Taking the Pressure out of Running

Two things about the gym this morning:

1.  I thought a clip would hold my hair nicely during my workout because I finally washed my hair yesterday and didn’t want to get a rubber band marking in my hair.  It worked for 23 seconds before I put it into a ponytail.

2.  I made a new friend.  I am weird and get really excited about that but whatever, she seems awesome and has the same workout schedule as me.

Photo 1

Lets talk about today’s topic:  I have had some people wonder why I have just been ellipcalizing and biking and NOT running very much the last little while!?!?!

Well, I finally realized that my body has been through A LOT this past year. Two femoral stress fractures, shin splints and a bunch of other aches and pains.

I have felt a lot of pressure from myself to run before I am ready and I am finally putting my foot down and saying no.  If I run New York great, if not there is always next year:)

I will have plenty of YEARS to run and I need to determine when to start running when my body is ready, not just when my mind is ready.

I can’t start running full blast again just because of a race (that I spent our months rent on) is coming up.  I can’t pull off crazy runs again just because I write a running blog and feel the pressure to be running and join in on all the running blog happiness.  Just because I love running doesn’t mean I can always do it.

Maybe it will be in a week or maybe a month or maybe December….who knows?  All I know is that this week and most of last week I didn’t think that running was a great idea and that cross-training was a fabulous idea.

I feel like a load has been taken off of my shoulders once I realize that there is no reason I HAVE to jump into high mileage or run at all for that matter until I feel 100%   All I know is that when I do start running again like the old days I don’t want to continue to be set-back by more injuries and that is why I am waiting until I know for a fact I am all set to go!

I am starting to realize that you can still be part of the sport whether or not you are actually running.  I feel blessed to have the best cross country team ever that I can put all of my extra energy into and a husband that I can cheer on in his running goals.  Soon enough I will be back to my old crazy self.   For now I need to make sure that my body gets to a place that it is STRONG and come back slowly to avoid the risk of getting injured again:)

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From an article on Runnersworld.com

“I know at least one successful coach who believes thatinjuries improve running performance.  (His thinking: injuries interrupt our progress before we reach our max, this is frustrating, so we come back and try even harder- and smarter-the next time. And the next.)”

I like looking at it that way:)

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What was your workout?

What things make you feel PRESSURE to run?

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78 comments

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I used to feel a lot of different pressures associated with running. My team, health, personal goals. Pressure can be very positive, but sometimes I let it be negative, and while I was coming back from injury(injuries…many, many different injuries in my running life), I felt it the most. I think you are so, so smart to cross train and ease your way in for awhile. It is a lesson I haven’t really learned yet, but paid for. Keep it up, Janae! You will go far :)

My workout today was a recovery run, 9 miles, felt great because I have finally pulled out of the injury cycle I was in for the last 2 years. That’s why you’re so smart!

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I don’t think we should ever feel pressure to run. That’s like being pressured to eat ice cream or pet a fluffy puppy. We should only do things we love when we want to do them and when we feel good about doing them, not a moment before. I’m glad you’ve realized this and you are taking care of yourself.

I would say I feel MOTIVATED to run for several reasons – 1. my husband reminds me that I said I wanted to do it, so we should go even tho I’m whining and tired now and being lazy :) 2. did my butt really get that big or is it the pants? It has to be the pants! 3. I have a goal to run my first half marathon in 9 weeks and I know I can do it, so I will. If my body says slow down, I’ll slow down, but until then I will follow my training schedule and have fun along the way :)

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What you are doing is very smart and mature. I know a lot of people, older men and women, who can no longer run because they pushed themselves too hard when they were younger. You gotta look at the big picture and long-term…just imagine yourself running for the rest of your life! Treat your body well, and you will :-)

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You’re awesome. I love this post. I think I’m the only one that pressures me to run. Sometimes I just need to cool it.

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I love that quote! I remember reading it in Runner’s World and loving how positive it was.
I put pressure on myself because I really want to do well at my first marathon (1 month away!!!). I know my family will be proud of me no matter what, but I still want to have a great time which really doesn’t matter. It’s completing the task not what place I get. I need to keep remembering that! :-)

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I think you have a great attitude about all this! One of the books I’m reading right now (Bryon Powell’s Relentless Forward Progress) talks about being wary of the FOMO (fear of missing out) and how you need to listen to your body and your head when you consider racing or running. You seem to be approaching this really intelligently and I have no doubt you will come out okay on the other side. And in the mean time you can become a super awesome, century riding, biker!!!! One more thing to add to your already outstanding fitness resume!

