On Saturday, I was a runner. A mother. A teacher. A person whose identity was built on movement — half marathons, daily runs, GAA matches, school sports days, bike rides, endless errands, laughter, and action. Sport was how I connected with my kids. How I reached my students. How I processed stress. It wasn’t just something I did — it was who
We talk a lot about women in sport—performance, dedication, funding, equality, and visibility. But we rarely talk about what happens when it all stops—suddenly, without warning. Today I want to start sharing my Achilles rupture recovery journey with you. Just days ago, I was a busy, active mum of two, juggling a full-time career, sports, and community life, fitting workouts
My leg is officially a stick,calf and thigh-where has the muscle gone? Day 27 started with a classic “how-do-I-do-basic-life-stuff” moment. I saw an empty toilet roll holder in the shower. Normally: bend, grab, done. Now: strategy meeting. Do I crawl? Balance on the crutch? Roll back in the wheelchair? I.....
Day 29 – Infection & Tiny Victories Infection has officially set in—apparently my leg decided to throw its own little party. But we’re not letting that ruin the fun! I’ve been pretty hard on myself lately, so today I tried a bit of kindness. I managed to haul myself upstairs,.....
The morning started with a dose of reality — the infection isn’t improving. At all. It’s actually looking worse. So, off I went (again) to A&E. It was one of those long hospital waits, but honestly, what else am I doing these days? No big plans, no pressing appointments —.....
I never wanted to run a full marathon—I only did the half—but today feels like life telling me I should have. Today officially marks the start of my marathon training… in a different way. The day began with the Titanium theme song and an early coaching call that set me.....
Good Lord — I think I can actually see a little bit of my ankle. Just the faintest circular piece, no bigger than half the size of my baby finger, but still… it’s there. A glimpse of progress. At 7.50am, I headed out for the first walk of the day......
Five weeks post-op, and here we are. Theme songs are still a big deal — today it’s The Script’s “Hall of Fame” with a bit of Jess Glynne’s “Don’t Give Up” thrown in. Honestly, it’s like my recovery has its own soundtrack. Mornings are slower now. Instead of the old.....
3 a.m. Alarm? Nope, just my leg waking me for its night shift. Off came the boot, quick massage, a bit of hobbling, swelling slightly better.5 a.m. Back at it. My legs must think they’ve joined a 24-hour service. 6:30 a.m. Physio session one. Two exercises, one mission: survive. Even.....
The infection has knocked me back a good few steps. This morning it took me about three hours to actually get out of bed. Me—three hours. I don’t do “staying in bed.” Normally I’m up and out, but today I lay there, playing theme songs just to coax myself into.....
Morning WinsThe day started on a high note. Physio done first thing — tick. Coaching call that set my head straight — tick. A short walk in early, water goals smashed (8.5 glasses by 3:30 pm, and yes, I nearly high-fived the fridge), and even protein made it into the.....
Day 40 felt like a real milestone. Yesterday I was buzzing with excitement, but today pulled me right back down with another hospital trip. It all started with physio — appointment at 11:45, me walking in at 12:40. What should have been a 25-minute drive turned into an hour and.....
Somewhere between Day 1 and Day 40, I had a revelation: writing every single day about aches, wins, and small victories is… exhausting. Who knew my own life could feel like a full-time job in blog format? Daily blogging has been amazing — it’s kept me grounded, helped me celebrate.....
The Storm and the Calm Week 6 reminded me — yet again — that life is messy, unpredictable, and oddly beautiful in between. Some days it feels like everything conspires to test your patience. Other days, the tiniest wins make your heart do a little happy dance. Tiny Wins, Big.....
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