My Game Plan for Recovery.

Let’s talk about what lies ahead for me in terms of running……..

But first, last night……..

I repeated my lunch and snack eats for dinner.  Real original.  Food blogger of the year.

We were rushing out the door last night because I got home late from buying a table for $40 (can’t wait to show you the finished product) and we were going to be gone from 6-9.  I think I was still high from my run that morning and I forgot about a minor thing called dinner (that doesn’t happen in Janae’s world).  I made Billy turn around and I ran inside to grab a lil’ (okay, not little, more like a family sized serving bowl) of something to eat in the car.

Leftover homeade Taboule with lettuce thrown in.  I am seriously addicted to that stuff.  Sorry for the blurry picture.  It smelt too good to wait to dig in to take another picture.  And that green thing….that is a shirt that was in my back seat and I used it as my napkin because I forgot to bring one out.  That is classy and now my shirt has an oil stain on it.

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We went over to some friends house to see their new baby, make banana bread and let the husbands talk about technology and playstations.

After that we headed over to Yogurtland to meet some friends.  Yes, that was twice in one day.

In my defense Billy set up the double date and I didn’t find out about it until I had already gone with my neice.

Wait a second, why am I defending my obsession?  For as much as you know I may go there 3 times a day and only post about it once every few days….muhahahah if you only knew, you just have a small glimpse into my crazytown life.  I minor victory in my world…for the first time my yogurt weighed less than B-diggity.  Usually mine is double his….baby steps.

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Why I decided to lay my head on Billy? Oh yeah, it was ten o’clock at night.  The party animal in Janae comes out during the summer……that is until I can do early morning long runs again:)

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I guarantee 80% of you runners reading this have come back from a major injury, whether it be a stress fracture, muscle tear, sprain etc.  Every person is different and every doctor says different things.  I am going to share with you what my doc is having ME do.

-One mile every other day SLOW.  If I wake up feeling good, then the next run I can do one mile run one mile, walk and one mile run (watch out Kara).   I will stay there until I go in again in 2 weeks to see how the legs are handling it.

-Run 3 times a week (or less if it is painful) and cross train like a maniac on the other days (1-2 complete rest days a week).

-Keep swimming so that I can do an Ironman someday.  Yes, I did just admit that I really want to do one now with all the swimming I have been doing.

-Listen and be ultra-sensitive to any pain or discomfort.  Soreness is normal but pain is NOT.   Taking a week or two off is a heck of a lot better than taking over THREE MONTHS off.

-Strengthen my quads, hamstrings, inner and outer thighs and glutes like crazy.   I guess those days of doing 5 minutes of weights before I get bored on my own are gone….time to buckle down.

-Eat lots of ice cream.  Seriously, he said that but mainly because I told him that I think it was one of the main healing components.

If you are injured right now please be PATIENT.  It sucks having to wait for the go ahead but you WILL heal a lot faster if you listen to your doctor and avoid the urge to lace your shoes up and hit the pavement.  Patience is a virtue (unless you are talking about candy or donuts).

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Thank you femurs, I will treat you good forever-ever.

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If you have been injured in the past, how did you ease back into running?

Do you ever forget to eat a meal?  Do you plan out your meals that day, in advance, right when you are about to eat it?

-NEVER…..I am always planning out my next meal as soon as I finish the previous one.  Billy (and a lot of boys that I know) will just go throughout the day and forget to eat until they get home.  I know…… I don’t understand it either.

What is your FAVORITE way to cross-train?

-Swimming and dare I say it….the elliptical.

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72 comments

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Lol I love that ice cream is part of your plan. And again, I'm so glad that you're able to run again! :)

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Hi! I just want to say I adore adore adore your blog! I stumbled upon it one day a couple of months ago and have been hooked since! I am so excited to see you can run again!! Seriously you are such a motivator- you run so fast! I can totally relate to your injury (though I think yours is definitely worse!!) I have run 2 marathons (Providence, RI to qualify for Boston and then the 2010 Boston)… BOTH times I went back to running to quickly and gave myself bursitis in the hip and couldn't run for 2 months each time. Literally so depressed I wouldn't even speak to my fiance (boyfriend at the time) because he was still running his 6-minute miles while I was gaining weight breathing air! Sorry for the rant… but I've learned that I can do half marathon after half marathon with NO PROBLEM… so I'm trying realllllllllllly hard to come up with a training plan to run a marathon again with no injury! Hopefully before our wedding in October. Again sorry for the rant but we just moved to NH out of MA/RI big city and sometimes it gets a little lonely here up north! PS we have no YOGURT places like you do…..however I am 99% certan they might be putting one in in the center of town and I may or may not run by it daily and peer in the window……

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The only times I forget to eat a meal is usually on weekends when I'm having tons of fun. During the week, sometimes planning an awesome meal is what gets me through a boring work day. I'm so pathetic. Lol.

