But first, a few random pictures.

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Got a box of running goodies from RUNLOVEBOX and I can’t wait to try it all out:)  

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I don’t know how I forgot to share this picture but that is DAVID ARCHULETA behind me.  I wanted to ask him to sing Glorious for me but I somehow refrained.  

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Fall in Utah really is the best.  

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Puppy cuddles.  

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Every time that I have a running setback (i.e. injuries, sickness causing my workouts to stop or to scale way back, emotional problems keeping me from training the way I want to train, missing my race goals and the MANY mistakes I have made in my training) I love to read about incredible athletes, their setbacks and how they overcame them.  

I just love being reminded by these athletes (and running is their job/paycheck so imagine the stress that goes along with these setbacks?!?) that these things happen to EVERY RUNNER at some point.  We all have setbacks and we all have two choices after a setback——>  give up or take the setback and grow in every way possible so that you can come back better than ever.  Here are just three of my favorites:)  PS I tend to focus on the marathon distance just because that one is my favorite.  

Meb Keflezighi——>    He is the only runner that has ever won both the Boston and NYC Marathon AND an Olympic medal for the marathon (along with a million other accomplishments).  

The below picture is from that one time we hung out.  When I told him how amazing he was he told me I am pretty amazing too because he is finished with the marathon, showered, warm and eating breakfast while I am still out there on my feet finishing the marathon;)

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“Meb’s biggest bodily setback came at the 2008 Olympic Marathon Trials…. Meb finished eighth, in severe pain.  He later learned he had a pelvic stress fracture… It would have been easy for Meb to have thought, “I’m 32 and an Olympic medalist.  Time for something else.” Instead, in 2009 he became the first American winner of the New York City marathon in 27 years.”  

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(source)

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Kara Goucher—>  I just love her.  I follow her on social media and I feel like we are friends because she is so personable… she just seems so real, open, supportive and strong.  She has a marathon personal record of 2:24:52 (3rd place at Boston in 2009) and a half-marathon PR of 1:06:57.   Her career has included MANY injuries and ups/downs along the way yet she still keeps a smile on her face and continues to do everything in her power to reach her goals.   

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A FIFTEEN MONTH BREAK FROM RACING!?!?!  That is a huge setback! 

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Desi Davila—>  At the 2011 Boston Marathon she took second place (BY TWO SECONDS) with a time of 2:22:38.  Along with a huge list of accomplishments she also represented the US at the 2012 London Olympics but was not able to finish because of a stress fracture of the femur.   Having to drop out of an OLYMPIC RACE…wow, I can’t imagine.  

Yeah… I was beyond excited to meet her:

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From an interview a few years back:

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A huge setback and yet she came back to Boston this last year and finished 4th and she was also the fastest American woman with a time of 2:25:39.  

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And then I take a look at my running friends and their setbacks and I think about how hard they work to bounce back.   Some of their setbacks include——>  tendonitis, stress fractures, adrenal fatigue, missing their race goals because of factors out of their control, MAJOR family/life changes, doctors having NO idea what their injury is or how to treat it, depression and the list goes on and on.  

Over and over again runners prove to me that we all fall (and sometimes it feels like we fall more than we stand) but that you can rise above the setbacks and keep fighting for your goals until you get them.  

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What have been some of your biggest running setbacks?  How’d you overcome them?

What has been your biggest running accomplishment?  A race you have always dreamed of running, a personal record for a 5k, building up your endurance from when you first started, hitting a time goal you didn’t think possible before… come on, brag a little:)  

3 things from your Tuesday!!

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78 comments

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It is about accepting injuries and setbacks happen – it is just part of the game. Accepting it doesn’t make it any easier when these things happen but make the commitment to keep going easier. Injuries happen, they just do. Setbacks happen, thats life. Working hard, gritting your teeth and getting through it is what makes a true athlete.

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Well said!

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I’ve been having hip flexor issues for the last year and a half or so. For awhile I thought it’d just go away (ha!), then I started doing some exercises to strengthen it but never consistently. I’m to the point now where I know I need to get it taken care of because I’m not going to hit my goals with a body that isn’t 100%. And I miss that!

