Coming Back From a Serious Injury (by my sister).

We’re back!  And with a spontaneous selfie:

Just kidding.  Definitely not a spontaneous selfie where we all happen to look okay.  In fact I did my hair and makeup just to take this selfie:)  Luckily I had leftover hair from Sunday so that didn’t take as long.  Also styled both boys hair for this “spontaneous” selfie.  And I am not naming names, but someone had a poopie diaper during this selfie.  Man it takes a lot of work to take a picture to put on the internet for thousands of people to see.

Last week I ran five miles.  They were the slowest five miles I have ever done.  They were the hardest five miles mentally, emotionally, and physically.  But I am more proud of those five miles than any of the thousands of miles I have run throughout my life.  They were an accomplishment that I thought would never be possible again for me.

PS my husband pushed the double stroller, my back isn’t ready for that yet.

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Rewind to four years ago.  I decided it would be a good idea to put my family’s dining room table together on my own.  While lifting the tabletop from the ground to the pedestal and twisting my torso while doing so I hurt my back.  (If you take anything from this post take this: DO NOT DO THIS!!!  Or anything similar to this!  One of the dumber decisions I have made in life:))  Anyway, I knew I had hurt my back but not not bad enough to change my daily activities.  I could still run and play with my kids.  It was just a little more painful now.  So life went on.

A little over a year later I got pregnant.  I was so excited!

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As the pregnancy progressed and my stomach got bigger, my back was struggling more and more.  After delivery it got really bad.  My back problem was now affecting my sciatic nerve on my right side.  I no longer had use of my right leg.  It drug along the ground while walking.  I tried everything short of surgery.  Nothing worked or brought any relief from the pain.  After an MRI, I learned that the only option I really had was surgery.  As crazy as this sounds, I was actually excited for surgery.  To be put under for a few hours and not be in pain sounded amazing.  When I woke up from the surgery all of the sciatic nerve pain was gone.  I felt great!  To the point that I did not have to take any pain medicine post surgery.  The pain of back surgery was nothing compared to the constant nerve pain I had been dealing with.  So the road to recovery began.  It has been a long hard road with so many ups and downs.  Throwing in a surprise pregnancy two months after surgery did not make it any easier, but I wouldn’t change that for the world.

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Walking was the only form of exercise approved by my doctor post surgery.  So I walked and walked and walked.  I was not allowed to lift anything heavy which made taking care of one and then two babies pretty tricky.  But somehow we have made it through.  A few months ago after another MRI and approval from my doctor I was given the go ahead to try running again!  Each run since has been a little scary.  I worry that I will hurt my back again.  I don’t trust my body like I used too.  My muscles have atrophied in my right leg, so my form is off.  And it hurts!  Not my back, but all of the other muscles in my body scream at me every step during my run.  But I know it will get easier.  My body will get stronger.  So I am running, very slowly and very cautiously, but I am running!!!  And that is something I am so very grateful to be able to say.

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Sidenote:  I saw this on the inside of my shirt hem after typing this and thought that’s funny because I run slow and with a little bit of fear:)

My tips for recovery:

1.  Patience is everything!  Listening to your doctor and not pushing your body before it is ready is really hard for those of us that want to get back to our workouts right away.  It is so important to take the time to let your body heal before starting up again.  So Be Patient!

2.  Don’t compare yourself to your former self. (The time that Janae and I ran a 1/2 marathon dressed up like piñatas, we spent a lot of hours creating these costumes.)

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This has been a really hard one for me.  The strength and endurance I have now are nothing compared to what I used to have.  My body looks and feels different.  Most of the muscle lines are gone.  But comparing myself to my former self only brings sadness and depression.  My body now has been through things that my previous body had not.  So it’s not fair to compare the two.  This is my new body and I am so grateful to have one that can move again.

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3.  While recovering, don’t watch your pace.  Do what feels right for your body.  I am always tempted to up my speed when I see my pace, even if it starts to hurt my back a little.  I am way too competitive with myself.  So for now, I run not knowing how fast I am running.

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Who runs with a jogging stroller often?  Have any tips?

What are your tips on recovery?  Anyone else experience back problems?

What would you like me to post about over here?  

