“When people ask me how I started running, I always think if I should tell them, afraid of what they would think of me. I still am. But I want to tell my story. I want to inspire others.
I was never a runner or active when I was younger. Then 6yrs ago, I was involved in a major car accident which almost killed me. I was T-boned by an oncoming car August 2014. Thank goodness no one else got hurt. It would suck to have anyone go through what I went through.
I suffered broken pelvic bones which lacerated my left kidney’s artery (I almost died from the internal bleeding), my left lung was punctured from broken ribs, a broken nose, and lost my front teeth due to a huge amount of broken glass in my mouth. Everyone told me I was lucky that I was asleep, if I’d have tensed up during the crash, it may have been worse.
I was bedridden for 6wks and had 3 surgeries. My recovery journey started when I left hospital from the wheelchair, to crutches, until 3mths later I was able to walk on my own again. It was still frustrating. I would take 10 steps and be puffed.
When I did return to New Plymouth I had to walk everywhere since I didn’t own a car. My hips started to click and I felt like I was losing control of my left leg. It felt like it was giving way and I’d lose sensation. I got scared so I went to physio and they gave me a few exercises to strengthen my hip. I wasn’t very consistent with them so I decided to sign up to a gym. I did the classes and the exercises there but I still felt my hip clicking. Still frustrated, I signed up for the Auckland Half Marathon! I wanted to challenge myself. I wanted to see if my body or my lungs still work under the stressful condition of running a half marathon. It was like a test for my body.
I started training; it became my safe place. I had a goal to work towards and running made me feel strong. And through running I’ve met so many people and made many good friends. It’s amazing how we can connect with the community through running, being able to share our experiences and talk about running, but also connect on a personal level! I’ve never found something I truly enjoy until now. I’m so grateful for this, that I am able to run.“
Charlene @charlenefoong
(Taranaki)
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Portraits of Runners + their stories
@RunnersNZ