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My training schedule for my half makes me feel like I HAVE to run certain days. But since I am still relatively low in the mileage department, I am realizing that it’s actually better to remove the pressure and run when I feel like it. My runs always go better, and then I end up looking forward to the next, not dreading it. I am hoping that running three or four times a week when I feel like it, even if it’s less than 2 miles, will help me fall back in love with running so that when the higher milage comes along, I will be excited for it.

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I think you have a great attitude about this! You will come back stronger than ever!

I’m going to be running a few miles with Marshall Ulrich at an event this evening and I’m super excited!! So that will be my workout for the day.

I do feel pressure to run because I’ve signed up for so many races. I’ve just decided to run most of them for fun instead of running for a PR and that’s taken some of the pressure off!

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That is a great way to look at it. You are such a positive person! This is why I read your blog everyday. I’m very hard on myself considering it’s so easy for me to gain weight. I need to learn that one day of not working out or running is not going to make me gain 10 pounds :)

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I run because I like to eat. And drink. I race because I like race shirts. And I like medals. Even if I don’t really deserve one. I run to maintain my weight and my fitness and my sanity.
The pressure I put on myself to run is directly related to how many brownies I have eaten or where we are going for dinner.
But really I just like the way it makes me feel. I am having MAJOR DOMS right now from that STUPID calf machine. So I am walking my miles instead of running them. When the calves feel better (maybe tomorrow) I will run again.
The key is that you (and anyone) are listening to their body AND their mood. I tend to over train and feel the effects mentally more than physically.
Nicole

The Kidless Kronicles
Wag More, Bark….

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love why you run/race and the pressure is determined by brownies! :)

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are you in my head?! i swear this is exactly what i was gonna reply with…thanks for doing it for me :)

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Most runners don’t know how to be this kind of smart. I know I’m usually not. Running is about doing something healthy for your body and being happy. We all overdo it at times and sustain injury… But then we feel like we have to come back fast or run through it… Like we can’t be happy if we’re not running, but then we get into a cycle or beating our body up and we wonder why it’s such a struggle and why it’s not fun anymore.
Good on you for doing it right. :)

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You are doing the right thing. Once you get trapped in an injury cycle, its hard to break out of it. It took me YEARS to figure that out. I really had to step back, run just for fun for a while, do plenty of other athletic activities, and give my body a chance to really harden up before I got back into serious running training. And when I did that, I’ve had the best results of my life, by far. Listening to your body is easier said than done, but if you are really smart about it, you’ll be back to full steam ahead (and consistently) before you know it!

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So freeing to be able to do these things FOR FUN!! and not because it’s what were SUPPOSED to be doing! Kudos to you for figuring that out. Now to keep silencing that voice that drives you to overtrain!

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Smart cookie, You!

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You are wise beyond your years, and have a great attitude.

I am trying to get that attitude after coming back from an injury, but am increasingly frustrated that I am not at the pace/distance that I want to be. Common sense (and my doctor) tell me to go slowly and ease into it, but I feel like I am being weak and need to push harder. And when I do push and feel fatigue, or pain that makes it worse.

I have been feeling pressured to be ready for a race a signed up for last winter, which I really should not do. Some running blogs make me feel pressure when people are super speedy and recover from injuries like it’s a cold.

Your blog is so refreshing (eventhough you work out way more than I ever could), because you are smart about it.

Thanks for sharing.

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Couldn’t agree more. GOOD FOR YOU!

Running is amazing, but sometimes, us perfectionists let it get the best of us. If we’re not increasing miles and/or speed with every single workout we feel stressed. When we’re stressed we’re not having fun. If we’re not having fun, what’s the point?

I think taking a break (from anything) is a way to avoid burn out and keep our body guessing. I bet you’ll find yourself back to running and better than ever in no time flat!

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Such a great reminder to let our bodies tell us when we are ready and not our minds. It’s so easy to think you are ready because your head says go, but your body is saying slow down. That will be a huge help to me when I get back into running after the baby is born. I know myself well enough that I’m my own worst competitor and will think I’m ready to go full speed like I used to, even though my body will be left in the dust. I love running but the last thing I need is injuries due to me not listening to my body.

