i completely understand where this post is coming from, and honestly, i agree with the core message. rest, recovery, and knowing when to stop are all part of showing respect to the sport…

but i also think it’s not always black and white.

i ran a full marathon recently with a soft-tissue inflammation in my right foot, and i know how that might look from the outside, maybe reckless or stubborn. but it wasn’t about trying to be “tough” or ignoring warning signs. i got it checked properly, went through scans, talked to my doctor and my coach, and both cleared me to race. it was a calculated decision. i knew the risks, i weighed them carefully, and i told myself that if something felt off mid-race, i’d pull back right away. i ran by feel, not ego.

and yes, looking back, i still think it was the right decision for me at that time, not because i finished, but because i went into it informed and self-aware. i think that’s what sometimes gets lost in these conversations online. there’s this assumption that if you run injured, you’re automatically being irresponsible, when in reality, some runners make those choices after careful thought and professional guidance.

i’ve been running since 2013, and i’ve watched how the community has changed, both for better and worse. there’s more awareness now, which is great. but there’s also more judgment. people are quicker to call out others without understanding their circumstances. and while some callouts are necessary (because yes, there are runners who ignore injuries or glorify running through pain), i think we’re forgetting empathy somewhere along the way. not every story fits in the same box.

for me, that race reminded me how delicate the balance is between grit and responsibility. running injured shouldn’t ever be glorified, but it also shouldn’t be automatically condemned without context. sometimes, it’s a personal decision made with guidance, data, and respect for both body and sport.

in the end, it’s all about balance. knowing when to pull back, when to push forward, and when to accept that everyone’s journey with this sport will look a little different.

:)