I injured my spine (at work) in 2022, but didn’t realise I had injured my spine. I thought it was a hamstring injury. I gradually dialled back the running to try and allow the “hamstring” to heal. I continued working. I stopped running in March '23. I discovered the extent of the injury in July when I got an MRI (just over a year after the injury). I was told I’d never run again.

I had surgery at the end of November last year. I was cleared to return to work a couple of weeks ago. I was made officially redundant last week (unofficially it was retaliation from my employer for daring to refuse his offer of a private payout and opt for WorkCover instead).

I ran a 32:43 at ParkRun this morning. I’m pretty happy. Unemployed, but happy.