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That was a great post! WOW! I needed that! My foot is super injured (no stress fracture according to an X-ray) and I have a half October 9th and I soo badly want a good time but why make it hurt more???UGH Going to lift legs this afternoon with 2 other teachers!

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GIRL. i needed this post. wow. totally can relate and you are so smart, strong and such an inspiration. thanks for being a positive influence and role model. i LOVE YOUUU FRIEND!

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Not running is hard but sometimes good. I just posted today about the drastic steps I took after I had some calf pain for several days in a row and it felt bad. Suddenly I dropped from steady mid-40s to about 30, and went to see an ortho just to be sure it wasn’t anything too bad. Sure enough, now after a couple weeks around 30 mpw, it’s starting to feel better. I’m going to be very slow in my build-up again. It’s always a fine line. I feel like I need a PR in San Antonio b/c even though I got my “RE-Q” at Boston last year, I am not sure my margin of qualification is enough, so I want to keep improving, even though registration will be done by then and I’ll be in or out already for Boston 2012.

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I’m new to running (yes I know you are all sick of reading that in my comments) so I am just trying to take all you PRO people’s advice. I think as a role model (which you are to many) it’s great that you are listening to your body and teaching us and your cross-country team to do the same :) I just read in the Sept issue of running world that most runners #1 fear was injury. I’ve been really careful b/c I already hurt my knee in soccer and I don’t want anything to stop me from completely my first race. However, I think if it came down to it I could sit it out, though begrudgingly :(

I feel pressure from myself and nothing else. So it makes it easy – I just say HEY Alison SHUT UP :D and then give me a big hug!

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I would also like to add that when I hurt my knee in soccer I kept playing on it, game after game and then finally through all the limping and suffering I fell to the ground crying. Everyone thought I was crying due to the pain. I was not; it was b/c of my pride. I couldn’t stand the fact that my body was in charge of me and that I had NO control over my performance.

I believe that is why injuries are so difficult, yes they hurt….but they are really there to test our patience and our ability to sit back and look at where we can change things next time.

Great post. ***** <—- those are my five stars ;)

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I agree with that mantra. I say the same thing! “Relax Jenn…” and give myself a big hug. I remind myself to treat myself as I would treat my best friend!

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that’s another great way to look at yourself ; as your best friend :) thanks

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This sounds just like me! I was in a car accident about 7 months ago, and haven’t been able to run without pain since. It’s literally killing me, but I’m trying to stay positive. If I cross train too much. pain. Run. pain.

I’m just hoping that walking and rest make me come back stronger.

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Such a good quote girl! Keep at it :)

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I think you’ve got the right idea. Running too early could just cause a more permanent injury and then you won’t be able to run at all. My friend pulled a muscle or something and ran on it for a couple months because she was training for a marathon. She ended up running the marathon but was in so much pain afterwards she had to go to the doctor. Apparently, running on her damaged leg caused all this scar tissue to build up on her muscles and a year later the farthest she can run is 4 miles. Remember, damage done now can last for a lifetime. It’s better to take it slow now than to ruin your legs forever! You are a smart cookie!

I usually feel the most pressure to run from myself. However, right now I am training with Team In Training to run the Marine Corps Marathon in memory of my Uncle that passed away in July and I feel VERY pressured. I am constantly terrified that I a) won’t finish; and/or, b) will get injured and not be able to run. People have donated so much money and I have family members coming out to watch me run, etc., and I just hope that I can do it!

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that quote is so true about running! i used to be fearless, which was great, but it also injured me. now, i am cautious and careful and incorporate at least 2 rest days into each week. my body needs it. i have learned what my body’s limits are and i now adhere to them. :) i think you’re making a wise choice to take the pressure off.

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I really commend and admire that Janae! As hard as it might seem at times, look at how much you are enjoying forgotten cross-training, like the bike…I mean girl you are going to rock a century!!

Listening to our bodies, and more importantly our minds, is tough to do, but it seems like you are on the right path with this subject…and when you are ready, completely ready, you will be out there earning that sub-3 :)

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I love this Janae! :) you rock lady!

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The most pressure I feel to run is from ME! I want to run so badly that I push myself too quickly- too much too soon. I am trying to take it slow and give my body time to heal properly. I’m a work in progress :).

