Phantom bookings, dodgy knees & cosmic curveballs - "Burnt Toast"
- John Withinshaw
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
We recently escaped to Annecy—a dreamy mix of alpine air, mirror-flat lakes, and just enough pastries to question your life choices.
Naturally, we’d booked a charming little apartment through Booking.com. Except... it didn’t exist. Not “double-booked.” Not “the key’s under the mat.” I mean phantom listing. Gone. Like your fitness tracker’s GPS signal mid-race, or a runners promise to just do a "slow 5k".
Cue the moment of calm panic (you know the one), followed by frantic Googling and the kind of relationship test only travel disasters can provide.
Thankfully, we found another spot nearby for the same price (off-season: nature’s refund policy). And weirdly? It turned out even better. More croissants. Fewer stairs. A small win, carved from the burnt-toast chaos. That little mishap rerouted us to an even better spot and gave us a story we’ll probably tell forever.
And here’s the kicker—running injuries? They’re exactly like that.
You’ve trained. You’ve planned. You’re in your groove. Then, out of nowhere, your knee throws a tantrum. Or your Achilles decides it’s had enough of your “just one more ultra” logic.
Frustrating? Yes. Game over? Absolutely not.
Because sometimes, that injury is the universe’s way of slapping your hand off the hot hob. It’s not sabotage—it’s a forced upgrade. A chance to learn the stuff we runners often ignore:
Recovery isn’t weakness—it’s where progress lives.
Pain is a message, not a punishment.
Mobility work isn’t optional. (Yes, you, tight-hipped warrior.)
So if you’re side-lined right now, or nursing a niggle that just won’t clear—don’t write it off as failure. It might just be your own Burnt Toast Moment. Something that reroutes you to smarter training, better resilience, and a comeback that actually sticks.
The toast might be burnt, but it might also be saving your bacon.
Stay strong, stay flexible (in both hamstrings and mindset), and if you’re working through an injury, we’re here to help you bounce back stronger—no phantom programs, promise.
Recover Smarter – Chat with one of our Coaches, ask about our Injury Recovery Plans or if you're looking to restart your training after injury.
Keep running (or limping with intent),
John Withinshaw Running Coach
JDW Fitness
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