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110 comments

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The fact that you were in that much pain with babies is amazing. I get back pain from carrying around my toddler and my baby belly and I can’t even imagine how awful that was for you. Hope your recovery continues to go well and you’re RUNNING gets easier each time!
I run with a single Bob pretty often, I’ve definitely learned that I can’t hold on with both hands, I have to alternate and swing one arm. I usually do a few minutes on one side then switch–my form feels so off when I’m holding on with both hands! We’re about to graduate to a double bob…so we’ll see how this method changes. :)

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Congratulations on the new little one! Thanks for your advice on the running stroller. I hope to one day be able to push the stroller again and will definitely be keeping your advice in mind. Good luck on your upcoming delivery!

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That’s interesting — I’ve been running with a stroller for almost 3 years, most of it with a double, and I’ve never switched hands like that. I wonder if that’s why running without the stroller feels so weird now — I’ve been blaming it on the habit of having the kids with me, but I wonder if I’ve really altered my form :/ I’ll have to pay more attention now and check my form — thanks!

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I’m certainly no expert, I just noticed I lean into the stroller a lot and everything is off. When I one-arm it I feel so much more natural! But, I’ve never done a double before. I’m sure that’s a whooooooooole different story!! :)

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You have the cutest kids ever!! Oh my goodness…that video just made my day :)

I have so much admiration for you! To go from being super active to having to basically start from scratch…your attitude is wonderful! :) I had an overuse injury on my left foot in September and it was so hard to scale back even for that and feel like i was losing fitness. I try to take every run where something isn’t aching to just appreciate it and enjoy it :)

Thank you for sharing!!

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Thanks for your comment…. I thinks my kids are pretty cute too :) So Sorry for your injury. Injuries certainly change our perspective and help us appreciate those times we can run. I hope your foot recovers quickly!

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It’s so true that you have to have patience during recovery and that you can’t compare yourself to what you were prior. That can definitely be a challenge, but you’ll be able to appreciate who you are and how far you’ve come if you focus on where you are NOW, not where you were THEN. Thank you for sharing!

By the way, I LOVE those pinata costumes! :) I don’t know how y’all ran an entire half marathon in them, but they are SO adorable!

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Haha! The pinata costumes were pretty fun! I don’t think I would have had the guts to run an entire half marathon in it if Janae wasn’t wearing one too.

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I love this post!!

I came back from a neck/back injury, and it was so frustrating! I would try to run, and my whole left side would go numb. I could barely go a 1/4 mile. With rest, recovery and time (and countless PT appointments/chiroprator appointments, etc. :)…I’ve been able to get back out there again! I was so, so S-L-O-W…

BUT….

Doesn’t matter how slow you go- all that matters is you’re being safe and healthy with recovery…speed will come back in time!

Also, P.S.- You and Janae are total twinners. I cannot believe how much you two look alike! :)

Hope you have a great day, girl…and many more good 5-milers ;-)

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I am so sorry for what you’ve gone through! You have such a great perspective! Thanks so much for your comment.

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Thank you for writing this post. I also struggled with lower back pain for years, it really affected my sense of self and was such a hard challenge. Having the perspective of hardship, truly did give me the gift of gratitude for all the great things my body can do now. I am so excited for you to be running again :) Your little ones are so cute! Thank you for sharing your journey!

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I completely agree with you. My gratitude for having a body that can move far surpasses the frustration I feel at times with my slow pace. Hardships are never fun, but they do give you a greater perspective on life:)

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So glad you recovered and are feeling better now!

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Thank you!

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This post was exactly what I needed to read! Thank you for sharing. Nov 2015 to March 2016 I had 3 surgeries (one being a hysterectomy) and 3 rounds of chemo. Even though it’s been 6 months since my last chemo, there are days I can tell my body is still recovering from everything. It takes time for the body to recovery! It seem like an easy concept to understand, but it’s so hard when you “feel” good. I think our mind heals faster than our bodies. HA!

Great job on running 5 miles!!!!!! Here’s to many more miles!

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I can’t even fathom all that you have gone through this past year. I totally agree with your comment that the mind heals faster than our bodies. There are days when I think I will run ten miles but then my body renegotiates to two miles…oh well, maybe next time :) I pray for a speedy recovery for you!