I was injured last year and I eased back in pretty much how you are. Lots of strength training and easier runs. I stuck to the treadmill for a while because it was lower impact.

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swimming and biking are my favorite ways to cross train.

I have shattered my finger, torn my rotator cuff, and had an extra rib removed before. All three surgeries took me out of swimming for months at a time (I used to swim competitively)

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Huge planner here and plan almost all my meals! But when a craving hit be sure those plans don't always stick!
I love the ellipitcal right now! Used to think it was wimpy for some reason…

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You will totally do an Ironman one day, and it will be awesome!

Um, no. I never forget to eat. Like you, I think about my next meal before I even finish what I am eating. My hubby forgets to eat too, I just don't get it…

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That's an awesome game plan! I(knock on wood) have not been injured yet while running, besides tripping over my feet.

I never forget to eat, it is something I think about frequently, but my husband forgets to eat all of the time. How do boys do that? My stomach would be eating itself in minutes if I tried to do that.

My favorite way to cross-train is biking. There's just something about the wind in my hair that makes it awesome.

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Yay Janae! You have the green light to run :) That must be so exciting. I know that if you ever did an ironman, you'd kick some serious butt.

Easing back into exercise has never been hard, since I know how much my body can handle. If I feel pain or am dying from overexertion, I know I need to stop.

Seriously! How do boys just forget to eat??!! I swear it's because they're lazy. At least that's what my boyfriend is LOL

My favorite way to cross train is spinning. It always gets my heart pumping and leaves me drenched in sweat!

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I had a patellar subluxation, aka knee cap moved out of place, and I had to do similar things that you are doing. I did physical therapy and strengthening like you, and I even went swimming a few times even though I hate swimming. Maybe I can learn to like it like you though! I want to get in to tri's too.

My husband forgets to eat too unless the food is placed in front of him. I don't understand it either! I'm like you and start planning my next meal as soon as I finish the last.

Cross training favorite right now is Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, and the elliptical.

So excited for you to run again! Your enthusiasm about it is contagious! I was taking a running break, but you're making me want to run now!

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I think that sounds like a great plan! Good Luck!

After I was cleared to run from my stress fractures, I went out and ran a slow 3 miles. I ran every other day and tried to keep them slow and steady. And then I ran a half marathon four weeks later! Oops.

I'm still terrified of rebreaking the bones so I take a calcium supplement and eat greek yogurt almost every day.

Fav cross training. Biking. Does yoga count? It has helped me so much with recovery.

Forget meals? Never!

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Swimming and biking!!! YAY for you!

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Where did you get those sneakers in the last photo?? They look like something I've been looking for. :-)

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I found your blog a few weeks ago and love it! So motivational!

I've never, ever, EVER wanted to run before. Detested it. But for some reason, this last 3 months, that's all I want to do. So I'm starting slow and I think I can say….I really like it. I need to get out there more, but time is an issue these days.

Thanks for your great posts!

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Yay for you Janae!!

My PT cleared me to start running last week after my posterior tibial tendonitis.. he started me off with 3-4 minutes of running every other day for a week. Now we're at 8-10 minutes for a week, and hopefully tonight he clears me for me! Yay for recovery!!

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I've never had a serious injury and I really can't imagine having one. Your plan sounds awesome and like something I should bookmark in case one day I do have an injury!

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My favorite way to cross train would either be the elliptical or walking on the treadmill! I wish I had a pool in my backyard so I could tan and swim and work out all at the same time….one day! You will be back before you know it girl!

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I have torn both ACLs, and both during highly competitive times in my life – it sucks, but taking it slow on the recovery and sticking to my doc's/PTs plans were key for me to come back 110% – and heck, now I have two bionic knees to keep me running out there – or at least that's what my Dr. says :)

I try not to forgot meals, I would say I plan them more so than eat on the fly.

Congrats again on being able to run – even if it isn't 20 milers – nautilus/weights were my best friends when I was recovering – it will make recovery ten times easier!

