The Injured Athletes Club: Recent Episodes
Carrie Jackson and Cindy Kuzma
We’re sorry you’re here, but we’re glad you’re with us! If you’re lucky enough to call yourself an athlete, chances are you’ve been injured. One of the biggest challenges of injury is facing recovery alone. Now, you don’t have to. Mental skills coach Carrie Jackson and journalist Cindy Kuzma interview athletes about how they've coped with sports injuries and come out stronger on the other side. And, Carrie shares some of the mental skills and drills she teaches injured athletes—tools you can use to stay positive and resilient during your recovery. Not only can these strategies help you bounce back stronger from injury, you can use them to rebound from any setback in your sport—or in life.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ How do I deal with expectations around timelines?”
—Every injured athlete, ever
In season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries. And for our season finale, she tackles an issue that’s come up from more than one person: how to manage when recovery takes longer than you’d like.
So many injured athletes have had the experience of latching onto an initial timeline given by a doctor, physical therapist, or other medical professional—then feeling let down and defeated when their bodies have a different idea of the pace of healing.
As Coach Carrie says frequently: “ Your recovery never goes as quickly as you want it to because you don't want to be injured in the first place.” But through acceptance, patience, and loosening your grip on your expectations, you can honor what your body truly needs and move forward toward your rebound.
Resources/links:
- The Injured Athletes Club journals
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ Surgeries one through three, there is still this fear around weight gain and therefore restriction. And I think part of me wants to know, is that a major factor in why I didn't heal well? I'm not going to dwell on that or guilt-trip myself over it; it's in the past. But it was also an opportunity for surgeries four and onward, to say: ‘Let's take a different approach. Let's nourish to heal. Let's not feed to skate by.’”
Tatum Vedder was heading into her last year of collegiate volleyball, playing in a co-ed tournament, when she took a rough landing and had to be carried off the court. What she thought might be a couple of seasons away turned into six surgeries and what she eventually came to see would be a lifelong change.
Tatum had already been studying nutrition, but it wasn’t until she began this ordeal that she had an aha moment about the impact of fueling on injury recovery. She learned to shift from a place of fear and restriction to one of compassion and nourishment. Not only did that improve her healing process, it shaped her career—now, she’s a registered dietitian who specializes in helping other injured athletes nourish their comebacks, too.
Her story touches on identity shifts, asking for help, managing shifting timelines, and ultimately finding equilibrium through life's ups and downs.
Resources/links:
- Tatum’s Instagram and website
- Olympic Beach Volleyball Player Casey Patterson: New Ways to Win
- Eating During Injury Recovery: Webinar Recording
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ I’ve unfortunately faced a series of surgeries and setbacks over the last few years. While I feel like I have a supportive group of friends, I don’t feel like my primary coach has been that understanding of the mental toll that this has taken on me or how to navigate a game plan through my recovery, even though she’s successfully done that in the past with me as injuries have come up. She doesn’t feel approachable to talk to and rarely reaches out to me. While I know she isn’t my therapist, I feel like I should be able to have honest conversations with her. When I’m not injured, I normally spend several hours a week 1:1 with her during my lessons. Every time I’ve approached her to sit down and discuss goals, she has objected saying that we cannot set goals with the unknowns of injury and recovery. I don’t know if I need to sit down and have a conversation, or just find a different coaching team, even though we’ve worked together for over 10 years. Any suggestions on how to navigate this?"
—Kat
In season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
Kat isn’t alone in having conflicts with a coach during an injury—it can be particularly challenging when someone you’re counting on to support you doesn’t show up for you in the way you’d hoped.
Navigating these dynamics may require a hard conversation and what Coach Carrie calls radical honesty: Explaining clearly how you’re feeling and channeling curiosity and non-judgment to find out her side of the story, and how you can both move forward.
Resources/links:
- Our book Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ It really helped me as a coach to be able to look at my athletes and remind them, it doesn't have to be about a PR, doesn't have to be about the best day you wanted, but it can be—if you're healthy—about the best day you have that day. And that can be celebrated, that can be fun, even if it isn't the outcome you would've ideally written in your book.”
Becki Spellman has had a long, successful career in distance running—she qualified for her first Olympic Marathon Trials in 2008 and her fourth in 2020. In that time, she’s dealt with her fair share of setbacks, including two Achilles surgeries, diastasis recti, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, and more.
As she shares in this week’s episode, she’s come to realize that the ups and downs are all part of the sport. As an athlete, her injuries have taught her about her body, her motivation, and ultimately, her resilience. As a coach, she’s learned how to guide others through both the postpartum period and injury-related setbacks, helping find the root cause of their problems and rebuild so they can get back to doing what they love.
Becki is on the upswing now—she just won the Cap City Half Marathon on April 27 in 1:23:09. But at this point, her race times don’t define her; showing up, even when you’re far from your best, can be just as joyful and rewarding, she’s found. (And, she’s also found the LEVER system to be a critical part of both her rehab and her training—she shares more about how she uses it and why she continually recommends it to her athletes.)
Resources/links:
- Recording of The Injured Athletes Club Recovery Summit: The Athlete's Toolkit
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! As you heard Becki describe, the LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“With overuse injuries especially, how do you help injured athletes recognize what to take ownership for, and what was out of their control? For example, one's weightlifting form may have led them to injury. Shame and guilt can be common emotions here, which are not helpful to our recovery, but how do we recognize what causal factors to take ownership of in a healthy way?”
—Clark
“If a series of acute injuries are a consequence of a chronic condition, how can you ever live without fear of reinjury or, perhaps worse, self-blame? Asking for a friend.”
—Jennifer
In season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries—and this week, it’s a twofer, with questions about exploring your own role in your injury
It’s common to search for answers after you get hurt, and while it makes sense to consider the factors that contributed, self-blame and self-flagellation do nothing to speed your recovery. Instead, they produce feelings of shame and a sense of being stuck in the past.
Instead, Coach Carrie recommends reframing injury as an inherent risk you face as an athlete. Have compassion for yourself, knowing that of course, you would’ve made different choices if you knew in advance what the outcome would be. And, she suggests ways to rebalance fear of re-injury by being clear and deliberate about how you’re rebuilding.
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ That's how I learn life. I look at it, I visualize myself doing it, and then I execute. And if it doesn't feel right, I can feel it. I can see it, almost like a third person's view. That's the way I've approached life; that's the way I've been able to really reel in on what I'm good at and what I'm not good at.”
Ryan Medrano has faced his share of challenges—he was born with mild cerebral palsy, which caused motor and cognitive delays, and was often bullied as a child because of it. But as he learned to walk and read social signals, he gained knowledge about himself and the world that would eventually allow him to excel in sports and life.
He met previous podcast guest Noelle Lambert when both were cast members on season 43 of Survivor. Noelle—who was already competing in para track & field —convinced Ryan he, too, should return to the sport (he’d run in high school) at the elite level. And within two years, he’d won a silver medal at World Championships, gold at the ParaPan American Games, and two silvers, in the T38 100 meters and 400 meters, at the Paralympics in Paris.
All that success came despite frequently competing in pain related to his disability—his mental game, including his use of imagery and self-talk, has long been incredibly strong. But as his athletic career continues, he’s learning more about his body and what it needs to recover well and feel good. And along the way, he shares his passion with the next generation through his work as a motivational speaker.
Resources/links:
- Ryan’s Instagram, TikTok
- Episode 145 with Noelle Lambert
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ How do you stay patient when the doctor says you’re doing too much? Mentally I get so down.”
—Kathy
In season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
This week, she empathizes with Kathy’s conundrum—most injured athletes aren’t happy with the pace of their recovery, because they don’t want to be injured in the first place. But patience is essential, and the way to cultivate it is to recognize it for the strength and power that it holds.
Critical steps include letting go of comparisons and judging yourself not on where you hoped you’d be or where others are, but on where your body is today, right now. Breathe, focus on what you can control, and adjust your goals as needed to match your current reality, and soon enough, you’ll find yourself soaring beyond them.
Resources/links:
- Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
”What went through my mind—I was 19 at the time, my birthday was the prior month—was, oh my goodness, is my life over in terms of being able to live my dream? Because hockey, for me, wasn't just a sport. It was a gateway to do better in all facets of life.”
Tom Smith doesn’t like the word “impossible.” After all, time after time, he’s beaten the odds. After a paralyzing spinal cord injury during a hockey game, some doctors didn’t think he would walk again—but he found a team that believed he could not only walk but skate. Nine months later, he returned to the ice.
His extensive rehab strengthened his body so much that he had no more risk of another injury than any other athlete. But the unthinkable happened, again, when he hit the boards during hockey practice. He found himself back in the hospital relearning to walk, having injured a completely different part of his spine.
Once again, extensive therapy restored much of his function. Then, to complete what he calls his “unwanted hat trick,” a car accident on the way to physical therapy damaged his thoracic spine.
It took three years, but he learned to walk once again; in the process, he found his life’s purpose. Now, he’s the co-founder and president of the Thomas E. Smith Foundation, which works to change the lives of those living with spinal cord injury and paralysis. And earlier this month, he walked the Boston Marathon for the seventh time, raising awareness and funds for paralysis along the way.
Resources/links:
- Tom’s Instagram
- The Thomas E. Smith Foundation
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ When you're injured and beginning to rejoin group rides/workouts, how do you let other riders know you're not at 100%? I'm thinking specifically of gravel and mountain biking. I have trouble clipping out quickly, and am currently overly cautious. I want to ride in the very back, but sometimes there are other people ALSO trying to ride in the back. I know people don't want/need to hear my ‘woe is me' injury story, but I also don't want to be a hazard!”
—Whitney
In season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries. This week, she addresses returning to sport, and how to do so safely and respectfully when other people are involved.
Coach Carrie applauds Whitney for her courage in getting back out there and her conscientiousness in being aware of others’ needs. Balancing it all out might take a little coordination and communication before the ride, either electronically or in person. This can feel uncomfortable at first, she acknowledges—but in the end, it’s the best way to clarify expectations and help everyone have the best day possible.