I ran Boston 4 years in a row. The first time I qualified, I wasn’t even trying to qualify. I was running the Kansas City Marathon and about half way thru I realized I was on pace. I qualified by 53 seconds. It felt awesome. Now I want to get back to Boston!

3 things: today is my Monday. I have a massage in 30 minutes! Rest week after Twin Cities Marathon!

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I consider running 1/4 mile intervals today a huge running accomplishment! I haven’t run in 4-5 months and am 3.5 weeks postpartum now. It felt AMAZING.

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I LOVE MEB!!! I read his most recent book, Meb for Mortals and absolutely loved it! As someone who will never be a super competitive runner, it was so great to hear his suggestions and solutions for goals, training, etc.

My biggest accomplishment was finishing a half marathon with a 20 minute PR from my first one. The accomplishment wasn’t finishing with the PR as much as it was going in with a totally different attitude and enjoying every minute of the race.

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20 minutes is HUGE!! Congratulations!

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My biggest running set backs have been one after another. Shin splints, arch fracture, pulled butt muscle, stress fractures in my shins. I think the biggest come back for me was getting back into running after having 2 kids and being diagnosed with onset Asthma and learning how to listen to my body and doing what I need to do.

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Thanks for opening up today Janae. I do think running setbacks only make us stronger. I’ve had a few setbacks including my cyst that made me miss my last year of cross country. I think that was my worst setback because I had a really good set up to make D3 nationals…oh well it has made a stronger runner since.

Setbacks only make you stronger. I know you will overcome this and come back to run your sub 3 hour full.

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I once had to overcome a fractured pelvis–it was awful. I kept a positive attitude my cheering on my friends at races, and it helped to be around them and support them.

Three things: I want froyo. I need a nap. I love that I have Jen Hatmaker’s book club tonight. :)

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So did I! But I was in 9th grade and overcame it using it as an excuse to stick to track and quitting cross-country for good. :P It would be much more frustrating to deal with as an adult!

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proximal hamstring tendopathy. Last run over a mile was February 4,2015 but who’s counting. Despite injections, PT, therapeutic ultrasound and laser, and imaging studies I think that ART and graston have probably helped the most. I dream of just being able to run normally again. At this point I don’t care about PRing my marathon or Ironman times. It’s slowly getting better most likely thanks to my amazing chiropractor. Just love love love running and can’t wait to get back to it even if it means I am not as fast as I once was.

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Laura, I have this too. The most frustrating injury I’ve ever had! I’ve gotten a sit/stand desk at work (has helped some), I bought a new car because pushing in a clutch was making it worse (has helped some), I went to PT for six months (didn’t help at all), I’ve tried not running (just made me cranky) now I’m just managing with the few things that have helped a little and dealing with the pain. I have not seen a chiropractor for this issue, perhaps it’s time to give that a try. I hope you’re back to running soon.

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you have a great outlook Janae, and those experiences from those amazing athletes are very inspirational!

running my first half marathon (about a year and a half agO) was my greatest running accomplishment. After 2 knee surgeries, I thought running my daily 2-3 miles was going to be out of the picture… and I fought hard and now enjoy longer distances and running harder at the shorter ones! Never thought I would’ve completed a half. I remember every detail, ahh!

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How did you meet/sit behind David!? That’s amazing! And I love how you featured so many inspiring runners that everyone looks up to, and it’s really comforting to see that they’re all human and go through hard times. Thank you for sharing that! My biggest setback was pulling my hamstring in high school cross country. I still have issues with it..one of those annoying recurring injuries that never truly go away.

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My friend cut his hair!! It was crazy… I didn’t talk to him, I was too awkward/starstruck so I took a picture without him knowing instead. Ouch.. a pulled hamstring is not fun and I hear that one does come back often. Boo.

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You have such a positive attitude! Thanks for sharing all those stories – Kara, Meb, and Desi are such inspiring runners! I know you’ll get that sub-3, and setbacks like this are really stepping stones to achieving the big goals – success is never linear!
I had problems with the muscles in one of my ankles that kept me from running for 6 months. I then a couple years in college running on the treadmill only because I was scared of injury. Overcoming that fear and learning then training for two half and a full with no injuries has been a huge accomplishment for me!