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WOOO Congrats Janae!!! I'm so happy your femurs have healed! I think your recovery plan is great!
I had a major rotator cuff injury when I was a competitive swimmer… for 4 years of my career! Cortizone shots and convincing my coaches to let me kick a few sets were what I did, but 6 years later it still hurts sometimes!
I forget breakfast sometimes, and lunch if I'm busybusy during the day.. but usually I plan every meal.. because I look forward to when I get to eat again!
My favorite cross training is swimming, yoga, and spinning!

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Yay for you being healed! It must be sooo nice to be able to run again!! When I am done with my cancer treatments, I cannot wait to lace up my running shoes and also run an entire mile!

I never forget to eat a meal, haha. It's kinda sad, no matter how busy I am at work, I still make sure to chow down.

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I'm also working to come back from a running injury, and for me, I'm using a lot of walk breaks in my runs. I notice that it helps my knee and allows me to go a bit further every time. I'm also trying to incorporate more strength training, but I haven't done any swimming yet (no pool!).

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You are BACK! This is awesome! I'm so excited for you! You really have been such a good girl and it takes so much self control to not do too much. You are going to do great with your recovery because you have this awesome game plan! Since you have to run slow… it would be the perfect time to run with me!
I wish I could forget a meal now and then. It wouldn't hurt me but alas… I think about my next meal all day long.

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I'm glad to hear that you are being cautious with your come back. If there is anything in the world to make you want more then ever to achieve your goals, it is an injury. And hit those weights girl! Squats and lunges are your best friends, just ask Kara.

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The only times I forgot a meal are when I've been snacking all day and my stomach isn't begging for food. So I guess that isn't really skipping, but I live for my three squares, so it is to me.

My favorite cross training would be kickboxing. It works your body in a totally different way and makes me feel like a beast!

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I'm so happy you can run again! Did you know that today is National Running Day?

I ran cross country and track in college so I had my fair share of injuries, including stress fractures. My coach and trainer had me get back into running by starting out at running for 5 minutes and then adding a minute a day. Slow and steady. Also, I know with stress fractures that it's really important to run on soft surfaces (no treadmills!), so don't be afraid to run in your neighbors' yards.

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So happy for you :) When I came back from a tibial stress fracture, I would always push down on my shin bone to check for fractures. OK, I still do that over a year later because injury paranoia sticks around much longer than the actual injury.

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I'm so happy for you!! I'm trying out BodyPump and spinning this week at a new gym I joined. More cross-training is my goal this summer!

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Ppl like you get all the birans. I just get to say thanks for he answer.

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You have a great plan there, Janae!! I'm hoping to do an Ironman someday too… I Just need to work on running more than a half marathon first. I'm signing up for my FIRST fulll marathon today! Any tips?! Or a good training plan you liked?

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Glad to see you can get back on your feet. When you mentioned to be patient, you're so right! I've had knee surgery before and this was before I was into a fitness routine, but some years prior to that I had to get stiches in my right shin. I thought nothing of walking normally, oh boy was I wrong! I didn't realize "how" much we use our shins and "how" slow I had to walk. I couldn't walk fast if I tried. I really was shocked with this!! I worked in NYC at the time and used a cane, just so people would know I was the walking wounded. After that I said I'd never take my legs or the ability to walk for granted again!
Heal well and enjoy the ice cream!!

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I had a stress fracture in my hip last summer and took 12 weeks off from running. I couldn't even walk quickly, it was that painful. But now I know how to judge pain vs discomfort/soreness, and I know to listen to my body. I had to ease back in, similar to your plan, and although it took a while, I'm a stronger runner than I was before (thank you cross training and strength training!) Keep your head up! The worst is over :)

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Froyo twice in one day is so good for recovery. ;)

You are setting a great example on how to not shut down when in recovery and still care for yourself to allow it to happen. Clearly – you're awesome.

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Yep, I got PFS training for my first marathon. I continued to train but VERY lightly…really short and slow runs, and a lot of cross training. i still ran the race, but a lot slower than I hoped.

I never forget to eat. Sometimes I even plan the day before!

In terms of crosstraining, I also love the elliptical but my heart lies with spinning!

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Woo hoo I am so excited for you and love all of the tips that you shared. You are just amazing and I love you so much!

Could you please share the exercizes you are doing to strengthen those legs. My legs are weak sauce. And heck no I never miss a meal. Even if I'm not hungry if it is meal time I eat! :)

P.S. This is Rachelle!!!

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When I had the stress fracture in my pelvis, I had to take off almost 5 months….I made sure I was fully healed. I started doing the elliptical, which I hated. The best substitute was spinning, which I started doing a lot and then I started back running on the treadmill.