Resources/links:
- Recording of The Injured Athletes Club Recovery Summit: The Athlete's Toolkit
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
“ When you give yourself permission to explore your identity, you will start to realize that being an athlete is an important part of who you are, but it is not all that you are. When you develop other areas of your identity, it can sometimes open up your performance in ways that were never available to you before.”
As we discuss frequently in The Injured Athletes Club, injury brings a rollercoaster of emotions. But often, one of the most destabilizing feelings is the question of identity: Who am I without my sport?
In this host-ful episode, Coach Carrie explains how common it is for injured athletes to realize they haven’t worked on developing any other parts of themselves—or any other coping mechanisms—beyond their sport.
A strong athletic identity can be an asset for performance and for injury recovery, but an all-encompassing one can stand in the way of reaching your potential. Coach Carrie explains some of the ways to tell the difference. And, she offers both permission and a blueprint for finding the parts of you that will allow you to truly shine, inside your sport and out.
Resources/links:
- Coach Carrie and Cindy Go FAR
- Pro Runner Millie Paladino: Climbing the Mountain of Recovery
- Professional Soccer Player Civana Kuhlmann: Strength in Vulnerability
- Gymnast and Personal Trainer Mia Lazarewicz: On Identity, Hope, and Humanity
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“Besides feed the athlete/feed the monster, are there other ways to reframe and build confidence with that day-to-day overwhelm in month 3 and beyond?”
Allison
In season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
This week, listener Allison wants advice on self-talk and other confidence-builders as she moves into the long-term stretch of her rehab—and Coach Carrie delivers advice that will help any athlete riding the emotional rollercoaster of a lengthy recovery.
Learn how to coach yourself through the times you think you can’t continue; why Coach Carrie recommends going to the BAR (but no, not for a drink); and what a sticky note can do to help you reframe your experience and redefine success.
Resources/links:
- The official Injured Athletes Club gear shop
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ I woke up in the hospital and told everybody that this isn't gonna define me. I'm going to be playing lacrosse again. But there was always that what-if in the back of my head; I didn't really know if it would be possible. Having amputees sit across from me and hearing everything that they've been through … they were telling me that I'd be able to live an active lifestyle. I would be able to do whatever I wanted to with my life. And if I really wanted to, that I would be able to play lacrosse again.”
Noelle Lambert was a collegiate lacrosse player at UMass Lowell when she had a moped accident that changed everything. Her first thoughts, as she began to wrap her head around what happened, were of whether she’d have to give up sports—which, up until this point, her life had revolved around.
Her family and team rallied around her, and she had special visitors in the hospital: Survivors of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, who’d lost limbs and gone on to live active, full lives. Their example encouraged her, and though it took hard work, expensive equipment, and an emotional breakdown she talks about in this episode, Noelle would eventually return to playing lacrosse at the Division 1 level.
After graduation, she transitioned to para track and field, swiftly breaking records and earning trips to the Paralympics in Tokyo and Paris. She’s also dabbled in snowboarding, been a contestant on Survivor, and has started her own non-profit, the Born to Run Foundation, which provides active prosthetics to others. She’s had plenty of self-doubt along the way, as she shares, but she’s learned to turn it into fuel for each new adventure.
Resources/links:
- Noelle’s website, Instagram, and TikTok
- The Injured Athletes Club Facebook support group
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ Just after recovering from being hit by a truck over the summer and breaking a bunch of bones, I got to start running again only to slam my ankle into a table and now I can’t even walk. It’s possibly just a bone bruise but the pain is radiating through my entire leg and I’m so angry this happened to me just after I got better.
Everything is just fifty thousand times worse. I don’t get along with those closest to me, I have so much more conflict with family and friends because nobody understands what I’m going through and nobody is even that nice. Does anyone else feel like their relationships all turn into s--t when they get injured?”
—Emmie
In season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
This week, listener Emmie shares her challenges with her friends and family as she deals with a setback in her recovery. Coach Carrie explains how anger is like a mushroom—both have deep and complex roots—and why digging down is important, not just for your relationships but for yourself.
She also advises on how to ask for the help you need and what to do when those around you can’t provide it. Sometimes, it’s because they simply don’t understand, but they’ll listen and learn. In other cases, it’s beyond their capabilities. But that’s why it’s critical to build a whole team of support to buoy you through the darkest days.
Resources/links:
- Past episode: Coach Carrie and Cindy Build Your Team
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ The biggest change that I've had to make in myself is, you don't always have to be progressing. I feel like there's this huge push to be able to run faster, run farther, lift heavier, just do more all the time. But it doesn't necessarily have to be that way to reap all the benefits of health and fitness that come along with cardio and with strength training.”
Physical therapist and strength coach Dr. Susie Spirlock has always been a healthy, active person. But after she got sick with COVID in the fall of 2020, everything changed; her resting heart rate soared, she lost fitness and muscle mass, and her missing sense of smell and taste made it difficult to eat.
Some—but not all—of those symptoms faded as she recovered, and she had to work her way through the complex medical system before getting a startling new set of diagnoses. At the same time, she was starting her own virtual physical therapy and rehab practice, Move Your Bones, and posting educational content on social media.
All this made for a lot of cognitive dissonance and self-doubt. But step by step, with flexibility and grace, she rebuilt her fitness routine to meet her biggest goals: Training for life. Although the physical and psychological challenges aren’t over for her, she’s learned to adapt and thrive, and her practice teaches others with injuries and illnesses to do the same.
Resources/links:
- Dr. Susie’s Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube
- The website for her practice, Move Your Bones
- How to Safely Exercise With POTS, According to Experts: an article Cindy wrote, quoting Dr. Susie, for SELF
- Navigating the Medical System webinar
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“How can I cope with treadmill anxiety? Coming off of a mild ankle fracture, my first few weeks I was back up to speed. Lately, as soon as I go anywhere over a jog, I feel panicky, like I'm going to fall and have to slow down. I feel relatively sure it is all mental—but I’m wondering if you have any tips.” —Jennifer
In season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
This week, Coach Carrie addresses Jennifer’s question about coping with treadmill anxiety as she returns to running. The reaction to increasing speed and intensity is an understandable one, she notes—the brain is trying to protect the body. And it’s possible to work with your brain, not against it, to move forward.
To do so, start where you do feel comfortable and coach yourself forward. Provide reassuring messages as you gradually pick up the pace. Take time to make sure you’re breathing. And have patience—your confidence will build as you reconnect important pathways between your brain and body.
Resources/links:
- Download the recording of The Injured Athletes Club Recovery Summit: The Athlete's Toolkit
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
"Actionable goals build. It's a mountain—recovery is a mountain. Think about the stops on that mountain that you need to make to get to the top.”
Millie Paladino had a successful, relatively injury-free collegiate career in running at West Virginia University and then Providence College, where she ran distances from 800 meters to 3,000 meters and was an all-American in the mile.
She turned pro and joined Team New Balance, and in 2021, made the final in the U.S. Olympic Track & Field Trials in the 5,000 meters. But in the lead-up, a slowly developing injury began worsening, until in 2023 she had extensive surgery to correct a problem called Haglund’s deformity, a bony growth on the heel that can damage the Achilles tendon.
Her recovery was longer than anticipated, changing her goals and challenging her spirit. But even on the more difficult days, Millie found ways to show up for her teammates and herself, developing a whole new appreciation for the person she was off the track. She invested in her relationships and even went back to school for urban planning (tune in to her about her cool running-related school project!).
Resources/links:
- Millie’s Instagram
- Download the video for The Injured Athletes Club Recovery Summit: The Athlete's Toolkit
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I tore my ACL last April; it’s been very challenging. Do you have any ideas on how to make the recovery process fun? Also, why do I feel so lost and confused without my sport—what should I do with this feeling?
—Ava
In season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
This week, in response to Ava, she reiterates one of the key messages of The Injured Athletes Club: That you are still an athlete, and recovery is now your sport. And the first part of that recovery is feeling your feelings, not pushing them aside or denying they exist. To help, Coach Carrie recommends writing down your thoughts (in an Injured Athletes Club journal, if you like!).
As for adding fun to your routine, she suggests asking your PT if you mix up your exercises a bit. You can also set specific goals in rehab—ones that excite you—and plan celebrations for when you hit them. Finally, Coach Carrie suggests finding a goal buddy, who can make your journey both more exciting and more meaningful as you go through the tough stuff together.
Resources/links:
- Order your Injured Athletes Club journal!
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ I don't really want to be who I was before I was injured. In a lot of ways, I'm thankful to a place that just completely broke me, just brought me to some really low points. That's when I was able to grasp my faith or what it was, which is my personal worth. It has absolutely nothing to do with a soccer field or anything of the sort. Just learning that my worth and my fulfillment comes solely through my faith has been something that will go so much farther through life than soccer ever could.”
Civana Kuhlmann started playing soccer at a young age and quickly excelled, consistently playing on the youth national team beginning in eighth grade. From childhood through her sophomore year at Stanford, she faced no serious injuries.
But that all changed when she tore her ACL during preseason before her junior year. After surgery, she had to support the team in a whole different way as they reached, and then won, the NCAA championship.
After that, Civana went through several additional procedures for her meniscus and hips; she’s now had a total of seven surgeries. Throughout, she faced pivotal moments of learning to advocate for herself in the face of physical pain. As skilled as they are, doctors aren’t inside your body, she points out—athletes must trust their intuition and communicate their needs during recovery.
Through her physical and mental setbacks, including the emotional impact of losing her friend Katie Meyer to suicide, Civana learned to redefine herself on and off the pitch. But though she realized her worth had nothing to do with her skills as an athlete, her love for the game persisted. Ultimately, she was drafted into the National Women’s Soccer League, where she’s currently a free agent.
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Resources/links:
- Civana’s Instagram and TikTok
- The first annual Coalition of Athletic Communities for Mental Health conference on Feb. 26-27, which Civana is helping organize
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ I have had the worst luck in the last two years. I had a knee replacement in April 2022 for a left knee that had at least 6 scopes over a 10-year + period and it was finally ready to be redone. At last, I would be pain-free. I worked extremely hard to rehab so I could get back on my mountain bike and on the ice. I did, eventually, but with a constant nagging pain. It turns out I had a fungal infection in the joint from the first surgery and now I am facing two major surgeries and possibly another knee replacement after that. I know you have a bunch of podcasts out there with athletes and their stories, but those types of stories don’t make me feel better, they make me feel jealous of their teams of helpers and everything else I don’t have. Maybe I am just so frustrated and tired of hearing about all the happy-ending stories. I know I have to keep positive and put in the work, I just feel exhausted. Rehab has been my sport for two years... any suggestions? I am open!”