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It’s so nice to see you post. Thank you so much for sharing what you’ve gone through. I am having some problems (though nowhere near as serious as yours) with my back and pelvis after pregnancy and trying to get back into running is really difficult. It is hard not to compare yourself to what you used to be able to do. Thanks for the reminder!

Also – your babies are adorable! I am seriously impressed that with two small children (as well as your other kiddos) you are not only able to get out and run, but to do so after a serious injury as well? You’re my hero.

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Running after kids is a whole new monster:) I applaud anyone that is trying. I hope you feel better soon!

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I have sciatic pain occasionally…usually when I don’t concentrate on doing proper squats during body pump but, I hate it. I CANNOT IMAGINE living with that pain and much more like you had to or anyone with back pain or any pain for that matter.

We often take our “good feeling” days for granted and need to appreciate what our bodies can do ~ especially pain free ~ more often.

I just bought a turtle necklace…instead of getting a turtle tattoo. It reminds me that even slow and steady gets you to where you want to be…just ask a turtle. ha! ;-)

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I love that! I need to get a turtle necklace too.

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I have only had minor pain issues, but I can imagine your relief after the surgery having no pain. How wonderful!! Being injured really makes us thankful for what we have. Best of luck on a full recovery, whatever that level may be for you!
You can write a post about hair care… you have beautiful hair!! Share the secrets! :)

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Thanks so much for your comment. I will get to work on a hair post :)

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As Janae knows, I’ve had several injuries and I 100% agree that patience is everything. It can be challenging to come back from an injury and not comparing yourself. I always try and remind myself, that it might take time but you will make it back there.

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So sorry you have had several injuries. Patience is so important and is easy to practice in theory but so much more difficult to practice in reality! Thanks for your comment and I hope you can be injury free in the future.

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Yes — perfect advise about coming back from an injury! Glad you are back to running. And cutest kiddos ever:-)

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Thank you!

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What a story! I definitely agree with your advice about what to do post injury. Your attitude makes me smile!

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You are so sweet….Thank you!

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I just want to kiss your little boys cute cheeks! So interesting read. I hurt my back like this in 2011. It has never quite been the same since. I am ok for now. I am curious as to who your Doctor was? I would like to write the name down in my address book in case this is me in 5 years lol… Did you like walking? After my run, I walk for a couple of miles and I love it! And I also just want to say, your hair is GORGEOUS. I also want your stylists #. :)

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I am constantly kissing their cute little cheeks. I just can’t help myself. As far as the doctor I saw, he is a neurosurgeon. I am so sorry you have had a similar experience. It is definitely a hard recovery. I enjoy walking a lot more than I used too. Before my surgery I could barely get from point A to point B, so gaining back the ability to walk was huge! I am going to start working on a hair post next :) Thanks for your comment!

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Pushing kids while running…………….don’t think I could do it! And I have to remember to be careful with my back, too. During the spring and summer at work (I work with penguins!) I am cleaning buckets of rocks and hauling them back and forth almost every day. If I try to do too many in one day I will end up hurting the next day…………..back pain sucks. It makes the simplest things so painful…………….I don’t know how you could manage it.

I think you should post funny kid stories!

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What a cool job! My kids always love the penguins the most when l take them to the aquarium. I will for sure post funny stories:)

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That is so amazing that you can be back at running! Welcome back:)
I’d really would like to read how do you balance your active life while having kids!

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Thank you! I will work on writing a post about how I try to balance my life but I am definitely not an expert :)

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I love when Janae mentions you on the blog, so I’m super excited you’ll be writing on here as well. I can’t believe you endured all that, during pregnancies and taking care of little ones. We have twins and I can’t imagine taking care of them while having to deal with back issues. Thanks so much for this post. I have had huge back problems and they got worse this past summer. It progressed to a herniated disc and it’s been 4 weeks now. The doctor recommended surgery, but I’m so afraid so I’m choosing to take the steroid shots first. Did you do that at all? Seeing you go through it helps so much. Btw, you are so gorgeous without make-up, so no need to do hair and makeup before selfies. I love seeing your family; your kids are beautiful!

