Search
shop

‘Overthinking is not going to help’ – Marten van Riel taking recovery step by step

The Belgian's mental resilience has been tested but Marten van Riel is trying to stay positive as he comes back from injury
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

Marten van Riel say he is striving to maintain a positive outlook as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.

The Belgian star’s 2022 season came to an abrupt end last June when he took a heavy fall at WTCS Leeds.

The incident not only left him with a dislocated shoulder, but, more concerningly, a bone oedema in the talus (ankle bone).

Van Riel, who claimed an eye-catching IRONMAN 70.3 Dubai victory at the start of last year, has endured a frustrating rehabilitation process so far.

Marten Van Riel Alex Yee Super League Triathlon Malibu 2021
Alex Yee beats Marten Van Riel (left) in an epic finish at Super League Triathlon Malibu in 2021.
Advertisement

Positive outlook

But amid the mental challenge of such a lengthy return to fitness, the 30-year-old is doing his best to focus on the small gains he is making each week.

“Trying to focus on what lies ahead,” he wrote on Instagram. “I have had a lot of doubts lately, unsure if I will ever be able to get back to where I was 12 months ago.

“Pondering about being sidelined for this long literally makes me sick to my stomach.”

“So overthinking is not going to help. I have been making some little steps forward these last weeks!

“The only thing in my control is to give it my best every day and keep moving forward.”

Olly Green
Written by
Olly Green
Olly is is been the content lead for RUN247, is a regular contributor to TRI247 and keeps an eye out for content that appeals to both audiences including interviews with pro Heather Jackson.
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...