—Josée
In season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
This week, we hear from listener Josée about struggling to absorb other athletes’ success stories. Coach Carrie reassures Josée that all these feelings are valid and normal, even when it’s no fun to go through them.
Taken the right way, these emotions can serve as messengers, Coach Carrie continues—pointing the way toward an area in which you need more support during your recovery. She also explains the concept of psychological flexibility and how accepting that you’re not always supposed to feel positive can, somewhat paradoxically, make the harder times feel easier to bear.
Resources/links:
- Navigating the Medical System webinar
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ Anybody I've met since I got hurt, I feel like they don't know me and that they can't know me. For people that I've become really close to since I got hurt—it almost hurts me to know that this person won't actually ever know who I am or who I was. They're meeting an entirely different person … there's a before and after, and a massive wall that separates them.”
As a seasoned personal trainer and co-owner of Amplify Fitness, a gym in Boston, Mia Lazarewicz is used to helping athletes and adult fitness enthusiasts on the road back from injury. However, little could prepare the lifelong athlete for her own life-altering accident—breaking both legs in a gymnastics flip gone wrong in 2023.
In the immediate aftermath, Mia faced uncertainty and anxiety. As the days and weeks wore on, she struggled with shifts in her identity, not to mention the financial repercussions of medical bills and keeping a small business afloat.
But though there have been many dark moments, she found joy in striving, humor in her struggles, a deep sense of gratitude for her community, and fulfillment in unexpected endeavors—including writing a book, Becoming a Personal Trainer. And though she still isn’t sure how much of her previous abilities she’ll recover, she’s never short of new goals that keep her striving (up next, maybe: a pull-up competition!).
Resources/links:
- Mia’s Instagram, website, and book
- The Medium post referenced, about her accident: A Comprehensive Review of Shattering Both Legs
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I am a soccer player, and I tore my labrum in my right hip. After trying physical therapy for 4 months, I ended up needing surgery. I am a couple months post-op, feeling much better now, and can see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, however I am still having trouble being around soccer. Every time I go to support my team, it doesn’t even feel like mine anymore. I’m very excited to play again, but I’m scared that I will have been left behind and scared I'm not going to be the player I was before. How can I cope with the fact that I’m most likely not going to be able to play for the next 6 months and how can I get to the point where I can be around soccer again without being heartbroken?”
—Olivia
In season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
This week, she addresses a dilemma faced by Olivia, a soccer player. Coach Carrie assures her—and all the listeners—that it's perfectly normal to feel both supportive of their team and heartbroken about being unable to participate fully in their sport. This duality of emotions is part of the journey, and understanding this can aid in emotional healing.
Coach Carrie urges athletes to remember that they are still an essential part of their team, even if their current role is different. As she explains, focusing on recovery is a vital contribution to the team. While it might feel like you're not contributing in the usual way, dedicating yourself to healing is indeed a critical and supportive part of team success.
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ I never lost my ability to breathe. I never lost completely my ability to swallow. We had to adjust things for a little while. But I am a huge believer that being as fit at that moment as I was going to be all year—I needed that to get through what I got through and to be able to get up and moving again so quickly.”
Lynn Rogers had completed one IRONMAN triathlon and was training for another when her hands started to go numb. Next, it was her feet and her tongue. In the end, she’d be paralyzed from the chest down—the consequence of a progressive, chronic autoimmune disease called chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP).
Lynn entered rehab at the very hospital where she was working as a brain scientist, and though she regained her ability to walk and eventually to run, that was just the first step along a very long and bumpy road.
Through it all—successful treatments and failed ones, daily symptoms like numb and tingling hands and feet interspersed with more serious flares—she’s continued competing. But now, her training is infused with a far greater purpose. She credits the fitness and functionality she had when she got sick for facilitating her recovery, and the joy and community she finds in sport for making each day all the more meaningful.
Lynn is an ambassador for Athletic Brewing, which in 2024 released an incredible documentary called Inches to Miles that chronicles her journey (and that of two other amazing athletes) to IRONMAN Lake Placid. In this episode—and the film—you’ll learn the meaning behind Lynn’s powerful mantra, “This is what we’re doing now” and truly understand how, when it comes to chronic illness, there’s always another chapter to the story.
Resources/links:
- Lynn’s website, Instagram
- Inches to Miles trailer and full movie
- A Runner’s World article Cindy wrote about Lynn in 2018
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ My injuries led to major surgery, a hip replacement. I have really struggled with being on my feet all day, fatigue, and not feeling even close to 80 percent at work.
I just learned I will have two unrelated surgeries, and the thought of healing all over again in my stressful and physically demanding job has caused me to 100 percent regret coming back early from hip surgery. It seems hard to believe that being on my feet all day is harder than advanced physical therapy. Have you heard of athletes with this experience?”
—Laura
In season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
This week, she responds to athlete Laura, who is struggling with fatigue and regret after returning to work post-hip replacement. Coach Carrie explains the impact of work stress on recovery, emphasizing the importance of taking the necessary time off to heal properly.
She advises athletes to communicate with their healthcare teams and employers to make adjustments that support their recovery, highlighting the importance of self-care and managing expectations during the healing process.
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
" Now I have to take this as a challenge: How do I have this elite-level B game that is almost indestructible, where I know I can get the job done in a maybe a different way, but just as efficient … and that's where athletes get the most gain in their mental capacity and their ability to win and their consistency is understanding that they can have that elite-level B game. They can beat anyone without having to feel 100%. And so that's kind of where I would go."
Casey Patterson's journey through professional beach volleyball was marked by persistent injuries, most notably a left ankle that he estimates he sprained more than 50 times. Early in his career, while transferring to play at BYU, a meniscus tear threatened to derail his dreams—but contrasting experiences with different doctors taught him valuable lessons about the power of positive communication and hope in recovery.
Throughout his nearly 20-year career, including competing in the 2016 Rio Olympics, Casey developed a unique approach to managing injuries. Rather than letting them defeat him, he reframed them as challenges, pushing himself to excel even when things weren’t perfect. With support from his family, including his wife and children who helped keep victories and defeats in perspective, he learned to adapt and find different paths to success.
Now retired from professional beach volleyball and serving as an AVP commentator, Casey shares his hard-earned wisdom about injury management and mental toughness with others, particularly his own children. As an ambassador for BetterGuards, he advocates for injury prevention while helping athletes understand that success isn't just about being at peak physical condition—it's about building a strong foundation and finding ways to maximize whatever percentage you have to give.
Resources/links:
- Casey’s Instagram and Twitter/X
- BetterGuards website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X
- Watch Casey play!
A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ How does one find self-compassion when you’ve been through this too many times and understand the importance of the beginning phase while also itching to get out of it and back to the activities that bring me joy?
I know all the usual tactics: time with friends, using other activities (music, podcast, drawing), resting, lifting upper body and moving in whatever way I can that doesn’t jeopardize the surgical area, reframing, CBT, DBT, etc. But I still feel a bit lost.”
—Bec
It’s our very last episode of the season—and a fitting Q&A to end on, as Coach Carrie fields a question from an athlete who’s been through more than her fair share of surgeries (50, to be exact).
Coach Carrie uses a personal example to illustrate how even if you know all the tools to use, it’s still important to be diligent in implementing them. She talks about one of the cornerstone lessons of her work with injured athletes—Go FAR. She delves deeper into exactly what self-compassion means, and how to truly turn your empathy and love back toward yourself when you’re hurting.
There’s also a surprising mention of frog legs and a special soup—and stick around till the end for a very special guest you won’t want to miss!
Resources/links:
- Episode 105: Carrie and Cindy Go FAR (Again)
- MASH Morale Victory Left Hand (very special hat tip to Jeremy Noessel!)
- Speaking of Jeremy Noessel, his website for audio coaching
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“If one already has a good physical therapist, what are the benefits of a personal trainer when recovering from an injury or surgery? Is it just more money or can a personal trainer actually be a value add?”
“How do you balance being smart about prevention without letting worry of re-injury consume you?”
“What is the best way to recover from a VERY torturous PT session? Mental and physical. Also, more info on using blood flow restriction for recovery.”
“How can I trust that my crosstraining really works? And how can I let go of the fear of not recovering? I struggle with the feeling that I have lost all the success that was coming for me.”
“How many injuries do you incur and fight back from before you just give up?”
Coach Carrie has been tackling listener questions all season—and this week, she responds to not one, but four queries from Injured Athletes Club members out there.
She covers the best way to build confidence in your recovery, whether that’s assembling a top-notch team or celebrating small steps. She discusses fear of re-injury and how to calm down your nervous system after a tough PT or training session.
And, she talks thoughtfully about the very hard decision some athletes eventually face: How to decide when it’s time to move on. The answer involves getting deep about why you loved your sport in the first place, then giving yourself grace and patience as you work through whether you can fill your bucket with other options.
These questions come from five individuals but the answers have something for everyone—so don’t miss this one!
Resources/links:
- EDGE Athlete Lounge
- Episode 32: Cindy and Carrie Travel Through Time
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ How to deal with re-injury? I tore my ACL last winter and it almost broke me, but I fought my way back into skiing at almost my previous level this year. Now I just tore it again and I feel absolutely shattered. I wasn’t out of control or falling - the turn was just too much for my knee to handle and it snapped. I have no idea how I’ll ever feel confident enough to take up skiing in the future now this happened. Also, I’m feeling completely demotivated for my recovery this time around.”
—Marion
In the seventh season of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
In response to Marion’s question, Coach Carrie first acknowledges the emotional impact of re-injury. She explains the devastation and fear associated with experiencing the same injury again and how it affects an athlete's confidence. She then shares strategies for rebuilding trust in your body, emphasizing the importance of small, daily progress and positive self-talk.