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I just want to give you a big hug. I am so sorry you are going through this and with twins! I did try the steroid shots. I will be praying for you! Also thank you for your comment.

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Thank you so much for your prayers! You always amaze me with your kindness (through Janae’s stories)! My twins are in elementary school now, thank goodness. However, I can’t imagine what you must have gone through with two pregnancies and taking care of two little ones through all of this.

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Your kids are soooo cute.Glad you’re back to running and I totally get it.Just live in the moment and don’t worry about how far or how fast-you are out there and moving!!Double get it since I pulled a hamstring (one with an old injury) randomly while strength training…something I thought we were supposed to do to supplement all the other stuff I do.D’oh!!!Is taking forever to rehab but I am happy for whatever I can do.
I want to know how you fit it all in…you are amazing!!

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That stinks! I hate when I injure myself when trying to do things to help me avoid injury. Its just not right! Hope you recover quickly!

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Congrats on your 5 miles! That is a HUGE achievement! Your post is really helpful. I’ve been placed on some very restricted activity during my pregnancy. It has been 17 weeks since I was allowed to run and I have a week or two more until my baby arrives. I’m worried about the recovery because I know that I’m not in the same shape as before. I appreciate your perspective on this!

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Congrats on your upcoming baby! Three of my five pregnancies I had physical restrictions, so I totally understand. Good luck on your upcoming delivery!

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My husband can relate to your back story 100%. Years ago he had lifted something while turning and messed his back up. He would have flares up of pain that would eventually subside. But then one day he got up from a chair and it was downhill. Finally after a MRI they discovered he had a herniated disc that was affecting his nerves down his left leg to the point of dragging it. After his surgery, when he woke up, he immediately told me no longer had the pain. Best decision ever! To strengthen his leg, hips, butt, and back again he started doing squats, lunges, and pushups and he’s not had an issue since. Best wishes on your recovery!

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He is my back twin! His story sounds way too familiar. I have started strength training for my legs. They are so weak though that after a couple of squats they feel like spaghetti. Oh well….I guess patience in this too.

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THAT. VIDEO. <3

I think as woman we always have such a force within us to be the best so I can relate to the constant competition with myself. Its a mind game to check yourself and your goals! You should be very proud of all you have done with your body and you are now showing your thanks to it by taking recovery seriously and listening to yourself. I was in a car accident a little over 10 years ago that gave me severe whiplash and messed my back alignment up so bad that I still have problems sitting for long periods of time and it locks up every now and then. What helped me (and continues to help) is YOGA. Wow can I tell a difference when I don't practice for a week or so.

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Thanks so much for your encouragement! Sitting for long periods of time is the worst. I avoid it at all costs! A few people have told me to try yoga, so I actually just bought a video to start doing at home :)

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Such a great mom. You make having a family look soo great and something to look forward to. Keep pushing; this is the kick i needed to stop feeling sorry for myself. If you can push yourself to run after all you have been through, I have no excuse as to why running is too “hard”. Good for you girl. I love your guest posts!

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You just made my day….thanks for your encouragement!

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It’s great to see you writing on this blog, since Janae talks about you and your kiddos a bunch. I’m really REALLY curious how you get your hair to look AMAZING when you have all the kiddos to take care of. So, any chance of posting on how you do your hair and how you find the time? I only have one little guy and I’ve styled my hair maybe 3 times since he was born, almost a year ago! I just always seem to have something else more important to do.

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I will start working on that hair post. Thanks for your comment!

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My husband was going through this at a similar time (I think!). He hurt it at CrossFit and finally got the surgery and feels much better! No more pain or numbness, and he hasn’t gone back to CrossFit either, he is training for his first marathon instead! I am glad you are both recovering. :)

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Wow! Good for him! Let me know how his marathon goes. I am hoping to do that one day :)

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I’ve been running with a double jogger with my twins lately. I just have to forget about pace and distance and just run because it keeps me happy, and they love being outside.
I would love to hear more about how you get you kiddos to sleep through the night. I’m struggling pretty bad with this right now.
Love that you’re posting on here now!!!