Then some full blown, outdoor running, it was heaven!

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eeeeeek. I feel like this week is the ultra holiday. i woke up today and was STILL so excited for you. I think it even motivated me on my run because it was the BEST run I have had in forever.

Can we train for an Ironman together? One day my dad told me he thought I would do one some day…he said it just seemed like my thing. I didn't believe him so I have never told anyone but maybe we could train together? haha!

I am probably NOT the best example of how to come back from an injury. I know I pushed myself way too much with the anxiety of the upcoming marathon, etc. That just resulted in more problems. I really think if you can take it slow and listen to your body you will be in much better shape. I can't wait to take a "real" break and hopefully feel whole again after it. Maybe I can learn to swim? haha!

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The thought of forgetting to eat a meal petrifies me! I'm working on curbing my obsession with planning out every single morsel of food that's going to enter my mouth all day the second that I've bounded out of bed…but I like to plan ahead because it gives me something to look forward to when I work out.

As far as cross training goes – I love lifting and surprisingly also the rowing machine

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do i ever forget to eat? NO WAY! haha. do i run out of time to eat? OFTEN. sometimes i go to bed hungry because it's too late for dinner and time slipped away from me. tis the life of a mother turning soccer mom.

i'm so glad for you janae and your one mile walk/runs. i haven't had a major injury from running but running is newish for me. i've only been running for about 3 years.

right now, i'm crazy about jillian michaels circuit training program from making the cut. i've been writing about it on my blog. i'm about 1/2 way through the program. the best "cross-training" for me.

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My boyfriend claims that he "forgets to eat" too, or he'll call a couple of Oreos and a handle of almonds his lunch. I don't get it…I am so crabby and hungry if I don't eat every four or five hours :)!

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I hardly EVER forget a meal, but if I ever do it is a tragedy and I eat everything in sight. Slash I am SO GLAD YOU ARE HAPPY!!! Baby steps my dear, baby steps.

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Ice cream is a definite must to recovery! Congrats on being well on your way to running that sub 3 hour marathon. WOO HOO!

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Oh man I need to jump on the cross-train band wagon for sure. Squats how I hate/love you so…

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baby steps baby steps. Such a good approach! I had the injury thing happend to me and I learned to swim too. haha. Now I like to cross train A LOT! walk/runs, cross training, ice cream, sounds PERFECT!

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I'm so happy for you that you are healing and on the road to recovery!! You are so smart to do what you are doing….I jumped in too quickly after my injury and ended up re-injuring myself…thus setting myself back even further into recovery.
WAY TO GO!!! :) Enjoy it!!

ps HAPPY NATIONAL RUNNING DAY!!!

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I have had shin splints, hammy injuries, MCL tears, and you know what helps beyond belief? Non-combative Kung-Fu and Krav-Maga. The stretches and kicks have strengthened my legs in so many ways.

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What a positive post! Thank you for sharing your steps to recovery: Your plan to get back to you! I have no doubt that an IM is in your future. You are so built for it, endless energy, and stamina galore!

This setback will only ignite your passion for running even more and now you know what your body can handle and how to keep is moving for a very long time! Oh, and ice cream, ice cream!!!

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I don't understand how people can "forget" to eat a meal either – I'm not one of those people!

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Janae… You are incredible girl! You are so motivating for so many of us! Way to go! I am so excited for you to start running again! 1 Mile is awesome! Wish I could do that! Keep up the hard work recovering! I am a big believer in recovering properly! In High School I tore my ACL playing soccer. It was tough not being able to play, but I looked at recovery as a way to come back better and stronger! I did, and it was amazing! Keep it up girl! Take it one day at a time! Strength training and cross-training are crucial! My favorites are Spinning or any sort of biking (a stroll on my beach cruiser counts right?)and hiking! You can do this! Love ya!!

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We. are. so. different from boys! In my mind is a constant buffet of what I could eat next. In my boyfriends mind… nothing that makes any sense to me. How oh how can they even go more then 4 hours without food let alone 12 or more?! Video games are not more exciting then froyo!

I hope your femurs feel good forever and ever and ever

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Janae, this post made me so happy. I have really appreciated the positivity that you've brought to your injury! I know at times it just really is painful to think about not running your little heart out, but look where it's gotten you!

Two times for frozen yogurt in a day?!?! You're my kinda gal!

Have a sweet day :)

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Your plan sounds right on. And go for two times a day – i had fro yo and icecream twice on friday, so i am there with you!