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Biggest running setbacks: Achilles trouble and the mental part of running (faster paced scare me!)
Accomplishment: my BQ in Boston last year!
Tuesday: track, haircut, taco Tuesday!

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This was very inspiriting and a great reminder! I think we have all been in spots where we feel like we will never reach our goals or come back to running but its so helpful to read about others who have overcome obstacles and accomplished so much! I know you will come back SO strong!

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Biggest running accomplishment – I finally broke 4 in my 3rd marathon this past weekend. I have a hard time not comparing myself to all the BQ runners but I am proud of myself and am going to celebrate doing MY best.

Luckily I’ve only had a few mental setbacks as far as running goes. I’ve been blessed to be injury free thus far.

Three things: yoga, nap, Sonic.

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HUGE CONGRATULATIONS GIRL!!! I am so so so so proud of you for breaking 4! You work so hard and you rocked it!!! Sounds like a good day so far:)

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Having gone through many injury and illness set backs, I know it is tough. I am permanently sidelined from running. I had a good ortho tell me and I personally saw my crazy knee MRI. I keep trying and 6 min of running is evidently the cap off if I want to avoid swelling and pain. It stinks. But I am a racewalker too ( used to do it competitively) and my girls are now into sports.
It becomes different when you can be the cheerleader. My oldest has picked a sport I know nothing about- fencing. Apparently my 8 year old is good with a sword! She is an amazing little swimmer and my 4 year old is too. Life changes, you can’t give up, learn from it and make a new goal.

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Tendinitis, a stress fracture, and some unidentified hip pain have been my major setbacks. I’m still working through some lingering issues from these guys, but they continue to remind me how important it is to cross train and take care of my entire body to keep it happy. These are really inspiring athletes, you should add yourself to the list!

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Most of my running setbacks have luckily been relatively minor injuries so far.

I think my biggest running accomplishment was running my first half marathon 5 years ago – I never thought I could do it. My biggest accomplishment may change this weekend, I’ll be running my first full!

3 things: We have walls on the addition we are putting on our house, I had a terrible feeling but oddly fast run, the boyfriend is making chicken teriyaki for dinner!

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My biggest setbacks have been stress fractures and headaches. I get awful 2-3 day headaches every time I run. I”m still figuring out how to overcome that one :/

But one of my biggest running accomplishments is finishing a full marathon!! It was something I never thought I would/could do so crossing that finish line was a big deal for me!!! Hopefully one day I’ll be able to train for and run another one!

3 things from my Tuesday: Playing pickle ball tonight! I have never played before and am excited!!! I got to have lunch with one of my favorite friends. And it’s cloudy and grey outside which I LOVE!!!!

Hope you get back to feeling better soon! xoxo

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Oh Erin. I can’t even imagine dealing with those headaches… that sounds awful. I hope you get it figured out asap. Please keep me updated. AHHH I have always wanted to play pickle ball too! Have a blast!

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I guess you could also consider spending the summer with a job (camp counselor) that required me to be ready to start the day at 7:15 each weekday morning a setback for my regular morning running. How I overcame that one: I got up super early. Some days I would seriously get up at 5 AM, run ten miles (sometimes even in the rain!), and then spend the day with a bunch of 8-year-olds. Looking back, I honestly don’t even know how I did that. But my campers definitely noticed that I probably ate more than all of them combined.

Biggest running accomplishment: Two weeks ago, going 17.2 miles with no mid-run fuel. After that, I’m pretty confident I can work my way up to a marathon (once I practice incorporating fuel of course!).

Three tangents:
1) I jogged 7 miles this morning for the first time since my groin strain and hardly felt it most of the time!
2) My brother has officially replaced me as the World Champion of Sriracha Consumption. But I vow to regain to my rightful title.
3) I got this new brand of athletes’ vitamins and guys they taste like brownies. Besides running, best part of my morning routine.