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you are so awesome. running, eating, ellipticizing or coaching, you are so motivational and a great example of spirit and passion. keep yourself healthy and injury free. don’t let your blog pressure you to run before you’re ready. being smart now will keep you running for years more into adulthood

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I LOVE that theory! it’s true though.. injuries force us to reevaluate how we’re training.

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I heart you. No getting injured, k? I need you to run Top of Utah with me next year :)

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I couldn’t agree with you more..and I think that it’s awesome that you are listening to your body, rather than trying to force it. Our bodies always know best..and they send you signs- sometimes it’s hard to listen to those signs, but I think it’s great that you are listening!! :) You rock & I KNOW for a fact that you will only come back STRONGER & FASTER!!

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Perfect Post!! You are absolutely doing the right thing!

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I’m hoping to make it to spin class today! I wanted to run outside but it is seriously 100 degrees and I am not willing to suffer that much :)

I’ve tried those claw things so many times but they never work. You know what else never works?! Those hair band things that all you cute girls seems to wear! Those suckers sling shot off my head so fast! Like, literally. I had one shoot off my big head when I was on the treadmill once. How embarrassing!

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My workout this morning was an EZ 4 mile run followed by a 15 min upper body circuit. It felt glorious!

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Set training schedules and races make me feel pressure. You just spurred a blog post I think…… time to start writing.

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AW shucks does that mean this is not the normal you????!!!!
Running stress for me happened a few weeks back when I realised that I had a 10 miler to run end October and I hadn’t put on my shoes on for months and not really run so tried to force a silly schedule on myself (I’ve also only ever run 10 miles once before!!!….. I’m a part time runner I think). I now realise that I will train as much as I can without injury and decide if I will do the race or how I will do the race …. I’m not looking for a record here ;-)

Rest day for me today.

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I love this post, Janae! It’s so great to see your positive outlook on your running setbacks – change the language a little bit and this is a great mantra for someone experiencing challenges in ANY area of their life! YAY for you and your running future! :)

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Janae, this post is so timely! I litterally just switched my October marathon from the full to the half because of “running pressure”. Life got really busy between work and moving that the pressure of performing and running at my best for another marathon…it’s just not fun, fair, or smart. I’d be squeezing in too many runs in too short of time. While its a tough thing to do – its the smart thing to do!

Happy ellipcalizing and biking!

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Rest is harder than running for a lot of runners. It takes a strong runner to rest when it’s needed! You are still a runner!

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This takes a lot of willpower and I am glad you are able to do that. The guilt I feel when I miss runs is sometimes to hard to take. But I am not/was not running the milage that you used to do.

Today my workout was three easy miles in taper for my 1/2 marathon on Sunday!

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Great attitude lady! I think your totally doing the right thing- it’s really inspiring :) I don’t feel pressure to run- however I do feel the pressure to practice yoga.. As a yoga teacher I feel like it’s my job to keep my practice going strong, one- to show my students that it is work.. and two because I want to stay in the best shape I can. There are many times where I feel like I want to take a break from the practice- and there have been times that I have listened.. A teacher told me that there is a natural ebb and flow to your practice.. Sometimes it’s awesome and easy- other times its a lot of work. Running like yoga is a life time of practice and work… Keep doing what your doing and everything will work out :)

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Excellent post. I think you speak for so many of us. I know since I am older and just starting out, I some times think I need to reach goals much faster. Who really cares if I am 60 running my first Marathon? ;) I have you to thank for helping me a lot to slow my goals down. To listen to my body more. I am back to babysteps in my running. Why? My body was telling me that I was pushing it too hard. I was fortunate to not have to find out through an injury. No doubt, I would have if I would have continued as I was. Today I didn’t do to well. I worked out at the gym. Got a great workout and cardio in. BUT, my program told me I had to run today. So I left the gym and went to my favorite trails and run. No injuries but I know my run would have been better if I would have listened, rested and tried that run in two days. Tomorrow is a REST day! To be our best we must take care of our bodies. Just listen!

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Marathon training makes me feel pressure to run! I’m not sure I love it. I used to always run when I wanted to and it made it SO fun. Now I have to run on scheduled days and I’m not so sure I love that. I guess it takes some of the things I loved most about it out because now I HAVE to run if I want to be ready for my first marathon in Nov.
Oh, and I ran SO much more before too just because I didn’t feel pressured too. So strange.