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That is awesome that you are running with your twins! Thanks for your comment :)

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I had sciatica and piriformus muscle issues after my daughter was born. I tweaked something doing Body Pump and a nagging pain got worse and worse until I lost the ability to walk and ended up in the ER. After a couple weeks on crutches, physical therapy, and chiropractic care I started slowly getting back to running. I actually did C25K at first to ease into it.

Now another kiddo and a couple years later I ran a half marathon on the 9th and PR’d at a 10K on the 15th. I run with the jogging stroller about once a week. Like someone else recommended- switching hands helps a ton. Good luck! I am glad you’re getting your health and fitness back

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You are an inspiration to me! Congrats on your PR!!!

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Amazing! You have overcome so much :) If you’re up for ever sharing what you’ve been through personally in terms of your previous divorce, that would be something that I think would be helpful to read as well. And how you met your husband!
You have a great outlook on life and your positive approach would be some amazing inspiration to others. It’s completely understandable to not want to overshare too.

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Thanks so much for your comment. I will definitely have to do a post on how I met my husband. Have a great day :)

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You are amazing! Congrats on 5 miles!

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Thank you!

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Very happy to see you on the blog. My son and your second youngest who I have named Super Smiles are only a few months apart. With another one on the way now I would love to hear about how you handle prioritizing exercise or what your family does to stay fit that you can include the littlest ones in. I do use the jogging stroller but not sure how likely that will be as my pregnancy progresses. Also Janae posts a lot about dinners at your house. It would be great if you could share some healthy, kid-friendly recipes.

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Super smiles is a perfect nickname. Thanks for your thoughts on future posts. It helps to know what people want to read. I will keep those in mind :)

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Wow thank you for this post. I needed to read this- I just had an emergency surgery for my umbilical hernia and it’s been a week. I’m back at work already even though the doc gave me 2 weeks to just rest at home- (didn’t have enough leave time!) so I am taking it very slow and easy.
It was hard to know that I won’t be running the next two races that I’ve already signed up for and the last major one- my second marathon….. just when I thought I was on a good running routine, this happened :(
I was wondering how the recovery would go and when and how it would feel when I get back to running again. I’ll take your advice and go super easy. It’ll be hard not to compare myself to the old me but I’ll do my best!!!

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So sorry to hear about your emergency surgery. Running/ racing setbacks are so hard. I’ll be hoping for a speedy recovery for you!

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Awesome guest post! I am so impressed with your spirit and drive.

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Thank you!

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I would love to hear how you function at life in general worth five kids! I have a 14 month old and am expecting #2 in March. We would like to have 3 or 4 so I want to know what I’m in for! Lol. My husband works a ton and our family is far away, so I would love some tips!

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Congratulations on #2! I will start putting together some tips :)

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I think this applies to when you’re getting back into healthy living as well. I used to be a yoga teacher and loved yoga. Then, life got in the way of fitness and I got out of shape. It is so hard not to compare myself now to the old me, and it gets in the way of getting back into fitness. This is really great advice, and an excellent post! It’s nice to see you writing for the blog!

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Thank you for your great insight!

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…and hence why I’ll always ask the ikea guys to assemble furniture for me!

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HaHa! Unfortunately I have learned my lesson the hard way :)

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You’re children are absolutely adorable. I enjoy your funny/real perspective and your guest posts!!

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Thank you! They are pretty adorable :)

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Love reading you on the blog always love when you and your gorgeous family are included!! Also where did you get the cute t shirt with that written on the hem???? Must have !!

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Thank you! It is a nike shirt :)

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SO happy you are posting! I love seeing your cute kiddos and how you and Janae are alike and different. Congratulations on your 5 miles and staying so positive and committed in your journey. I would enjoy hearing your workout regime when you’re not running and what your meals consist of.

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Thank you! All of the kind comments have made my day. Its always a little scary to write your personal life on the internet :) So I really appreciate all of the nice comments. I will start working on a what I eat post.