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How long did it take you to get over your groin strain? I am dealing with that right now :(

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Hey Camile,

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from clicking on every single google result for “groin strain” (side note: don’t do this), it’s that every injury is unique and it depends on a million things how long it’ll take to heal. My strain was interesting because it actually resulted not from running but from doing core strengthening exercises. And it wasn’t a sudden pain; I noticed a little bit of pain after I finished the exercises, but it wasn’t until after a few more days of running that the pain increased a lot. After that, for 8 days I couldn’t even jog for more than a minute, but for the last few days I’ve been able to jog/slowly run and I’m starting to sense that I’ll be back to normal before long.

I’m so sorry about your strain, how did it happen? Not being able to run is so painful… just be patient and remember that it won’t be like this forever!

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1) Delicious breakfast sandwich this morning…yum.
2) Wonderful nap with my husband right after we got home.
3) Successful tempo run!

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I had one big summer of setbacks. We are still trying to figure out what my deal is with my leg, but I had to drop out of my Fall marathon. I’m still going for the half and have had a god 5 weeks of solid running with 2 weeks to go. I’m pretty sure that I will have a great half, but still bummed I can’t run the full

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I’ve been injured for two years. Multiple stress fractures due to a hormone imbalance that traditional doctors just wanted to bandaid with birth control saying I needed more estrogen. Come to find out from a naturopath, I am gluten intolerant which caused everything and more to shut down in my body. Just as I was on the road to recovery, someone rear ended me and I broke my tibia. I’ve been going through this for two years and I am done with injuries and doctors. It’s unfortunate that we have to fight so hard for our health, but if we don’t no one else advocates for you.

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That’s why I love running. It’s taught me how to respond to adversity and to know that every race is a great teacher. I have a friend that dnf her first marathon earlier this year. It makes me sad that after 6 months she’s STILL beating herself over it instead of learning from it. I’m lucky enough to be able to run for fun and not for a pay check. I would not want that kind of pressure. But don’t get me wrong, I do have goals and if I have a bad race/run, I just pick myself up and keep moving forward…. And… I LOVE DAVID! You’re so lucky!!

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Great examples of people coming back from setbacks. You will too!

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Meb, Kara, Desi…all perfect choices and examples of amazing, humble, determined, and tough runners!

I’ve had three major setbacks (all at different times) a broken shoulder, a broken femur and a broken vertebra. How did I overcome? Time, time, time…patience, persistence and the knowledge that running would be there for me when I was healed. I focused on rehab, doing whatever I could do…even if it meant doing one legged curls, one legged squats or walking around the mall on crutches!

I thought my biggest accomplishment was running my first marathon…until I ran another one the next year and shaved 1:04 off my time. Since that second one, which was a BQ, I’d say I’m most proud of qualifying and running Boston 5 times (2016 will be my sixth). I feel so blessed everytime I am able to lace up and get out there.

Keep your positive attitude, Janae! And know that you will get through this…you have amazing things to accomplish yet…and you can do tough things!!!
Xoxo

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Setbacks–endometriosis that would cause severe leg pain for WEEKS at a time and went undiagnosed as running-related injuries for years, followed by two stress fractures when my running gait changed after my two endo-surgeries. But, I now run 40 miles a week and am working my way back to where I was 6 years or so ago, prior to the time the pain became really bad (I was the queen of pool running for years )! Hang in there–as awful as this is for you, it’s inspiring to see how other runners can keep putting one foot in front of the other when life gets hard!

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I am pregnant with my second child. Although I know you can run while pregnant, I just haven’t been able to. This baby sits right on my bladder and it just isn’t comfortable. I also have a 2.5 year old so fitting it in is just hard with being exhausted, having a full time job and keeping up with my little girl. So, I guess that’s a set back. But, i’m excited to have a baby in the stroller again that doesn’t mind longer runs! My 2.5 year old just wants to get out and run too or play at the park. Soon, I will be back at my slow jog that I call running.

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I seriously could not imagine how frustrating it would be for them! I was battling inflammation in my hip a year ago. I finally got it under control and it flared back up right before a 10k with a cash prize… It was SO frustrating knowing that I got a shot of winning, but had to drop out to avoid worse injury. It healed quickly after, which was kind of frustrating too, but I know it was the right decision!
1. Baked pumpkin treats at lunch
2. fall leaves on the greenline
3. off to my small group!