Coach Carrie then introduces the Three R’s: Regroup, Reset, Recommit. Regroup involves staying in the present moment and avoiding past regrets and future anxieties. Reset means grounding yourself and accepting the current situation. Recommit encourages choosing determination over despair and moving forward with intention.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“Injury was horrible and I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but I think again, that shaped me and that helped me become a better physician today because of those experiences. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. It's part of who I am and has made me who I am today.”
Alex McDonald was in medical school when he tried a triathlon with a friend, just for fun. But he quickly excelled at the sport, and eventually decided to take a break between medical school and his residency to pursue it at a high level.
He had some success, but heading into his final season, he went out on a training ride that changed everything. He was hit by a truck, a dramatic collision that left him with shattered bones in his legs and an avulsion injury in his IT band. With patience and his family’s support, he worked his way back to walking, swimming, and eventually running (and—in the long run—to marathons).
The experience threw him firsthand into the life of a patient and shaped his path as a physician. He already knew he wanted to practice sports medicine and family medicine. Still, he emerged more determined than ever to treat each patient with respect and dignity, aiming to support them in achieving all their personal and athletic goals.
This episode is more than a dramatic and inspiring recovery story—Dr. McDonald also shares his key pieces of advice for navigating the medical system, advocating for yourself, and collaborating with your medical team so you can get back to the sport you love.
Resources/links:
- Alex’s Instagram
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
"How do you develop a bank of confidence for the future without comparing to past achievements?"
In this Q&A episode of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson tackles a crucial question from listener Jessica about confidence.
In her response, Coach Carrie emphasizes the importance of redefining goals, focusing on the present moment, and celebrating small victories. She explains how deliberately setting rehabilitation targets can help injured athletes shift their focus to what's within their control and redefine success. By letting go of past achievements and concentrating on future ones, athletes can start building confidence based on their current progress.
Coach Carrie also shares valuable insights on leveraging past performance accomplishments as a source of strength and the power of affirmations in combating the brain's negativity bias. And, she guides listeners on crafting personalized affirmations to reinforce self-belief during challenging times.
Resources/links:
- Download a free pdf of athlete affirmations
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“All of a sudden, I had two-thirds of my body that weren't working anymore. I had to figure out how to live my life and how to move my body around, who I was and what I was going do with my life in a way that was, I thought at the time, completely changed. Now, I don't think I'm completely changed. I think I'm exactly the same person. I just do things a little bit differently.”
Kelly Brush grew up in a family of skiers, excelled on the slopes from childhood, and eventually achieved her dream of skiing in college at Middlebury College. But during her sophomore year, when she was competing at the Williams College Carnival, an accident caused a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed.
Recovery wasn’t easy, but Kelly’s resilience carried her through. With support from her family (including her then-boyfriend, now-husband Zeke), her teammates and coaches, and many others, she realized she was still an athlete—and that now, she might even be able to make an even bigger difference.
Through the Kelly Brush Foundation, which she founded and is now on the board of, she aims to support others with similar injuries, advocating for the significant role of adaptive sports in recovery and quality of life. The foundation offers camps, grants, and an online program called the Active Project that helps introduce others to the freedom she found on the slopes and trails.
Resources/links:
- Kelly’s Instagram
- The Kelly Brush Foundation website and Instagram
- The Active Project, which links adaptive organizations and athletes
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ How do you manage the jealousy towards non-injured athletes while dealing with your own injury?”
In the seventh season of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
This week, athlete Rachel voices what so many other injured athletes feel—wondering how to cope with the feeling of loss and jealousy when she sees others doing the sport she’s missing.
Coach Carrie acknowledges that feeling this way toward healthy athletes is normal during recovery. She explains the difference between envy (wanting what someone else has) and jealousy (fearing losing something you have).
Gratitude helps, she notes—but self-compassion may be an even more powerful tool to manage these feelings. By being kind to yourself and acknowledging your emotions, you can process them effectively.
Resources/links:
- Episode 75: Another Mother Runner’s Dimity McDowell: Adventures Ahead
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries—now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“Setbacks are a very common part of injury recovery. I don't know if it's ever happened where someone heals with a perfect upward trajectory. I'm going to, I'm going to go ahead and say, it's very rare that that happens. This is why we talk so much about resilience and hardiness and the bounce that comes with a rebound.”
Almost every injured athlete knows the feeling. You’re sticking to your plan, dedicated to your rehab, and certain that you’ll be back to 100 percent in the time the doctor outlined. Then, it happens—a new wrinkle to the injury, another procedure required, a deviation from the predicted path.
In this host-ful episode, Coach Carrie begins by normalizing the experience of feeling blindsided when you hit a snag in your recovery. But, facing a setback doesn’t mean you’re back to square one. Knowing that obstacles are nearly inevitable and often difficult to handle can help you feel your feelings, process what’s happening, and stay clear-headed about what to do next, she says.
Of course, that’s often easier said than done, so this episode is chock full of tools, techniques, and encouraging words. You’ll get ideas on how to manage emotional responses, adjust expectations, and maintain a positive outlook. Recovery may not be linear, but by developing your mental toolkit, you can better cope with the twists and turns injury—and life—throws your way.
Resources/links:
- Episode 105: Carrie and Cindy Go FAR (Again)
- Episode 57: Carrie and Cindy Build Your Team
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ I thought I was done with this group. I had surgery in 2021 to repair a torn labrum in my hip and I was doing better. Then 6 months after surgery, I was given the green light to go jogging 2 blocks and I’ve been in hamstring pain since then.
How do you move past the back-to-back chronic injuries? How do I work out when I’m afraid anything will hurt me? How do I physically and emotionally heal from this 7-year injury journey?”
We always say, “We’re sorry you’re here, but we’re glad you’re with us”—and when we (Coach Carrie and Cindy) heard this week’s question from listener Jessica, we thought, “We’re so sorry you’re back with us!”
As much as we don’t like it, some of us will rejoin the club, and some will be back multiple times. Coach Carrie gives her best advice for those coping with chronic issues and fearful of what comes next.
Some of her tips involve ensuring you’re confident in your treatment plan and healthcare providers. She also suggests ways to adjust your mindset and actions, including focusing on what you can control, working with those providers on ideas for movement without fear, and showing your body—and yourself—extra kindness when things feel difficult.
Resources/links:
- Our book, with Pen Pals drill: Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries
- Buy an Injured Athletes Club journal to write all this in!
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“If this was 20-year-old, John Petrelli, I probably wouldn't have the positive mindset to navigate those waters. I would have probably been going, why is this happening to me? Being fearful, having shame, being angry. But because so many people had come into my life as a mentor and shared their gift of knowledge, their love, their compassion on me … I said, how do I possibly make something positive happen out of this that may impact other people?”
For 30 years, John Petrelli’s work as a personal trainer has relied on him being physically capable. So it came as a shock when, three years ago, he found himself in the intensive care unit, unable to move more than a single finger.
A sudden neurological disease landed him there, and—in addition to medical treatment—his mindset and his support system brought him through the experience, transformed.
You won’t want to miss John’s gripping tale, which he shared with Coach Carrie and Cindy on this week’s episode. He also tells the story behind his book, Confession of a Hollywood Trainer: The Journey That Changed My Life... and the Lessons I've Learned That Can Change Yours—including the very important reason why there’s a teen version. And, he shares words of wisdom and inspiration that are sure to resonate with people facing difficult challenges, at any age.
Resources/links:
- John’s website and Instagram
- His book
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I am a cyclist. I have had multiple surgeries for an injury that occurred 2.5 years ago. Things are going downhill again, and it looks like I’m going to be faced with a third major surgery. If I do have this surgery, there is a good chance I will not be able to ride a bike again, even recreationally. I am completely heartbroken. I remember the beginning of this journey when I thought 6 weeks non-weight bearing and 6 months to recovery sounded insurmountable. I can’t believe that I’m still here and still in pain. I feel like I’m drowning and I need help navigating what is becoming a deep depression. How do I find a therapist who will understand how huge this loss is and can help me through it?”
Life, inevitably, will throw rapids your way. What could happen when you stop fighting the current and instead move in the direction of your challenges?
In this Q&A episode, Coach Carrie addresses a question from Reese, a cyclist faced with the potential end of their cycling career. Coach Carrie conveys empathy for Reese's situation, encourages the practice of resilience, and emphasizes the importance of finding a suitable therapist, ideally a sports psychologist familiar with athletes' mindset and challenges.
Coach Carrie uses the analogy of rafting through rapids to talk about labeling and accepting your emotions. She discusses the benefits of journaling, and the importance of taking one day at a time to avoid overwhelming anxiety about the future. Furthermore, Coach Carrie provides detailed advice on finding a qualified sports psychologist or mental performance consultant, distinguishing between their roles, and ensuring a good fit for effective therapy.
Resources/links:
- Sign up here to get the Rebound worksheets, including the Emotion Decoder
- AASP directory to find a Certified Mental Performance Consultant
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“Injuries, you can use them as opportunities to go do something great. I feel like that was ingrained in me early on in my life. I look back now and I'm very fortunate for having those injuries because they set me up for some great things.”
This week, Coach Carrie and Cindy chat with Will Bartholomew, founder and CEO of D1 Training. Will shares his journey from being a promising football player who faced career-altering injuries to the founder of a successful nationwide network of athletic training facilities.
Will discusses the significant moments in his athletic career, including an injury in eighth grade that ultimately set him up for success; his time as a football player at the University of Tennessee, encountering a pivotal injury during NFL training with the Denver Broncos; and how these experiences fueled his passion to establish D1 Training. He also talks about the importance of good coaching and surrounding yourself with positive influences.
While anyone can learn from his advice about mindset and resilience, this is an especially great episode for parents. Will has three kids—two D1 athletes, and one aspiring collegiate athlete—and he shares what it’s like to watch them go through injury as a dad, as well as what his coaches at D1 teach young athletes about inner and outer strength.
Resources/links:
- D1 Training website
- Will’s Instagram, and the page for D1 Training
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ How can you deal with anxiety not of a specific reinjury, but a more generalized fear about your sport being taken away from you again? That fear does help me appreciate what I have now that I'm running again, but also makes disruptions to my training or race plans—whether from how I'm feeling physically, or work/life stress—harder to deal with. How can I cope?”