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thank you so much for your advice on this! it is awesome that you ran 5 miles :) i’m having an operation in May which should put me out of running for at least two months, and i’ve been terrified about all the fitness I know i’m going to lose while not running. thanks for making it seem not so scary :)

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Your welcome! I hope everything goes well during your operation and you recover quickly! Thanks for your comment :)

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You are one tough lady! Patience is definitely key… but SO hard at the same time! I love running with my double stroller but it sure would extra strain on your back. Good idea for the hubs to push it a little longer :) Family runs are my favorite!

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They are my favorite too! Thanks for your comment :)

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Congrats on being able to run again! This is all such good advice for someone experiencing an injury… it’s so hard to be patient w/ our body & let it heal.
Not to be a creeper, but that pic of you in the hospital w/ no makeup (ha ha & a tube in your nose!) is just gorgeous! You look beautiful w/o makeup!

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HaHa! I’m pretty sure I angled the camera just right and the lighting happened to be perfect when I took that selfie:) Thank you for the compliment.

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Thank you for this post! You, and your mom and sister all seem like such strong women. I haven’t struggled with an injury yet, but I have had a lot of setbacks this training cycle, and patience has definitely been key in getting me through everything. Patience and faith in myself that I am doing the best I can in the present helps me to keep trying everyday…even when I would much rather stay in bed eating gummy worms.

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So sorry for your setbacks. Life seems to like to teach us all about patience. Way to go on not giving up. That takes a lot of strength!

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I loved your post and have a deep appreciation and respect for you being a mom of 5 children..I know it is a 24 hour job.

P.S. You are drop dead gorgeous…inside and out.

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You are very nice. Thank you so much!

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Yay! Love when Hungry Runner Sis posts!! Would love to see more of your day to day happenings like Janae posts and would really LOVE to hear more about how you eat to stay so lean and if it changes at all when you are not able to exercise. I am envious of your ability to stay trim while still enjoying plenty of fun foods (or at least that is how it appears from some previous posts). Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Also, have you ever found yourself needing to lose a few extra lbs? How did you do it? Thanks!!! So happy your back is better!!!

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Thanks for all of the post ideas. I will definitely post on my eating:) Have a great day

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Thank you for the post! Its good to hear from you! I enjoyed reading your story and I’m so happy things are improving and you’re running! I hope it only gets better!

I would love to hear about your daily activities with your kids. How do you balance everything??

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Thanks for reading the story. I was worried it was too long :) I will start working on a daily life post. Have a great day!

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Great post, Sissy! It’s always a great day when you guest post on Janaes blog! Start your own blog already! Ok ok I know you are just a tad busy these days :) So glad to see you are healing. Hugs from Michigan!

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Hugs right back at you :) Thanks for your encouragement!

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Sissy- Thanks for writing, I truly enjoy your guest post :) I’m so glad to hear you are healing. I am a chiropractor so I
am very familiar with the injury you had to your nerve and I am So happy that surgery was successful! All the best!

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Thank you! Not being in constant pain has been a huge blessing :)

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It is so good to hear from you!!! I’m glad you are recovering. Although we love Janae, we love you, too! And it sounds like both of you are being smarter about your running. Good for you! Keep in touch and enjoy your beautiful family! xoxo

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Thank you! I am so glad to be in the recovery stage of this injury and want to keep it that way :)

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Thank you for sharing this- I am totally in a similar situation and have been looking for someone who understands and has a successful running comeback! I herniated my disc last December and the sciatic nerve pain was unbearable- I totally understand, except I have no idea how you went through it with two kids. I am just now trying to get back into running, but I don’t completely trust my body, as you said. I’d love to hear more updates on your continual recovery.

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Great post! Congrats on getting back to running!!! I can’t imagine being in so much pain and so glad that surgery was so successful.
I can totally relate to your experience with injury/recovery. As a runner, I’ve had my share of stress fractures/muscle strains/plantar fasciitis…. But I had three major separate injuries that required me to take quite some time off from life and running — a broken shoulder, a broken femur and a broken vertebra. Each time, there was always a little bit of fear…what would I do with my time? How will I “define” myself? Will I lose all my fitness? I even worried about my low runners heart rate (mid 40s) increasing!!! So silly.
But I found that during each recovery period, I did whatever I could….whether it was walking, strength training, yoga…swimming.
And I found that each time I’ve been able to find a new *joy* in running….maybe because when you absolutely cannot, you appreciate being able. Just like life, there are ebbs and flows in your exercise routines…and what I always think is that at any given time, you just define your ‘new normal’.