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your plan is sounding GREAT! So excited for you.

I wish I could say I have had fro yo twice in one day…. ;)

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I am so weirdly excited to read about you running again! Your plan sounds awesome!

I had bilateral tibia stress fractures, had to take several months off and call off a marathon. It was devastating, but I reintroduced myself to running and took days off unlike before.

..and if by forget a meal you mean forget you ate already and eat again, then yes-all the time.

Yoga and swimming are winning my heart right now.

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this is random! but has anyone ever told you that you KIND of resemble Rachael Ray?!!! :D I think that every time i see your pictures

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I don't get how people can just forget to eat either! Not me, I love food way too much :-D

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Sounds like a great plan!! :)

After I finish my bkfst I think about what's 4 lunch…dinner…dessert!! :)

"Have a fantastic Wednesday!!"

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happy national running day!!!! :) so glad you're back at it! and i agree – patience is key! listen to your body, eat lots of Yogurtland, and soon you'll be as good as new :)

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So glad you are running!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That could have been the best news I've heard all day. My doctor has me doing the same strength training for my legs as yours is having you do on yours. (Wow. Did that even make any sense?) Needless to say, in the last week I literally woke up in the night because I was laying on my back and my butt was KILLING ME.

It's the good kind of pain :).

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Loved reading this!!! i'm also coming back from an injury. I'm halfway through my physical therapy and finally got the green light to try out 1-2 miles this week. I haven't run in 3 weeks and am nervous but will definitely do it slow and see how it goes. Def planning on using my best frienemy—ICE!! Just trying to strengthen my hips, glutes, hammies, quads, and arches of my feet to get this plantar fasciitis outa the way! lots of stretchign too. Keep us updated on your recovery!! I'll do the same :)

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I forgot to eat breakfast the other morning and I almost didn't recognize myself. That NEVER happens!

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I have exactly that same idea about food! I am always thinking about my next meal!!! My boyfriend however sounds a lot like Billy-I think he could easily just stop eating and not even think about it!
~Jenn

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i've been following your blog for a while now and i wanted to stop by to say good luck on your return to running! i had some serious shin issues earlier this year that forced me to take a few weeks off then start back up slowly and i'm just getting back into a good groove. lots of cross training the last few months has been key for me. but i wish i would have known about the ice cream, i would have eaten a lot more!

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I NEVER forget to eat a meal, I have had times where I don't get to eat my meal until a few hours later than I normally would, but that's not because I forgot rather because I was crazy busy!

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That sounds like a great plan beautiful, so proud of and excited for you! I could NEVER forget to eat! I cannot understand that at all, don't people get hungry?!

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Thank you for this post! I needed it after my own blog post about being depressed about not being able to run on National Running Day :(
I would love to do an IronWoman too, but I'm sure I never will! Where do you find time in the day, girl? :)

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I've had ongoing issues with stress fractures in my footsies :( annoying, but i'm learning to accept it as my body's way of saying STOP! CHILL! RELAX!

I NEVER forget meals. Food is always on my mind :D

Fave crosstraining = spin classes + elliptical. Though i'm currenly doing them MUCH more than I run!

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Never seen a beettr post! ICOCBW

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Tibia has never been considered the finest MMO in the world, and it gives you its flaws and frustrations. Fourteen years is surely an extremely long time in video gaming, and it’s fair to say that Tibia hasn’t moved using the times. Is that the bad thing? Definitely not. The community features remained loyal as well as appreciate what Shin has achieved through its tenure. The simple fact the servers remain running is an authentic testament to it is popularity and addictiveness. It is a simple, easy to grasp MMO which has a formula that has become tried and tested through the years. It’s not for all, but those seeking slice of basic role-playing gaming then Tibia could just be what you would like.

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Hey Janae,

I just got diagnosed with my second femoral stress fracture in the space of 9 months, and it’s safe to say I’m a little bit sad and disheartened.
Just reading over your posts about your injuries, and how positive and strong you’ve been, makes me feel ten times better :)
you’re my inspiration right now to get me through this!

So hopefully, the next couple of months will be filled with lots of cross training, healing, eating a TON of calcium (it’s gotta be a good thing right?!), and just really learning about how i can prevent this in the future.
planning on seeing an amazing sports doc and dietician to address any underlying issues that might need sorting out.

thanks so much for your (well, indirect i guess!) support and inspiration,
because if reading your blog i’m more determined than ever to recover and get back to my passion :)

Kloe xxx

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