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My biggest set backs have been training for numerous half marathons and getting injured not long before the race…after I just spent the money to sign up. I’m currently training for one now and feeling hopeful that I’ve learned from my last attempts and will reach the starting line uninjures.
One of my biggest accomplishments was simply completing one of the many half marathons I’ve trained for!

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Man, I’m currently facing my biggest setback to date with this dang foot. I was hit by a cyclist back in July and the ER doctor said I’d be back running in 2 week. That was a no-go. I saw another doctor, he said 6-8 weeks. Now, 12 weeks later and 0 miles later I’m having a third doctor tell me that along with severe soft tissue damage I’m also dealing with a blown out ankle. It has probably been the hardest 12 weeks I’ve faced in a really long time. It’s what got me starting a blog and relying so heavily on this community. We’re a crazy bunch but it really feels good to be a part of such a supportive group. I hope we’re both back out there soon, Janae (and anyone else who is currently dealing with a setback). We’re in this together!

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My biggest setback running – so far – has been falling HARD three times in two weeks. It was honestly terrible. I’m training for my first marathon and was about 6 weeks out and just tore my knees and hands up repeatedly. On the third fall it was so deep I got an infection in my bone. The healing has been a process in patience because I couldn’t make the scabs come faster or be more flexible. It has really taught me to be more grateful for a healthy body and humble about my running. The marathon is now a week and a half out, so hopeful that the time I had to take off won’t completely throw me off.

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That’s a great question because I have been reflecting lately on how much I’ve changed… running is never exactly easy, compared to like sitting on the couch or something, so sometimes I don’t even realize how much I can do now.
Like several years ago, I don’t even think I could run a full mile. And also I didn’t want to. Then I had to do a memorial 5k with all the high school kids where I worked so I got myself to the point of slowly running a 5k. And it still took me a few years to get from “I run a few miles” to “I’m a runner”. So now that I have done 3 halfs and several 10ks and a boatload of 5ks, I have to remind myself that doing 6 miles on a beautiful fall Monday, and having it only be hard because it’s mile repeats, is a world of difference from where I used to be.

What has been your biggest running accomplishment? A race you have always dreamed of running, a personal record for a 5k, building up your endurance from when you first started, hitting a time goal you didn’t think possible before… come on, brag a little:)

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You got this girl!! <3

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I really enjoyed this post. Praying for you- that you are able to recover quickly

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I have had stress fracture in my hip, plantar fasciitis that needed surgery and another hip injury. PT, rest and chiropractic treatments helped. Changing my form also helped.

My husband has had an illness for 2 years, which no one has been able to figure out. It presented itself as an autoimmune disease or neurological disorder. A recent surgery indicates cancer. Through it all he remains happy, positive and calm. He reminds me that while not running is a huge disappointment, struggling to walk is awful. I don’t think I would remain anywhere as positive and calm as he does. I’m hopeful that there is a diagnosis,treatment and an end in sight.

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Nina,
I am truly so so sorry about what you guys are going through right now. This breaks my heart. I can’t even imagine the stress and the worry. His optimism through it all is very inspiring. Please keep me updated and you and your husband will be in my prayers.

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Thank you, Janae, I appreciate the prayers and concern. It’s stressful for me and yet inspiring that he stays so calm. Some have asked if he’s in denial, but he’s really not. He knows that worry won’t help and he can let go. He’s determined that he will be walking without a cane and healthy and whole soon. And I’m praying for both you and your mom.

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The biggest setbacks to running for me have been knee injuries and low blood sugar. My freshman year in high school I was set to run varsity by my sophomore/ junior year. I had a 17:00 5K, and ran a 5:01 mile. My summer going into my sophomore year I dropped a 40lbs cooler on my knee during a family ski trip, and tore the majority of my cartilage in my knee cap. Needless to say I didn’t run the rest of my high school career, and missed out on scholarship opprotunities :(

Anyways, I recently found my love of running again on Thanksgiving of 2014. I started out running short runs (2-3 miles) around 8:15 pace. Slow, really slow for me. I trained for my first half this year and ran it in March of this year in 1:32. Since then I’ve ran three more halfs, and have had issues with low blood sugar causing negative thoughts during races and shoe issues causing a bruised foot.

