Julia Provenzano

After a solid freshman year in cross country I looked forward to my second year. Unfortunately, as a sophomore I developed stress fractures in my feet. After five months of cross training and strengthening I was cleared to run again. I was so happy to be back but almost immediately started having pain in my shin. When a doctor told me I had a stress fracture in my tibia I was angry and frustrated. Could I get through this?
 
I decided I would do what I had to do to get back to running. After months of physical therapy and a year of slowly building up mileage I was finally able to compete again in my fourth year.
 
This experience has changed how I view myself and what I can do. I had a strong support system of athletic trainers, coaches, and teammates, but it was up to me to work hard and be patient. There were many setbacks and times the end goal seemed out of reach but I discovered that if I just focused on the next step in the process I could get there.
 
I could be bitter about the time I’ve lost, but I’ve decided to focus on being grateful that I’m healthy and that this hasn’t defeated me. I’m a stronger, more patient person because of what I have been through.