! Sometimes holding on to our passion helps keep our perspective strong when faced with other challenging or negative perspectives! Great blog post and such an interesting link-up theme/idea!
Caroline S. recently posted…My Fitness Journey – Still Here, Going Strong!
“Sometimes holding on to our passion helps keep our perspective strong when faced with other challenging or negative perspectives.” Exactly!
I’d love to have you join us for Wednesday Word sometime soon!
[…] I could not help but smile when I hopped over to DebRuns for the Wednesday Word. As runners, we have chosen a the lifelong sport of slow increments. Change, in our universe, […]
Judgment is the true enemy of perspective! And my podiatrist hates running, too. He’s like, “Why don’t you just go to spin class?” Sigh. Maybe it’s time for a new podiatrist . . .
anne recently posted…MCM Minus Two: All in my Head
Agreed! Once I told Bill what the doctor had said, and he reminded me that he’d seen the same doctor about 15 years earlier, I couldn’t believe I’d mistakenly seen the same guy. I guess that’s why he had appointments available and the other doctors in the practice couldn’t get me in for weeks…
I’m faced with different perspectives all the time – at work, with my kids – my challenge is to be respectful of other perspectives when I think I’m right. That doctor needs to see your perspective!
Coco recently posted…Appreciating Different Perspectives
Yes, when you are positive you’re right, it’s hard to look at a situation from all angles and not be so quick to judge.
Wow, that’s frustrating! I know I run into this at work. Some of my co-workers and our site management are very aware of how seriously I take my training and how much time I put in. Whereas others must think – “oh, how cute, Kelli’s doing a triathlon.” but don’t realize the work I put into it and how mandatory business dinners after work cut into my schedule for 2 a day workouts and sleep!
Kelli recently posted…2016 Goals and Race Schedule
When the average person can’t/won’t find time to work out once a day, you’ll never get them to understand the need for two-a-days.
Your Dr clearly does not get it and to think he thinks were crazy. We were just talking about this in gym some one had an injury an went to a Dr and some one else asked if he supported your running. I thought that odd we are active why wouldn’t he, but I learned quickly that wasn’t the case. Thanks for the link up Debbie. Hope you have a great day!
Tricia@MissSippipiddlin recently posted…From my Perspective on the Running Community
I now carefully select my doctors based on whether or not they will support my running. I want them to have the attitude of getting me back on the running trail as quickly as possible, and I want to be able to respect their opinion when they say I shouldn’t run.
You, too, have a great day!
[…] up today with Deb for Wednesday Word. Be sure to check what others are saying about […]
I saw an orthopedic surgeon back in the day when I had knee pain–it was ITB syndrome. He told me that anything over 20 miles a week was “too much running”. Of course he was overweight–that was the last time I went back to him.
And yes, I’ve heard the “too old” comments as well…
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Falling for…food and family #hemphearts #sweatpink
I see my new doctor at races all the time. He understands me!
Man, if that isn’t the truth! I’m resting & recovering from my race, and getting over some tendinitis at the same time. I’m already having those thoughts of “OMG I”m not going to be able to run even a little! I’ll have to start from scratch! Will I even want to run again? I just want to run!!!!”
But really, this is 2 weeks out of my life. Hopefully, a long life filled with lots of running. Thanks for the perspective post today. :o)
Alison recently posted…Training for Tuesdays: What’s Next?
Look at two weeks more as an opportunity for your body to rest, recover, and heal, than as a setback. I think it’s good to give it some rest after a tough training cycle, and before getting back into maintenance mode while waiting for the next training cycle to begin.
I broke my ankle badly and had surgery. It took 5 months to heal. My ortho said that I may not run again but if I did, definitely no more long races. Since then I’ve run 10 halfs. Take that DR!
Darlene recently posted…Wednesday Word: Perspective
Good for you! It’s fun proving you’re stronger than someone gives you credit for.
Unfortunately, I have encountered this perspective from doctors before – so frustrating!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Recovery Week 3 – Gaining Perspective
It drives me nuts! I now see a chiropractor if something pops up. He focuses more on rehab like a physical therapist, but doesn’t need a referral to be seen. My running group calls him the Miracle Worker because he can fix almost any ailment! 🙂
I hate when my doctor tries to give me reasons why I shouldn’t run anymore…my family doctor blames everything my running lol drives me a little crazy.
Age has taught me not to jump to conclusions so fast 🙂 The good part of getting older.
Karen recently posted…I Need a Vacation
Ugh! That would drive me nuts! I guess it’s just easier to blame everything on running…
Lovely points, lovey! <3
Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete recently posted…What happens when you see the World through experienced eyes.
Thanks!
I’ve always kind of marched to the beat of my own drummer. Heck, if I just listened to the old “you’ll ruin your knees” chestnut, I’d never run another step.
I take my animals to a holistic vet (I’d go to one myself if I ever found one).
A few years back when my husband and I were living mostly apart due to his job, I at first really dreaded it. But I realized I couldn’t wish my live away (the time we were apart), so I changed my perspective.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy recently posted…Perspective is point of view, not written in stone
Good for you! I believe in making the most out of every situation, and it sounds like that’s what you were able to do.
I think I’ve seen the same condescending doc. With this foot injury, I went to a different doc. One who runs a little. He actually said “If it’s THAT important to you, then ago ahead and run Chicago”. Which he followed up with “I’ll fix the additional damage when you get back..” Of course I didn’t because it would be stupid. But how refreshing to hear this!
HoHo Runs recently posted…Perspective by the Foot
I guess it would be a little scary to hear, “I’ll fix the additional damage when you get back.” I draw the line with certain injuries, and think you were smart not to run the marathon.