However, I just ran the race of my life! The Urban Cow Half Marathon, in Sacramento, Ca! Finished in 1:23:24! All I wanted to do was reach my goal of a sub 1:30! I figured I’d go out with the 1:25 pace group led by a local elite Kenyan, and hold on for as long as a could. After some pacing off other runners, and GUs at mile 4 & 8 (which fixed my low blood sugar issues) I finished incredibly strong after fighting off side stitch cramps at miles 9-11. I still don’t believe my time, and never thought that would be possible at this point in my life. It taught me that the impossible is possible with a right mindset and the right training. I’m currently training for my first marathon, CIM, and am going to try to BQ it (sub 3:05) and not entirely sure if I can do it right now. You’re an inspiration to all of us average joes, and I know you’ll be back to normal before you know it!

I dunno if this is classified info or not, but I’ve been thinking of getting a coach to reach my goals, and was wondering if I could email you to find out if your coach is accepting new athletes? Anyways, I hope you’re recovering speedily! (Sorry for the long post!)

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Congrats!

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Yeah!! Desi is a fellow Michigander!! :)
-Biggest setbacks have included stress fracture(s) in my right foot and runners knee in my left knee, I’m equal opportunity and try not to discriminate which side I have injuries on :) LOL
-Tuesday: work. my first massage (!!!), and time with the kiddo :)

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Biggest running setbacks – plantar fasciitis, ankle issues and now an IT problem. My fix in the past has been: see my chiropractor a few times, stretch and ice a lot, and of course, take some time off.

Biggest running accomplishment so far…breaking four hours in the marathon, but hoping to bring that time down a lot more!!

Tuesday things: Had my first pop-up shop at a gym, my roommate made an awesome dinner, anddd now I’m listening to the Mindy Kaling book. Not a bad Tuesday! :)

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This post really resonates with me. This past year, I had to miss my A marathon because of work, my back-up marathon was cancelled because of embezzlement by the race director, and then I had a series of injuries (immobile tailbone, knee injury, broken toe). I really was only able to start back up with speed work in April after a seven month break. I was no where near where I wanted to be.

This weekend, I set a 10 min PR at St. George for a 3:23. I think I knew what my body needed to do better during the race after all that time listening and patiently training. I think the recovery training made me stronger as a runner. I just hope I can keep that perspective next time there is a curve in the road.

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Wow Kathy!! That is a lot of setbacks and you are an example to me of coming back and KILLING IT with a 10 minute PR. Wow. Huge congrats girl!!

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I’ve been though on/off plantar fasciitis and piriformis syndrome while training for halfs. A lot of TLC, trial and error with stretching/foam rolling got me through it. Nothing like running your last long run with a literal pain in your rear that won’t go away until mile 5! Luckily, it was just an overuse injury that self-corrected after I rolled back the miles. Really thankful I have not been through more serious injuries.

Oh my goodness…my biggest running accomplishment is going from a total non-runner (I am literally not kidding when I tell you that I could not run for 30 seconds at a time without huffing and puffing when I first started, feeling like I was going to DIE) to deciding I wanted to run the Princess Half Marathon at Disney World and making it happen! I still look back and find myself reliving so many of those running milestones during training for that first half…running a few 5k’s, then a 10k, and then finally hitting that first double digit run. And look at me now, many races later and still wanting to hit as many half marathons as I can. I am hooked.

3 things from my Tuesday: 1) made 101+ reasons not go to the gym, but reminding myself that I am NEVER sorry after my workout is done, 2) finally (!!!) got caught up with everything at work, 3) pumpkin pie, need I say more?

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I really needed this post today. I’m supposed to run Marine Corps in less than three weeks, and I’m still on the fence. I could muddle through, I could probably do okay, but do I want to do that? Am I injured, or am I just not taking care of myself? Should I play it safe and get completely healthy to be ready for Boston? What’s the long term for me? How much of this is taper crazies talking? :) Thanks for the reminder that even if it doesn’t happen, there will be other chances. No training cycle is wasted, right?

