It’s March, which seems like an odd time to talk about annual goals—unless you’re stuck on the couch with an injury and have nothing better to do.

My main goal this year was simple: stay fit and keep running for enjoyment and stress relief. That, along with:

• 24+ hours at Herdy’s Frontyard Ultra in March (after running 21 hours last year)
• A sub-3:20 marathon PB later in the year (Bibra Lake was the original goal)
• A sub-20 5K (no fixed goal date)

Things started well. While spending Christmas in Europe, balancing relaxed running with plenty of food, my calves felt tight the whole time, but I figured it was just the cold and ignored it. Back in Perth’s summer heat, the tightness stuck around, but I kept training. Then, early in February mid-tempo session, my calf finally protested. I hobbled home, convinced a bit of rest and some calf raises would sort it out. It didn’t.

Cue physio, pool running, and a slow return to running. Just as things were looking up, I stubbed my toe on an empty shoebox—somehow managing to fracture it. So now I find myself on forced rest, rethinking my approach to training (and maybe storage solutions).

It’s frustrating, and I’m clinging to the tiny, delusional hope that I’ll still make Herdy’s start line in three weeks. But in the grand scheme of things, it’s a minor setback. Once the pain and swelling ease, I’ll be back doing what I love. In the meantime, I’d just like to walk to the pool without looking like I’ve aged 40 years overnight.