In this episode of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from Emily regarding handling the anxiety associated with the potential permanent loss of her sport due to repeated injuries.
In her response, she describes common fears athletes face during injury recovery, emphasizing not just the fear of re-injury but the broader, more generalized fear of losing access to their sport altogether.
To manage these anxieties, Coach Carrie underscores the importance of mindfulness and the practice of staying present. Becoming hyper-aware of the previously injured part of the body can trigger stress responses based on past experiences, she says. But shifting one's mindset toward acceptance and focusing on what is within your control, today, can ease your mind and help you move forward.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“Instead of being mean to myself and saying, ‘You’ve got nothing else outside of running,’ I said, ‘Look at all the other multi-faceted things you are. You are a son, you are a brother, you're a business owner. Humans are multi-faceted; you have an identity outside this sport. The sport may have helped you find more of your authenticity, but you're not bound to this sport. It's only a piece of the puzzle, a part of your identity.”
When Merrell Professional Athlete Aum Gandhi first started running six years ago, he barely went a quarter of a mile—and he describes it now as “the most nauseating, grueling experience ever.” But something compelled him to do it again, and again, and again. Now, he’s regularly conquering distances of 200 miles and more.
All that has taken him incredible places, including to the helm of endurance-sports publication Run Tri Bike; to that professional contract with Merrell; and as a key fundraiser for the Richstone Family Center. Several years later, however, all that came into question at mile 235 of a 240-mile race, when a hip injury forced him to make a huge decision about whether to continue.
Hear how Aum harnessed his inner coach to rebound from that injury and redefine his relationship to running; how the everyday athletes he profiles on Run Tri Bike inspire him; what he gains from his relationship with kids at the Richstone Family Center who are also overcoming trauma; and his advice for the ultrarunner in all of us.
Resources/links:
- Aum’s Instagram
- Run Tri Bike
- His fundraiser for the Richstone Family Center
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ How can you let go of the injury? Sometimes when you spend a long time with a chronic injury, it shapes how you move, plan, and think about life and your body. How do you let go when the time has come?”
In the seventh season of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
This week, Coach Carrie delves into the complex issue posed by listener Cecile on letting go of the identity formed around a chronic injury. She points out how this attachment can make the transition to recovery a mental challenge.
Carrie underscores the importance of reflection to identify what specifically hinders the letting-go process. It could be fear, resignation, or the perks that come with being in an injured state, known as secondary gains. To work through this, Carrie suggests a mental training drill titled 'stop, start, continue,’ which prompts individuals to list actions they need to start or stop to aid their recovery, alongside activities they should keep in their repertoire.
- More about Stop, Start, Continue on Coach Carrie’s website
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“Because I wasn't a competitive runner, I don't think I ever had to face failure in that situation … but in strength sports, when I compete, I'm doing that in front of a crowd and a judge who is just looking at me. And it's totally changed the way that I have to handle that fear of failure because it's right there in front of me. I can't escape that someone is looking directly at me and judging whether I've passed or failed. And what I've learned from that is just that it makes you, I think, a better person when you face failure in that way.”
On this week’s episode of The Injured Athletes Club, Alyssa Ages, an endurance athlete, strongman competitor, and the author of Secrets of Giants: A Journey to Uncover the True Meaning of Strength shares the many lessons she’s learned during her athletic pursuits—and why sometimes, failure is the ultimate success.
Alyssa discusses her transition from being an endurance athlete to a strongman competitor and how a miscarriage she suffered led to a profound change in her perspective. (So, a note that that’s a topic we touch on, in case that’s a tender spot for you right now.)
She delves deep into her experiences with injuries, how strength training helped her physically and emotionally, and how she copes with setbacks using skills she picked up from various sports. The conversation also highlights her thoughts on body image and the cultural norms surrounding women's bodies.
Resources/links:
- Alyssa’s website and Instagram
- Her book Secrets of Giants: A Journey to Uncover the True Meaning of Strength
- Her Ultraphysical article, “Exploring Our Physical Limits”
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ As someone in long-term recovery, likely 12 to 18 months before I'm running again, I've struggled a lot with the muscle loss and atrophy to the point it's causing identity struggles. I don't look or feel like an athlete anymore. My coach and I will have to literally rebuild my strength and my body. How can I cope?”
In the seventh season of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
This week, listener Cassandra is struggling with losing her athletic identity. Coach Carrie provides advice and insights regarding the struggle many athletes face when confronted with a similar situation.
She emphasizes the influence labels have on identity, the necessity for self-acceptance during these challenging times, and the transformative ordeal of “being the goo” as a metaphor for the rebuilding phase in the recovery journey. She encourages athletes to see beyond their athletic identity, as individuals are more than a single label or role.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Buy merchandise to show off your membership
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“You need to equip your young adult for how to get through it on their own. So shepherd them. Get them the tools and resources. Let them mess it up a little bit. It's natural to protect, protect, protect, and direct, direct, direct—but your child needs to explore this time on their own a little bit with the right resources and the right people around them. They're going to go through this again and again and again at different stages of their life and going through an injury at a young age, they're going to have to grow up a little bit faster. So help them, but don't control them.”
In this week’s episode of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, Britt Hunter, a former Division I basketball player, shares her struggle recovering from an injury that changed her professional trajectory.
She discusses how this led to her battling depression, attempting suicide—heads-up that there is a frank discussion of that moment in this episode—and eventually finding her path forward. She moved on to the field of education, which she describes as a lifeline.
Britt emphasizes the importance of mental health resources for student-athletes and suggests athletes pour their energy into a cause or mission bigger than themselves. She shares her story to inspire other struggling athletes and make them realize that they are not alone in their journey. And, she has many words of advice for parents of young athletes, too.
Note: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 and offers free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Resources/links:
- Britt’s LinkedIn
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ How do I walk the fine line between being independent and self-reliant in recovery—a positive—and opting to go it alone, which can be a negative? Separately, I’d love to know more about managing an injury in the context of a chronic condition. For example, I have epilepsy but seizure meds are not great for bone density. Flip side, reducing meds is good for bones but bad for the brain. Doctors can offer guidance but making the decisions is ours alone.”
In the seventh season of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
This week, Coach Carrie answers Jennifer’s questions about navigating the line between independence and self-isolation, as well as how to deal with recovery and chronic conditions.
Coach Carrie emphasizes contemplating what drives the need to go alone, and how to walk the fine line between independence and isolation, knowing you may step over and need to correct at some moments.
She also discusses the fact that there aren't singularly right or wrong decisions; there are simply decisions made to the best of your ability, given the information at hand. Above all, she stresses the importance of emotional support during tough times.
Resources/links:
- The Injured Athletes Club support group on Facebook
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I would tell [Amelia of four years ago] that you may not believe it, but it's gonna get better, and recovery is possible, and honestly, your best running days are to come. And that's something that I've had to tell myself now too. I actually still do believe that, especially as we're seeing women in their 40s just blossoming in distance running.”
In this episode of the Injured Athletes Club, Coach Carrie and Cindy are grateful to catch up with our first guest ever—and first repeat guest—elite ultrarunner, championship obstacle course racer, and eating disorder advocate Amelia Boone.
Amelia shares more about her most recent stress fracture, her process of recovery, and her commitment to strength training and varied movement as part of her rehab. She also discusses her experience of being an athlete in her 40s and how she has had to adjust her training accordingly.
And, we delve into her journey of recovering from an eating disorder, and how it intersects with her injuries. She continues her work to counteract the messages that sometimes linger in her brain, including in times of struggle, such as during injury and rehab. By openly discussing her own journey in interviews and through her thoughtful writing, she hopes to offer community and hope to others through theirs.
A special note: We’ll host an Instagram Live with Amelia on 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET on Thurs., Feb. 15! Mark your calendars and join us here for an update and Q&A with this remarkable athlete.
Resources/links:
- Amelia’s Instagram and Substack, including the post on bone injuries we reference
- Her previous episode of the podcast, episode 2! Ultrarunner/Obstacle Course Racer Amelia Boone: Carving a New Path Post-Injury
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ I have a question about the mental roadblocks when you are coming back from an injury. How can you handle the sensations you feel when you return to movement and the worry whether you made it worse; the patience to progress back slowly; and the fear that you won’t ever feel 100 percent again?”
In the seventh season of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
This week, in response to Amy’s uncertainty about her recovery, Coach Carrie outlines various common struggles athletes face concerning fears of aggravating injuries, the patience needed to slowly regain strength, and the uncertainty of returning to their optimal condition.
She suggests practical solutions such as keeping a pain log with healthcare providers, making the recovery process the primary focus, and staying rooted in the present. Coach Carrie also emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal recovery instead of comparing progress with others.
Resources/links:
- Rebound Coaching Program
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“Dancing on a high level is—you have to be open. You have to be open that you can get injured. You have to be open that you will have to face things that you don't want to face. Because if we are not open and instead are close-minded, we cannot grow.”
In this week’s episode of The Injured Athletes Club, principal dancer at the Boston Ballet, John Lam, discusses his journey from a catastrophic injury back to the stage.
He details the physical and mental struggles he encountered during his recovery, emphasizing the importance of patience, personal growth, having a trusted support system, and being open to change. John also notes that his injury led him to explore fruitful relationships and endeavors outside dancing, like starting a family and pursuing higher education.
Resources/links:
- John’s Instagram
- His profile on the Boston Ballet website
- Our episode with his colleague, Chyrstyn Fentroy
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ For the athlete who doesn't have a "staff": coach, trainer, PT. How do you get emotional support and guidance on a regular basis from doctors and PT you may see one or two times a week?”
In the seventh season of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries.
This week, she discusses all the different types of support injured athletes need—and which types you can reasonably expect to get from your healthcare providers. She explains how to manage expectations in the healthcare system. And, she offers guidance on when it’s time to move on and find a new provider who can better meet your needs.
Resources/links:
- Navigating the Medical System: Webinar Recording
- Episode 82, Cindy’s experience with a healthcare provider
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“ A lot of times you're stronger than you think you are. You just keep going. You don't necessarily have to see all the way to the finish line. You just keep finding that next step.”
In the seventh season of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, we—mental skills coach Carrie Jackson and journalist Cindy Kuzma—continue to delve into athletes' resilience in overcoming injuries.