Three things: I’m glad I did my speedwork this morning even if I hurt now, I could sleep until noon if I could just find a quiet kid-free room to do it, and I’m super grateful for my amazing family today.

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That is a beautiful song, and wow he is a really good looking guy!

I feel my biggest running accomplishment was finishing a 100 km race.

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I’m still trying to overcome IT band issues. I’ve struggled with it for 3 years now. It’s frustrating but I’ve learned to focus my energy on triathlons for now but I’m really itching to get back into distance running.
One runner I admire and would love to meet is Lauren Fleshman. She just seems like an all-around awesome runner and person. Plus she has the cutest little family!

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Maybe it seems silly… it’s not like I’d be considered a serious runner or anything… but after really struggling with weight the last few years, I did a triathlon a couple months ago but subsequently re aggravated a herniated disk. So when I went to do a 5k a couple months ago, I really wanted to have an “official” 5k time under 40 minutes and I did it! 39:12 :) It made me really happy to hit that goal and I’m excited to get it even better next time.

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MEAGAN! THAT IS SERIOUSLY SO AWESOME!!! Way to go girl… hitting those goals—> best feeling ever. I’m so happy for you and I hope your back is okay from a few months ago!

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Aww thanks! It really has been such a boost to my overall life to reach these health goals and you have been such an inspiration to me! Your blog is the one I most look forward to reading each day :) I really hope you’re starting to feel better. I truly felt for you last week –any kind of serious pain is tough to deal with. ♡

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Hold up – YOU MET DAVID ARCHULETA? His Christmas album is one of my favorites and you just reminded me that it’s basically Christmas season so I really should bust that out soon. ;)

Biggest setback is when I got tendinitis baaaad in my posterior tib after a 10K.

Biggest accomplishment is signing up for and officially beginning TRAINING for my first half marathon! So excited and so scared…as of now, my goal is just to be able to run the whole thing. I’ve never run more than 8 miles – and the last time I did that was over a year ago! – so it will be quite the accomplishment haha.

3 things:
I wore makeup today, and that never happens.
I went on date with a new guy today and it was surprisingly good. (1st fact may or may not be related to this haha)
Hamstrings are still sore from Sunday’s KB workout.

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Thanks for sharing, this is all very inspiring. You seem to be having the right attitude about the whole situation x

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I was hit by a car in April. I couldn’t walk for 2 months. After a lot of rehab, in August I did my 1st Ironman and qualified for Kona! Anything is possible :)

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My biggest running set back was rupturing my plantar fascia in January during a race. I saw a podiatrist (who also happened to be a runner) we tried a few things and ended up doing shock wave therapy. It was the worst 4 minute sessions of my life but by June I was running with no pain.

After not racing since January, I began coaching cross country in June and training for the Nike 1/2 marathon around the same time. I PR’d my 1/2 marathon by 9 minutes last weekend in preparation for coaching and Nike. 1:41. I never anticipated that!

3 things: Chipotle for dinner, easy run day (my legs need that after Sunday!), and finishing grading!

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My biggest running accomplishment, really, is just being alive to run. A recovering alcoholic, and former pack-a-day smoker who was 50 pounds overweight, I was headed to an early grave. I quit drinking almost 8 years ago. I quit smoking just more than 6 years ago. I started running 5 years ago.

Unless something goes badly wrong, on October 25th, I’ll run my first marathon. The Marine Corps Marathon in DC.

So I’ve had a few injuries and setbacks. But nothing too severe. And really, just being alive to run fills me with gratitude every day.

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David Archeleta! Love him!

Three years ago I got really sick from raw milk then got Guillaine-Barre Syndrome, which is a neurological thing where your immune system attacks your nerves. So I basically lost most of my strength. Thankfully it was a mild form (in more severe cases people are actually paralyzed for a period of time!) but it took me months to get back to running. I’m grateful I can run now, because some people never completely recover from it. I will never take my health for granted again, that’s for sure. I’m so sad that you are going through this. Hang in there! I’ll keep you in my prayers.