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You are so smart. As hard as it is not to run I know you are making a good choice even though you feel a lot of pressure to run. I think once you have been through and injury and you know how hard it is not to be able to run you appreciate it more and are more careful. I think for most people it takes getting a really bad injury to sideline them when if they had just listened to their bodies in the first place they would be fine. We all think we are invinsible but I think with running it’s not a matter of if but when. Hang in there little gal, you have the rest of your life to run. By the way, nice bike :) You’ve got yourself a real fancy ride!

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I haven’t commented in FOREVER-I took my injury last season really really hard. I was faster and stronger than ever and on track for my marathon when I tore my hip labrum and I can honestly say I was depressed over it. I didn’t feel like myself, I was on crutches for 6 weeks and emotionally it took me down. I didn’t know who I was without running. It sounds overd ramatic, but it’s true.
I also felt pressure to hurry up and get better so that I could run again. I am now overly cautious and have finally worked my way back up to 3 miles at a time. I feel so ALIVE and GRATFUL when I run now because I know how I felt when I couldn’t. My injury was definitely a lesson for me in slowing down and enjoying all the little things in life. GET BETTER SOON!

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I also had stress fractures in my femur and both feet and had shin splints and femoral patella syndrome and IT band issues (and the list goes on and on…). At one point I felt so plagued by injuries that I decided to never run again and I’m only now starting back with some slow and short runs. I think taking time away absolutely helps both physically and mentally. If you’re running when you think you might hurt yourself you aren’t going to enjoy that run anyway. You should be proud of yourself for making smart decisions and listening to your body!!

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yes yes, so freeing! we can run when we’re 80! i know it. Lets embrace fitness and health right now, no pressure. I love it Janae!

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Those clips don’t work for me either!
You have an amazing outlook, girl. I’m so glad you’re taking the time you need to recover. We really do put a lot of pressure on ourselves as runners, don’t we?
I feel like I need to race to “feel” like a real runner. I just posted about that last night on my blog. I put all this pressure on myself to run because other people are running, to stay fit, etc. When truthfully, I became injured and I think burned out too. I’m trying to get back into it, but maybe I’m forcing it too much. I don’t know. I do know you’re doing the right thing! xo

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Ooooh, GREAT one here girl!! So great! Resonates with me on many levels. You know, that quote you included at the end is so much of how I feel with my hamstring tear last August. It was the best thing that ever happened to me because it made me come back strong and HUNGRIER that EVER! Hungry to reach a new level. But having that time off and having time to really think about what we want and reflection on our goals while we are just still for awhile is so good for us!!! I think you have such a great perspective as always Janae! Missed you while I was on a big blog break!
Oh, and I’ve seen your Gingerbread houses so I know you’ve got a creative and child-like streak in you so please oh please check out my contest!! You’d be a hoot with what you came up with for SUAR!!! And with your enthusiasm, you’d draw so many others out of the woodwork and get them to be creative too..something we all need to do sometimes…slow down and get in touch with our “inner kid”!

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I really really needed this today!! I have been soo down lately b.c I have illiotibiol band friction syndrome and it is keeping me from running and doing cardio. I am weight training and swimming but I MISS RUNNING!! I am supposed to run my first half marathon in October but I don’t think I will be able to. It is killing me on the inside, I know there will be more and that my health is more important but it is really hard to accept that once u have set ur mind to attain a certain goal. Thank you for setting me straight :)

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Oh, good for you Janae! I am right there with you, sister. Just had to pull out of my Sept. 10th half marathon. Started Phase II of rehab (alternating short bouts of running with elliptical). Hoping to be able to run my October 23rd half marathon, but who knows. I’m done stressing about it. Our bodies will let us know when they are ready, and we’ll be back soon enough. Keep cross training and staying healthy!

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I believe that’s a Jack Daniels theory, right?? LOVE this post, and you are spot-on in wanting to heal fully before getting back to running. I mean if something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right, with 100% effort – recovery’s no exception!

At the moment I’m not feeling pressured to run because I’ve played the “starting too soon with too much” game before and there’s no way I’m going there again – but sometimes I get burnt out and don’t run for about a month just…cuz I don’t want to. And that I often feel guilty about because people know me as “that runner girl”! But whatever, haters gonna hate, just do what you need to do to be your best!