We kick off with a can’t-miss interview with pro quarterback Alex Smith, who shares his journey of returning to football after a severe leg injury and life-threatening infection—and then, a few years later, taking on the 200-mile Pan-Mass bike ride with Team OOFOS, raising money for cancer research.
Alex underscores the vital role of emotional support amidst the recovery process. He discusses the key moments that shaped his trajectory, including his stay at a care facility for wounded veterans. He highlights the power of setting attainable—and even seemingly unattainable—goals. And, he shares the symbol of resilience his wife presented to him after his return to the sport: a Lombardi trophy replica made out of his leg's metallic fixator.
Resources/links:
- Alex’s Instagram
- More about him from OOFOS
- The trophy his wife gave him
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“How do I keep trying in the face of chronic health issues? Sometimes giving up feels like the more sensible choice.”
—Sarah
“That’s my question too. How do I accept that structural issues are real and we need to accept and move on? There's a lot of discussion here about 'going back to' what we did before, but for some of us (all of us at some point) that is just not possible. I'd rather be able to walk for life without an assistive device than run for a year and then need a walker or cane for the rest of my days. Can you explain how to put the 3 A's (accept, adapt, act) in practice for long-term benefit?”
—Yvonne
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers questions from listeners Sarah and Yvonne, who are both wondering when to persist—and when to move on.
Standing at this crossroads is never an easy place to be. In her response, Coach Carrie talks about coming to terms with change and its constancy. Accepting that things may not be the same can help you sort through your competing emotions and touch base with your true goals and values.
Once you drill down to those, you can start to see if you’re truly ready to move on—or if you’re motivated to do what you need to do to continue. And if you are stepping away from your sport, whether by choice or necessity, she has advice on how to say goodbye.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
Resources/links:
- The Five Things We Cannot Change: And the Happiness We Find by Embracing Them, by David Richo
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“At this point, it’s knowing the warning signs and when you can keep pressing on the gas and when you're kind of like, ah, I gotta, I gotta step on the brakes a little bit … If you've been unlucky and had an injury, you kind of know what it felt, what it feels like, whatever led up to it. You can think, ‘Ooh, this is similar. So maybe I just want to take a day or two off and go in the pool or do some kind of cross training just so I don't repeat history.”
Pro marathoner (and full-time occupational therapist) Maegan Krifchin had a pretty incredible fall last year. After what was, in her mind, a suboptimal performance at the New York City Marathon Nov. 6, she finished two more marathons in the span of 30 days—each faster than the last. On Dec. 4, she ran a personal-best 2:29:21 for seventh place at the California International Marathon in Sacramento. And she’s run four more since, including winning the Vermont City Marathon on May 28.
On this week’s episode, Maegan points out that it’s taken years of hard work to get strong enough for such a feat—and her lengthy running career hasn’t been only PRs and podiums. She’s had her fair share of injuries, including a hamstring pull less than 10K into the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials. But she’s learned from the setbacks and victories alike, and she has many lessons to share with other runners too, about everything from prehab to nutrition to adjusting your mindset about cross-training.
Resources/links:
- Maegan’s Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook page
- The Runner’s World article Cindy wrote about her back-to-back-to-back marathons
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
"I just turned 56 years old and have been making great strides in the mental side of my tennis game and competing. However, last May in a doubles match, I tore a piece of articular cartilage in my left knee. As my orthopedic surgeon has explained to me, that cartilage will never grow back as it was. She has given me suggestions for things that I can do to try to create fibrocartilage, including cross training with cycling and taking Osteo Bi-Flex. Those things, I think, have helped me maintain my ability to play. However, I’m more susceptible now than ever to my knee swelling up or the pain worsening or the pain increasing in frequency. It has been a huge mental barrier with how I look at how hard and how often I can play, on what surface I should play, etc. I am listening to your podcast and to your Rebound book on audible and enjoying all of it, but I’m wondering if you could give any insight into someone my age with this chronic situation and how to not let fear overtake my ability to compete.”
—Julie
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Julie, who is dealing with a chronic injury that’s affecting her tennis game mentally as much as it is physically.
In her response, Coach Carrie discusses the learning curve that comes with such diagnoses, and reminds Julie she’s right at the peak of hers. In a way, it’s like starting over, she says—learning to both fuel the passion to compete and the desire to care for the body that Julie is in now.
Carrie offers tips to navigate this mindset shift, and assurance to Julie and other athletes like her that although it’s challenging, most athletes find a new routine, and less fear and anxiety, on the other side of these types of transitions.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
Resources/links:
- Rebound worksheets, which include a pain log
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“It's really accepting the emotion and coming into the present moment—not time-traveling and wishing things were like they were in the past or time-traveling and wanting this to be over already and thinking about the future. Instead, it’s bringing yourself into the present moment of like, okay, I would prefer to not be feeling this way. I would prefer for this not to be happening. But this is happening, so I need to accept that.”
In this week’s episode—a replay from season 1 that’s too important not to re-share—Coach Carrie talks through a mental exercise to get out of sticky situations during your recovery. This one’s called Go FAR, and you can use it anytime you feel trapped or are facing a bump in the road you just can’t see your way over.
Go FAR is an acronym for Feel, Accept, Recover. To use it, you’ll tap into your emotions—even the negative ones— rather than push them away. Only then will you be able to move through them into the present reality, where you can take action to move forward in your recovery.
Resources/links:
- Emotion lists: one html, one pdf
- A journaling exercise from Carrie’s website
- Mindset, by Carol Dweck
- The Insight Timer app
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“A question I think a lot of us have is, when do you let go? That is, when do you realistically decide that the energy, physical, mental and emotional is not going to be rewarded and a change in goals—whether that's physical goals or life goals—is an order? In short, when do you stop beating your head against an immovable wall?
This week—in a replay of an episode from season 4—co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Dawn F. What advice can Carrie offer during what may be a time of transition? Can she help Dawn pinpoint her objective, and consider the possibility that it’s OK to pursue it through a different strategy?
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“My previous perspective, or the way that I have always thought about my body, is that it's injury-prone. That's the narrative I had adopted and often just think of myself and my body in sports, or in doing any sort of physical activity, that it's not quite suited to or made for this type of activity and that there was something just wrong with me, for lack of a better way to say it. Through the course of talking to a lot of experts and pulling this information together for the book, I really recognized that sometimes things just happen. You could be doing everything right and something still happens.”
Christine Yu had torn her ACL twice before—in fact, she opens her new book with a story about the moment she felt a twinge on the track. But when it happened again, not long after she turned in her manuscript, she had a whole different perspective on why, and how to cope.
That’s because, in her research for Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes, Christine had delved deeply into some of the shortcomings of exercise science research in general, including injury research specifically.
In this week’s episode, and her must-read book, Christine illuminates historical disparities in research that harm women and girls—and, in reality, give all athletes incomplete information about their bodies, their health, and their performance.
She shares how learning about these gaps can shift the narrative for athletes, and outlines exciting new efforts to fill them. And, she describes the way she’s moving through this latest injury with much more peace and perspective. “Everything will be okay when you're okay with everything,” she says.
Resources/links:
- Christine’s website, Instagram, and Twitter
- Her book Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“Will I ever be the athlete I was before all of this? My fear isn’t around re-injuring the same part, my fear is, what body part might go wrong next? Is this my body’s way of telling me that my age is finally catching up with me?”
—Louise
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Louise, who is trying to navigate through a series of injuries and wondering what impact age is having on her recovery.
In her response, Coach Carrie offers some inspiring examples from the world of high-level sports. She explains what it means to look ahead, instead of to the past, by recognizing all you’ve gained through your victories and your struggles. And, she offers a framework for doing so, in the form of the Hero’s Journey.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
Resources/links:
- Recording of the Injured Athletes Club Aging and Athletic Performance webinar
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“You can't fight for everything in life. But we all have a few things in our lives that are core to who we are, and that pull on us every single day. As much as you can endure, endure, because it's always worth it and it's bigger than you.”
Running back Tim Hightower had all the momentum in the world heading into his fourth season in the NFL—a critical year, when contracts are renewed (or, in most cases, aren’t). But a catastrophic ACL tear in a 2011 game, when Washington played Charlotte, took it all away in an instant.
Tim didn’t know it then, but it would be four years before he’d return to the field. That’s right—he made his way back to pro level after a break that was longer than most players’ total careers.
In this week’s episode, he takes us inside the pages of his revealing book, A Dream Worth Fighting For, to tell us all about how he did it—including the support he got from friends and family, the difficult decisions he made, and steps he took to overcome denial and anger and reframe success at each step along the way.
Resources/links:
- Tim’s Instagram and Twitter
- His book, A Dream Worth Fighting For: Never Let Obstacles Stop You from Being Your Best Self
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“One of the catalysts for us starting the Injured Athletes Club support group and then also doing the podcast is so that you don't feel like you're alone … when you lose your sport, there's sometimes so many little mini-losses that come with that. So to be able to come to the Injured Athletes Club and be a part of a community is so special, and you all are the ones that make that special.”
One big message we try to share on this podcast, in our Facebook group, and throughout our work with injured athletes is that it’s essential to celebrate your successes.
This week, we’re whooping it up big-time for an accomplishment that’s incredibly meaningful to us—the 100th episode of The Injured Athletes Club! We started this show way back in 2019, and whether you’ve been listening since then or are listening for the first time, we’re glad you’re with us.
And we mean that, because this show—this community—is what it is because of YOU, the injured athletes who come here for support and who support each other in turn. So this week, we asked our club members to share with us their biggest takeaways from our book, the podcast, and each other.
What you’ve learned, you told us, is that:
- Recovery is now your sport
- Healing isn’t linear
- It’s OK to struggle
- Support makes it better
- About that support—we need different, specific kinds
- You are not alone. Some have been through this before and come out stronger—and others are there with you, right now.
Our hearts are so warmed by what you’ve shared, inspired by your journeys, and grateful for the ways you’ve shown up, for other athletes and for yourselves. Thank you, and know that above all else, we’re rooting for you and your rebound.
Listen to the show for more—and thank you, truly, for doing so!