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I love Kara too! And I just got to meet her at the Twin Cities marathon expo last week. So fun!
I also love to read inspirational running stories. Before my first marathon I read ultra marathoner books because it was so inspiring to read that they were running marathon+ distances for training runs! That helped me put things in perspective.

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This year it has been sever plantar fasciitis. It was so bad it hurt to just stand. I’ve been through PT but even PT thinks I’ll eventually need surgery. I have since modified my running. My goals are not the same as last year. Now I run at a pace that is pain free. Yes it is slower but I am still doing what I love.

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I’m far, far did I say far, from being an elite runner so after reading your post kinda feel better about the fact that I still can’t run. I’m hoping to come stronger once I start again.

My biggest accomplishment has been crossing the finish line for full marathon twice and hoping to do it again soon

For my Tuesday, I finally was able to go for a bike ride and be a little active in 18 days. Painfree. It was a great feeling

Thank you for your post it puts my life running in perspective.

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This has not been my year for running! I had knee surgery for meniscus tear in May. Came back from that and then found myself unexpectedly pregnant and then miscarried in September. Sad times. But I will still run my half in 11 days. Running helps my mental clarity. Get better soon!

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Thanks for telling me about RunLoveBox! I just signed on the dotted line. I have a subscription to Stridebox already :)

Your little baby nephew has the MOST beautiful eyes!!!

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My biggest accomplishment in running so far- achieving 30:17 for 5k this past weekend. That may not be fast to some people, but for this girl that’s smokin’ and a PR!!

Janae- I have to tell you that the last half mile I thought of you and I just kept repeating to myself, “I can do hard things.” It got my mind off the pain and gave me that last little burst of energy. You are so inspiring- I look forward to your posts every day. I am glad you are on the mend and cannot wait to see what great things are on the horizon for you in the future. I know what’s on the horizon for me….sub 30 for 5k. I can taste it already! :) 

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Oh my gosh! I so needed to read your post today! Not that I am set back from an injury – but from being allowed to run while going through infertility treatments. It’s honestly heartbreaking for me! ? But they are a part of life and it’s not going to kill me and the outcome will hopefully be 1000x worth it.

Thanks Janae!

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My biggest running accomplishment and setback was last year. I ran my first half in 2013 in 2:30:40 and decided that 2014 would be a sub2 year. Then I had a major sprained ankle (high sprain) that kept me from running and cross training for 6 weeks. I was back to running in August but was struggling going more than 3 miles, my ankle was just so weak and would swell if I put in too many miles (more than 15 in a week). So I decided to reset my goal to a 2:15. I then ran my Yonkers Half (super hilly fyi) and PR’d at a 2:06:14. I was incredibly surprised because I felt I was dying in the last 5k. My next and third ever half came 3 weeks later in Mankato, MN. I knew that it was a fairly flat course so I decided I was going to go for my sub2. And I finally got my sub2 at 1:57:33. It was also the first time my parents came to a half to cheer me on so I think that helped.

Also thank you so much for this post. It’s good to know that the elites are normal people too and have their own setbacks.

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Like you said, this is JUST a set back. Not a’ forever’ or ‘the end’. This post has inspired me to stop taking the back seat with my injury. I feel like I go through phases of being proactive and then when it didn’t work I take time off from trying. I kind of need it mentally or I will go crazy, but at the same time I can’t expect it to get better any other way. So I need to start again. This injury has BY FAR been the worst one for me.

Many moons ago my I dropped my PR in the half to 1:35. I would love to get it to the low 1:30’s. Then one day I want a re do on my marathon with the 3:30 I trained for. But honestly, at this point I would love to just run again for the love of running. No races, no times, just to freaking run.

Great post.

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I love your positive attitude!

Also, I LOVE Brooke’s shirt!! Where is it from? London would love it!

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I have been injured for 23 weeks today. I haven’t run one step. I have two stress fractures that are not healing. I have good moments and bad moments. Yesterday was my first bike ride outside and it was amazing. I look forward to running again and being kinder to my body.

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Love this post, so inspiring!

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Great encouragement as I’m dealing with knee surgery. Battled a lot of discouragement pre surgery. Realized that wasn’t helping me at all. This week I started my upper body training again. Helped a lot. Thank you for the encouragement!

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