Today I was going to do an hour on the elliptical and an ab workout but my body wanted a rest day so I took a two hour nap instead woohoo!

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Janae-
We are competitive, we are perfectionists……and when we cannot be on top of our game at the thing we are most passionate……it is SOOOOOOOO hard, because we mourn for the way it used to be. I think the break will be great for you because when you get back into it one day, that running experience will have it’s own special identity separate from this past one.
Put it this way, your past running life was like a first love, you’ve tried to go on dates, but realize you need to be single for a while. You will be ready for it again one day……and I have complete confidence it’ll be crystal clear when that time is.
Have a good night my friend!
-Erica

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I love this post!! You are seriously always so positive it’s inspiring.
Once your body is ready, you will be just a great of a runner as you were before, or even better! Keep staying positive :)
I actually do feel pressure to run because I am competitive even towards myself.
Last week I didn’t run as much as I have been and I thought that it was so terrible. I felt like it would be a huge set back and make me a horrible runner.
I am still fairly new to running but I felt like if I wasn’t doing as many miles as the week before or MORE miles than the week before, that I would be a failure!
This has completely changed my mind though, thank you!!!

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You are so inspiring girl! I really can relate to what you said. I am not even training for a race or anything but I put tons of pressure on myself, yo run faster and further than last time which is dumb. All that pressure on myself is making me nervous for each run and I end up anxious before each run so I need to stop that and just run for me, for the love of running, only if and when I want to without the added pressure. You are a runner, no matter what, taking time off is the smartest decision ever, and you are a cross training fool, your awesome! You will know when you are ready to run, slowly working your way back, on your own time no rush. You are SO right, taking it slow now is the best thing, that way you can be a crazy 90 year old grandma, still out there pounding the pavement with a huge smile plastered on your face )

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I am so happy for you for being smart about your running and refocusing your energies into your bike race and cross country team. I love your positive attitude.

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You are so smart Janae! You are protecting your muscles so that when you run again you will be so strong, no injuries will be able to break through!
You go girl!

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This is exactly how I feel! Today I ran three miles for the first time in over two months. Yes, I was overjoyed and it felt so good to run painless, but at the same time I have no intention of jumping right back into running full on. I have had so much fun enjoying other parts of fitness such as cycling, weight lifting and swimming. I always felt like I had to run before and it was such a burden sometimes when I wanted to do other things besides run. I am so proud of you for letting your body heal and returning to running when you feel up to it again. You are awesome!

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GREATEST POST EVER. I could not agree more. I haven’t run much for MONTHS (partially due to minor injuries, partially due to being mentally/physically so burnt out, partially because I JUST HAVEN’T WANTED TO) and I have been beating myself up about it.

On Sunday, I forced myself to go out for a 10km run (after not running more than 5kms since my last half marathon in May). It was hard and it was awful and it was painful and I hated every minute of it. Which made me just feel even MORE guilty (like… “if you’d been running regularly all this time, this would be easy”). But that’s completely STUPID – without meaning to, I had completely sucked ALL the joy out of running…. I’d taken away everything I loved about it and turned it into a punishment. NOT COOL!

Anyhoo… I’m now realising that when I am ready (mentally, emotionally, physically) to run properly again, I will! And in the meantime, it’s absolutely okay to take weeks/months/YEARS off, or just run occasional short distances when I feel like it! I don’t know why I was putting so much pressure on myself and now i feel like this huuuuuge weight has been lifted off my shoulders! :)

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You look so pretty. I pressure myself to run. I don’t like to take a day off because then I get extremely lazy and don’t ever want to workout again. I’m all or nothing. I wish I could turn my switch to “moderate” occasionally! :)

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I love this post girl!!!
I decided that similarly, although without injury, once I am done my contact with my running coach post-Boston 2012 that I will seriously cut down my mileage – almost to the point of not training at all – and refocus on another area of fitness. Everyone always looks shocked when I tell them this, but I want to be an 80+ year old runner, not have my body quit at 26 due to such high mileage and stress! I did fracture my hip already at 23 fOr gosh sakes!!!
Either way, I couldn’t agree more and love this post. You are such a smart lady!!!

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(((Janae))) I feel like your post is written for me. I put the most horrible pressure on myself to run.