Resources/links:
- If you’re newer to the show, Episode 1: Welcome to the Injured Athletes Club explains what it’s all about—and it still holds up, four years later!
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“My parents are dancers, so I literally grew up in the studio. Ballet kind of goes hand in hand with my identity—I have always been Chyrstyn the ballet dancer. I didn't realize that until I had it taken away from me and I had to sit down and identify other things that I was interested in. Otherwise, what was I existing for? I think having the confidence of understanding a little bit more about what I want in life that's not just ballet, or what I represent more than just being a ballet dancer or being a pretty mover on stage, was helpful.”
Chyrstyn Fentroy is a principal dancer at the Boston Ballet—a vocation that’s equal parts athletic and artistic. Dancing has been her passion since an early age, but when tendonitis in her ankles began worsening a few years ago, she found herself feeling like she was falling out of love.
As Chyrstyn explains in this week’s episode, she had to do something—and the pandemic gave her the perfect opportunity, an enforced break in which she could have surgery (which she did as soon as restrictions on elective procedures were lifted).
Recovering in a time of lockdown was challenging, especially when the nation erupted in racial protests (which hit home for Chyrstyn, who’s biracial). But with mental health support, patience, and cushy recovery footwear from Oofos—a brand she’s so passionate about, she approached them, and is now part of their OOcrew ambassador program—she found a deeper purpose to her art and a broader view of her future, and came back mentally and physically stronger.
Resources/links:
- Chyrstyn’s Instagram and her profile on the Boston Ballet website
- More of her story on the OOFOS website and in the New York Times
- More about OOFOS
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I'd really love to know how to stop comparing the athlete I was before injury to the athlete I am now. I had knee surgery 10 months ago, and even though I'm fully cleared for all activities I am really struggling to get back into a groove with running. Any type of speed work really isn't working for me and I just can't seem to get any speed back. I am so frustrated with my lack of progress and would love to know how I can get over it.”
—Stephanie
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Stephanie, who feels stuck comparing herself to the Stephanie of the past as she returns to her training.
In her response, Coach Carrie suggests Stephanie—and anyone else rebounding from injury— ensure they’ve truly revisited their goals and set new ones, in light of current circumstances. If your only benchmarks are what came before, or what you’d planned before you got hurt, of course you’ll feel frustrated.
But you’re not the same person now; your setbacks have allowed you to grow and evolve into someone else entirely. And if you turn your attention to that athlete instead, and the one you’re striving to become, you may just start to see a whole world of possibilities unfold ahead.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“One of the biggest challenges athletes face is trying to figure out if the pain that they're experiencing is pain that's a signal to stop or a pain that is okay to push through. Like, ‘When I feel this pain, if I push through, am I going to do further harm? Am I going to make things worse?’ The fear of re-injury helps you pay attention to your pain.
But when you are physically cleared to do your physical therapy, or cleared to get back to training and practice and return to competition, yet you're still struggling with that fear—now the fear is holding you back versus preventing harm.”
Fear of reinjury can leave even the strongest, bravest athletes stuck in their rehab and recovery. Contrary to popular belief, this fear isn’t a sign of weakness. Rather, it’s an extension of your body’s innate self-protection mechanism—and while it’s often useful, especially early in rehab, it can easily become overactivated and detrimental to your recovery.
In this week’s episode, Coach Carrie shares her expertise about coping with these fears. The answer isn’t to ignore them or stuff them in a box, she explains. Rather, you need to turn into them—look them straight in the eye—to understand what’s beneath them, and how to take action.
Of course, she’s full of ideas for what those actions should be. Listen in for her advice on the difference between confidence and courage (and how to build one and summon the other); calming the body to calm the mind; and how to find professional support, if you need it.
Resources/links:
- Episode 47: Carrie and Cindy Rebuild Your Confidence
- Self-havening technique
- Find a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I’d love to know how you ever get comfortable with pushing the limits, or pushing hard again, without being so scared of re-injury. I often feel that in my speed workouts, I’m holding back, afraid to see how hard I can push, because I’m scared, but I also don’t want to let that fear hinder my athletic development! How to strike a healthy balance of ‘fear’ I suppose or learning to listen to your body.”
—Jessica
“How do I trust my body again, and how do I untangle what is purely mental (fear!) and what is physical (still rebuilding muscle)? How do I separate what I’m afraid to do from what’s actually unsafe to do?”
—Stevie
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers two questions from listeners Jessica and Stevie, who are both working to regain their footing as they emerge from recovery.
In her response, Carrie explains why the brain works so hard to protect us after an injury, raising all these fears of getting hurt all over again. And, she shares genius tips for learning to trust your body all over again, including the 1% rule.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
Resources/links:
- Athlete affirmations from The Injured Athletes Club
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
[Having type 1 diabetes] comes with a lot of struggles, but I try to kind of embrace those struggles and learn from them and they help me grow. Having that perspective with type 1 helped me with my ACL recovery. Because I could say, ‘Alright, this is going to be one of the hardest times in my life, but in the long run, I will be stronger because of it.”
When the 2020 Olympics were first postponed, long jumper Kate Hall looked on the bright side—she’d have more time to train and prepare for the Olympic Trials, which would qualify her for the Games. But a week before her first competition in 2021, she was doing a box jump in the gym and landed wrong. Eventually, she’d learn that she tore her ACL and needed surgery.
The setback was devastating, but as Kate explains in this week’s episode, she’s used to overcoming obstacles—she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when she was 10, not long after she first began participating in track and field. The ups and downs of managing her condition prepared her well for the long process of recovering after ACL surgery.
Her resilience has been incredible—even when, not long after we recorded this episode, she found out she’d torn her meniscus and would need another surgery to remove it. But she’s already back to jogging and skipping, and knows she’ll be an even better athlete for it. “Sometimes when you’re at your worst… that’s where you find your greatest strength,” she says.
Resources/links:
- Kate’s website, Instagram, and Facebook page
- Her DiaStrong Foundation, which aims to help people with diabetes achieve their goals
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“How can we communicate with our partners, friends, and family about how hard we are finding it to be injured and what we need in terms of emotional support?
—Anna
“I have the same question: My husband is very helpful in doing physical tasks I still can't manage eight months after a trimalleolar pilon fracture, but he can't accept how severe this injury is, even though he has heard my surgeon explain it. He thinks it's just a broken ankle and thinks I should be back on the tennis court this summer, which is not going to happen since I can't even walk down the stairs properly and without pain.”
—Renee
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers not one, but two questions, from listeners Anna and Renee. Both have queries about getting the support they need from the people who care about them the most.
In her response, Carrie breaks down why these situations can be so difficult. Often, it’s not that our loved ones don’t want to support us; it’s that there’s a mismatch between the types of support we need and what we’re being offered. Carrie breaks down how to work toward realignment, including the weekly routine she and her husband have that opens time and space for discussions about these topics.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
Resources/links:
- Episode 57: Carrie and Cindy Build Your Team
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“Rugby is something I think about all the time. But then going like, if it's gone, am I okay? If it's ripped away, like my able-bodied football career was, am I okay? In that moment, I wasn't. I had to ask, who is Joe in this new life in a wheelchair, and what's my identity? ... I think that's an important piece too, where a lot of athletes—it might not be as devastating as a paralysis, but when they're going through that eight- to 12-month rehab or a two-year rehab, or whatever it is, that identity is gone for a minute there and they have to kind of fight through and ask themselves those questions.”
Joe Delagrave has had to navigate more than one major life shift. He was a tight end at Winona State University in Minnesota, the ultimate team player, when a boating accident after his freshman year broke his neck and paralyzed him.
Several years later, he found wheelchair rugby and quickly excelled, helping the U.S. team to Paralympic bronze in London in 2012. He poured all his energy into winning gold in Rio in 2016—then, was cut from the team.
In this week’s episode, he describes how he recalibrated to come back and lead Team USA to silver in Tokyo in 2021. Then, he retired from competition to become the head coach, yet another significant transition.
Through the ups and downs, he’s learned there’s a lot we can’t control in life. But by leaning on yourself—and the support, effort, love and faith you’ve cultivated—you can chart your own path forward, despite obstacles.
Resources/links:
- Joe’s website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook page
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I loved the bit in the book where it gave ideas of how to respond to common messages or responses from people. I find it difficult to respond to the two following common comments I get about my injury journey:
-
You'll come out stronger
-
Your injury means you can concentrate on other things that are not your sport.”
—Louise
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Louise, who finds herself at a loss for words when people around her express these common sentiments.
In her response, Carrie explains that typically, people don’t mean to be hurtful when they say these things. Rather, they may not know how to support you in the way you need to be supported right now.
She gives a few potential responses injured athletes can use, based on their mood and how invested they are in each relationship. And, she reminds Louise—and all of us—that each interaction offers an opportunity for us to define ourselves and our stories.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
Resources/links:
- Episode 69: Carrie and Cindy Talk the Talk
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I obviously was devastated; there's no way around it. It hit me really hard, and I kind of allowed myself—I tend to do this when I'm going through something like emotional turbulence or something where I'm upset about something going on with my sport or personal life or whatever—I'm like, okay, I'm gonna give myself x amount of time to be sad. Lean into that. Cry it out, feel bad for yourself, like just all the things. And then when that time limit is over, it's like, all right, we did that, we grieved. Now, what can we control? What can we focus on moving forward?”
As a heptathlete who competes in seven different events in one track meet, Annie Kunz has to master living in the moment. If something goes wrong in a single event—if, say, she stumbles over a hurdle—she has to put it behind her and get set to perform her best again, and again, and again.
Kunz did just that at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, recovering from a near-fall to win the competition, and a spot on Team USA, in dominant fashion. She went on to place sixth in the Games in Tokyo. And then, as she was preparing to compete for a spot at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, she tore her plantar fascia. Instead of reclaiming her spot among the world’s best, she watched the event as a spectator.
In this week’s episode, Annie explained how it felt to drop from such a high to such a low—and how she harnessed the mindfulness she typically employs in competition to navigate her recovery. She got support from a great team, including both a therapist and a mental coach, along with Omorpho, one of her sponsors, a company that makes innovative weighted vests and workout wear (and where she’s now an equity partner). But she knew she had her own big role to play in her recovery, showing up for herself even on days when it felt hard—in her words, “behaving my way to success.”