I cannot even imagine running with a stroller…..but every time I see someone with one…I am humbled and reminded that I have no right to complain about being tired!!! That is truly bada$$!!!

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I run with a stroller (BOB) 4 times a week… So, all my runs! :) Once I accepted that my pace was just going to be slower with the stroller, I have really come to enjoy it! I also switch off arms like another comment mentioned above. It’s hard, but training uphills with a stroller makes running a hill during a race feel like nothing!

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OMG YOURE AMAZING. I had no idea that you had been dealing with this. WOW. You are so tough. I can imagine how hard it is coming back to running and getting back in shape- but what joy to live life without pain. ;-) I’ll pray for your continued recovery and the happiest road back to running. You have such great perspective- just like your lil sis.

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I used to push my twins in our double stroller… They are 2 now and my goodness it is so hard that I usually leave the pushing to my husband! I personally haven’t made a running comeback from a major injury but I have returned to fitness after pregnancy and so I think your ability to bounce back after surgery AND pregnancy is absolutely incredible! Your tips are spot on, I especially agree that it is best not to compare, I can sometimes get sucked into that!

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What an incredible post! I have to admit I was a little reluctant to read that Janae would be handing over some of the posting to someone else, but, duh, you are sisters, so obviously you are incredible and humble and amazing and resilient just like your inspirational and wonderful sister. You is good peeps! That comes across so much in your honest, self-deprecating tone, and I love your humor! Way to go for making it through this far, I would really, really struggle if I were in a similar position. I can’t imagine how much you have on your plate right now–I have a 4 year old boy and a 16 month old boy and I feel exhausted by just that, so you are truly my hero. I’m sure you have hard days, but you sure are an inspiration. You are also just as gorgeous as your sister! Mwa, love ya, Sissy!

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Sis,

Thanks for your insights on recovery from something that has such a personal impact on you and how you are seeking to deal with it. I had a major heart attack last February (at a fairly young age) and am learning such things myself. I want to “run ahead” in my recovery, but it just doesn’t work that way. Thankfully, God is giving me forbearance to keep moving forward and not throw in the towel. I, too, am self-competitive, but it is good to learn to pull back on the reins.

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THANK YOU FOR THIS!!! I was an avid runner until I injured my low back in July! A few years ago, I was running very malnourished and really damaged my bones and probably my whole body. I think those years of running like that caught up to me, and my low back just does not stay in place. Whenever I run, I have a shooting pain since a bone is collapsing on a nerve. Right now I am focusing on reformer pilates and spinning classes to really avoid impact, and also regularly seeing a chiropractor. I’ve said since July that I am NEVER running again, since when I was a runner I was constantly getting injured and this was kind of the breaking straw. How long did it take for you to get back into running? Do you still get nervous of something happening to it? I really am worried and really do want to try to get back into it, but your back is NEVER something you want to hurt!!

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You have such an amazing attitude! You will be/ are stronger in so many ways having gone through this <3

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Thank you so much for sharing your story! I had back pain for years and it was causing numbness, tightness, and excruciating nerve pain down my right leg. It spasmed so much last month that i fell out of bed and the disc herniated enough that my Neurologist recommended a microdisketomy. I’m one month out from surgery, and despite the limitations (you’re right, when all you’re allowed to do is walk, you’ll walk SO far!) I am so so so much happier than before when i was in pain all the time. I cant believe i lived with it for so long and thought it was “ok”.

Hearing that you are back running again, AND had a healthy pregnancy while recovering….that gives me so much hope for my own recovery and how much i can get back of my previous athletic life! I hear you on the fear too though- when i see people on TV skiing or doing extreme crossfit or anything….it sends a shudder through me! I cant imagine how fearful i will be when i add strenuous activity back in!

Stay healthy and thank you again for sharing! i hope you’ll continue to update us on your progress as you add activities

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this is awesome really awesome.. thanks…

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Yay! welcome to the blog!

It’s been a super hard couple of years for you clearly, but it looks like you’re finally out the other side! congrats!

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