Learning to Pivot: Run Update

Pivot! If you’ve ever seen the Friends episode where Ross, Chandler, and Rachel attempt to move a couch up a narrow stairwell, you know the scene—the couch is stuck, Ross is yelling “Pivot! Pivot! Pivot!”—and there is chaos. Lately, that’s exactly how my running journey has felt.

After crushing a personal record in my fall half marathon, I planned to focus on marathon training. But my body had other plans. What started as minor foot soreness led to months of rest, medical opinions, and ultimately a diagnosis of tenosynovitis and a plantar plate tear. I’ve spent more time in a boot than in running shoes lately, and it’s been a season of unexpected detours.

But here’s the thing—I’m learning to pivot. My mind and will are strong, even when my body isn’t quite there yet. I’ve recently been cleared to begin a run/walk program, and my goal for this year is simple: to be able to run again. It may not be the timeline I originally planned, but progress is still progress.

This journey has also helped me to appreciate to other forms of movement—biking, weightlifting, the elliptical, evening walks with my family. And while running will always be my favorite, I’ve learned to kind of enjoy these other forms of exercise.

Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” My steps may look different than I imagined, but I trust that God is leading me exactly where I need to be.

If you’re in a season where life isn’t going according to plan, maybe it’s time to pivot. Adjust, adapt, and trust that even the reroutes can lead to something good.