I’ve had two femoral stress fractures and am waiting on MRI results for a possible third and fourth. Yes, and fourth. Sports doc thinks I have them in both legs. *cries*

I’ve really been evaluating if my body even should be running. I do everything right and I still end up with injuries. I’m not just talking stress fractures either. I’ve had ongoing issues with my achilles, IT band and patella. And I’m sick of eating big money race fees because half way through training my body gives up. My crappy biomechanics are the real issue here and honestly the time and money involved to fix that issue does not seem worth it when there are so many other ways to stay fit without breaking my body down.

So while I can’t elliptical right now (Doc’s orders) I will as soon as I’m healed up enough I will be. Until that time back to the seated elliptical, and, if I can stand my local indoor pool, pool running.

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OH LISA….I am so sorry to hear about what you are going through…I am going to cry for you! A FOURTH ONE? NOOOO!!! I am praying for you and will you please please please keep me updated? I wish we lived close to each other so that we could go pool running together and fro-yo afterwards. STAY STRONG, you are amazing and you can do this!

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I love this post! I recently just had to say no to running in my first half-marathon due to a couple of surgeries I had and my overall health… I had to stop training for my first full-marathon [I know, I did it backwards and should have worked up to a marathon] a couple of years ago when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. I am [slowly but surely] learning the importance of overall health, not just maintaining a healthy lifestyle by working out… It’s hard but it’ll be worth it in the long haul!

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What a fabulous post, Janae! I think sometimes we all get so wrapped up in training that we forget about our ultimate goal – running the race, placing, PRing, etc. We over train, get injured, and either do not reach our goals or constantly are stuck in a cycle of mediocrity. You are a great example to all runners – listen to your body! Your cross country team is LUCKY to have a coach like you! I’m so excited to see what the next few months bring to your team and to you! Keep doing what you’re doing – I love your ellipticizing posts and all the awesome pics that go along with it:) Please promise that even WHEN you start running again that the pictures will NOT stop!

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I PROMISE CHRISSY!! Thank you so much for your encouraging words, you really brightened my day! I hope you have the best weekend ever!!!

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This is so awesome!! You are so strong :) It’s very encouraging!!

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Pick me! Pick me! Me! Me! Me! I’d love a pair of compression shorts to run in… I’m just sayin’ ….

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Janae! Ok, so I have been reading your blog for some time now and have never commented, BUT I must say I think you and I would get along delightfully!
First of all, I too am OBSESSED with running, and just like you I have been nursing an injury for the past 6 weeks or so (AKA haven’t been able to run). At first I thought I was going to die. Like legit, thought my organs would shut down on me. But you know what, I didn’t die! Just like you, I have spent the summer discovering (and enjoying!) life beyond running :) (However; I will admit that I am still having dreams about running, still waking up from those dreams hoping that today will be the day that I can hit the pavement again, and still religiously following any and all running news!)
Second, I too have rediscovered my LOVE for cycling. My bike (Ruby) and I have done some serious bonding this summer! Don’t get me wrong, it’s no running, but it’s still pretty rad. Not to mention, diaper shorts are all the rage. Totally the next big thing – look for ’em in the next issue of Vogue.
Third, like you I finally understand that for too long I pushed my body too hard, too far. I was my biggest competitor and put far too much pressure on myself to always do more, more, MORE! And although this injury has been really difficult (probably more so mentally than physically) it’s been really GOOD for me. Like you said, sometimes you have to listen to your body because the voice (voices?) in your head sometimes don’t always know what’s best for you.

ANYWAY. Love your blog.

Josie
oh and ps – when you’re back to running, you MUST run Boston! Coolest. Race. Ever. And you should also add the Fargo Marathon and Twin Cities Marathon to your bucket list of races :)

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ummm, i kinda love you. ha, this post was such a good reminder to trust your body and be smart. thank you for being truthful, honest, and awesome!

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You mentioned that you might feel pressure to recover because you write a running blog. Just wanted you to know that I started reading your blog because you were injured. I started having knee problems at the beginning of April, have missed races and generally went through a difficult time without my go-to stress relief.
While I’m not trying to be professional runner like you, I found a lot of comfort because you were going through similar emotions/stress through your injury (injuries). Injuries are a part of being a runner and I think you’re doing a fantastic job of writing a running blog–even while hurt.

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