Dafne Valle | Run Coach for runDisney Races

A year ago, I couldn’t run.

After so many years of running, I had started to take it for granted. I thought I was doing everything right, but I knew that could never guarantee I wouldn’t get injured.

I was marathon ready. And then, suddenly, I was at zero.

It affected much more than my running. My sleep, hunger, focus, even everyday things became harder. I spent nights wondering if that was it. If I would ever run normally again.

I blamed myself. I asked, “Why me?”

But one thing I never did was give up.

I kept looking until I found the people who could help me. I worked with amazing PTs, an incredible running coach, tried acupuncture for the first time, and learned to have a lot more patience than I naturally have. I did the exercises. I did the strength work. I kept showing up.

I’m incredibly grateful for @ridgeathleticsaz , @dr.lisa.dpt and @lauranorrisrunning who each helped me through different parts of this journey.

My last runDisney season looked very different from what I had planned.

At Halloween Weekend, I was barely cleared to walk a 5K. I almost didn’t start the half, but I walked what I could. And I was so happy I did.

That’s when I realized: even if I could never run like I used to, I would walk.

At Wine & Dine, I walked the half. At Marathon Weekend, I ran/walked the 10K and half. Three weeks later at Disneyland, I was running 2 minutes and walking 1.

I was getting better.

There were still so many doubts and fears, but every time I pushed through one, I felt a little stronger.

And I don’t think I’ll ever take running for granted again.

I still love the grind. The miles. The sweat. The hard workouts. The joy. The feeling of accomplishment.

What changed is that now, every run feels like something I get to do.

Being able to run is a blessing.

This experience made me a better runner, but also a better coach. I’m more empathetic. I understand a little better what it feels like to be scared of losing something you love and to have a goal that suddenly feels impossibly far away.

A year ago, I had to defer the NYC Marathon.

Now, I can’t wait to go back and tackle it.

I will never take a mile for granted again. ❤️

#boldlyrun #rundisney