Resources/links:
- Annie’s Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok
- The hurdles at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team Trials
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“How can you navigate injury when living alone? An initial challenge for me was being alone (no spouse, boyfriend) and close friends not in the same city. Realize this is not the case for most.
One of the biggest issues was physical navigation of surroundings on crutches, no one to help, which leaves one feeling very frustrated initially. The other is an enhanced sense of isolation because nobody is there to obtain feedback, throw water on any emotional fire or otherwise provide distraction, fill air time or offer security. Ironically, being alone provides a buffer from unwanted comments.”
—Jennifer
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Jennifer, who’s navigating injury while living alone on her own and wondering how to get the support she needs as she recovers.
In her response, Carrie recounts the story of a German shepherd named Ducky, a broken ankle, and a community coming together. She explains some of the most common barriers to reaching out for the help you need, and how to overcome them.
And, she reminds all the injured athletes out there that no matter what, you’re never alone; the Injured Athletes Club is here for you anytime.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
Resources/links:
- Episode 57: Carrie and Cindy Build Your Team
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“Every twist and turn, it was obstacles, right? And so for me, all I did was thrive. I learned from those. I realized, I can either take it two ways. I can let it overpower me and I crumble, or I freaking thrive and I rise. So that's what I did—I took that road.”
When high jumper Priscilla Loomis caught COVID-19 in January 2021, she—and the team doctor—assumed she’d be fine in a few days. But instead, the illness kicked off what she calls “the scariest time of my entire life.”
A week later, she still felt dizzy and weak—and, most concerning to the elite athlete, coping with stabbing chest pain. All she wanted was to get back to training, so she could make her second Olympic team. But her cardiologists wouldn’t clear her, saying her heart was inflamed.
Priscilla’s roller coaster ride didn’t end there, nor in Tokyo; she shares the whole dramatic tale on this week’s episode (tune in to hear what happens!). But through it all, and now that she’s retired from track and field, her Olympic mindset has allowed her to turn obstacles into opportunities, and never stop telling her own story.
Resources/links:
- Priscilla’s website, Instagram, and Facebook page
- The National Geographic podcast about her COVID experience
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“Any suggestions on how to deal with family or a spouse telling you that you should quit your sport?”
—Marvin
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Marvin, who’s wondering how to handle a loved one who expresses a view that, for many athletes, is very difficult to hear.
Most often, your family and friends really do want what’s best for you. That’s where their concern about whether you should continue in your sport comes from, Carrie says. But hearing the suggestion from those whose opinion means the most, just at the time you’re contemplating these questions yourself, can feel “soul-crushing.”
In her answer, Carrie explains how—and why—to have this important conversation, so you can both work through your own fears and trauma to reach the other side.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
"It was one of those that was like, injury leading to injury, and it was strange for me because in my over 20 years as an elite level athlete, I've never had really bad injuries. I've always been one—even though I used to train really hard—I was resilient. I would get niggles and things like that, but I never dealt with anything this big and had it set me back this much. So it really challenged me. I'd say, not just physically, but really on the mental side as well.”
After the 2018 Commonwealth Games—where she took home a bronze medal and broke multiple South African records—weightlifter Mona de Lacey Pretorius felt like nothing could stop her forward momentum. Her longtime dream, to compete at the Olympics, felt destined to become a reality.
But the road leading up to the Games was far more winding than she could have ever expected, including injuries, a pandemic, and travel challenges and restrictions that tested her limits more than any barbell ever had.
Mona talks us through it all on this week’s episode, including the dramatic conclusion—listen to hear more. She also explains why, though she’s a mental coach herself, she reached out to a sport psychologist for support. And, she tells us how her experiences have fueled every aspect of her career and the rest of her life (since this recording, she’s become a new mom!).
Resources/links:
- Mona’s weightlifting website, mental coaching website, Instagram, and Twitter
- Her YouTube channel—and the video discussed in the episode, about her Olympic journey
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Access webinar videos, injury sources, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“After being injured for almost 2 years, I finally found a PT that I could work with to deal with my traumatic ankle injury and have made huge improvements, to the point where I have been able to run pain free more often than not.
What I’m struggling with now is keeping up PT exercises. I’m so excited to be running again and quickly am finding that I’m putting all my energy into the sport that I love and am getting very inconsistent with the exercises that will actually keep me able to do it. An additional layer is that I have an autoimmune disease that leaves me with lower energy than I used to have, and I’m choosing to use what energy I do have to run rather than do PT.
It’s been a long and frustrating journey to make this progress and I don’t want to lose it. Do you have tips for motivation or advice on how to prioritize the things I know will help me in the long run?”
—Cara
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Cara.
First, Carrie acknowledges that Cara is far from alone in these struggles—nearly everyone struggles to stick to rehab at some point. By highlighting the difference between passion and motivation, Carrie explains how to shift your mindset to see PT as part of your sport rather than a separate activity, and gives tips on both streamlining your routine and making it second nature.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I always felt like I was supposed to help people in general, and then I just thought, ‘Well, maybe this is actually what I'm supposed to help people with, is navigating nutrition and navigating feeling like they don't belong.’”
So many athletes who cope with injuries and other setbacks emerge with a powerful drive to give back. For Starla Garcia, that desire arose even before she’d reached the other side—when she was still a collegiate runner in the depths of an eating disorder.
Even in her darkest days, Starla knew that when she reached recovery, she would want to help other runners in the same position—especially people of color, who are underrepresented in dietetics and eating disorder treatment.
As she explains in this episode, overcoming challenges has brought her not only a fulfilling career, but the confidence to advocate for herself and others (including at the doctor’s office—something many injured athletes struggle to do, and Starla has amazing advice about this). And, it’s brought her an entirely new perspective on running, one that allows her joy and freedom even as she reaches better, faster times.
NOTE: This episode discusses eating disorders and recovery. If you are dealing with these issues right now and want support, you can call or text the National Eating Disorders Helpline at (800) 931-2237 or chat with someone online at nationaleatingdisorders.org.
Thank you so much to our sponsors for season 6:
- Fluid Running, which has revolutionized fitness by bringing running to the deep water
- IceeNOW.com, which provides innovative injury prevention and recovery solutions for athletes
- ADAM Rehabilitation, creators of the ADAM Brace System, the most stable exercise system built to save the health of your shoulders
Learn more and access exclusive discount codes for their products at buymeacoffee.com/rebound or by joining The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Starla’s website and Instagram
- Link to purchase the video replay for the IAC webinar she spoke at, Eating During Injury Recovery (doing so helps support the podcast!)
- Starla Garcia is Helping Runners Embrace Their Cultural Identities Through Food, an article by Stacey Megally for Women’s Running
“It's been really interesting, this journey with the left shoulder, because I think finally, one of the things I've come to realize is that maybe I've been a little too patient with the process, sort of comparing it to the right shoulder. With my right shoulder injury, it was a different injury, and there were different things going on. And I knew it was going to be a minimum of a year of PT and that I really had to commit and dive in and trust that it was going to be a long recovery, but that it would pay off and it would work out and it did. And so I took that same approach with the left shoulder and I think I'm realizing that's not the only thing that's it’s going to take to fix this.”
—Carrie
After posing her own question two weeks ago, co-host and journalist Cindy Kuzma turns the tables on mental skills coach Carrie Jackson for this, the final podcast episode of season 5.
Carrie reveals that, while she’s been coaching all of us through our injuries, she’s been coping with her own roller coaster of a journey. Clearly, being a professional doesn’t mean she’s immune from emotions—but she does have the tools to cope, and she shares how she’s been navigating the uncertainties and setbacks.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- The Injured Athletes Club Buy Me a Coffee site, where you can download the webinar video on navigating the medical system
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I’m walking again, I look like a normal person, I feel very able. But internally, the struggle is, I am not where I used to be. I cannot do the things I love. I cannot run. I cannot jump. So, I still feel the injury is a cloud hanging over me, and I've still got a long way to go. It's an interesting feeling and mental battle that I have with myself on a daily basis.”
It was January 2022, and Shelli Epstein was poised to make a big comeback. After an injury and then the pandemic, she was overjoyed to return to the stage as Running Woman in Cirque du Soleil’s touring show Luzia. Icing on the cake: The production was opening at the Royal Albert Hall in London, where she’d fallen in love with the circus as a child.
Her performance involves a discipline called the Russian swing, where, as Shelli puts it, “the margin of error is minimal.” In the private preview performance, her trajectory was just a few centimeters off. She landed on the swing, but in the process, tore ligaments in her foot and damaged her knee.
Eight months later, Shelli is still very much in the process of recovery. In the meantime, she’s published a book, taken sport psychology courses, and reconnected to who she is, outside of her performances. On this week’s episode, she shares her journey, including the role our book Rebound played in helping her through the tougher times.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Shelli’s website, Instagram, and TikTok
- Her book, Flying High: Life Lessons from the Big Top
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“What's the best way to remain confident and advocate for yourself when the medical system doesn't seem to be working for you? Recovering from this stress fracture, I've had a number of instances of having to push back. First there was the surgeon I went to for a second opinion who told me I didn't need surgery—but that my body was trying to tell me "something," namely that I'm not a gazelle and I should probably stop running long distances. Then there was the primary care doc who said she couldn't order thyroid tests, instead shaming me for not making an appointment with the specialist (whose office took three months to return my calls). I have a great support system and several doctors and PTs who've been wonderful, but it's still hard on some days to weather these bumps in the road and persist in getting the care I believe I need to recover fully, whatever I decide to do with my running in the future.”
—Cindy
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from a listener—or, more accurately, from her co-host!
She begins by commiserating about the sometimes-unintentional callousness of medical providers, but then provides actionable advice, including phrases to keep in your back pocket for difficult encounters. And, she reassures Cindy and everyone else that they’re worthy of support, even if they have to advocate fiercely to receive it.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- The Injured Athletes Club Buy Me a Coffee site, where you can download the webinar video on navigating the medical system
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I think first of all, it is so easy to dismiss this diagnosis and think there must be something else the matter, because the symptoms are so extreme and it is hard to believe that it can be something as simple and as basic as an energy imbalance. But it really can. And until I was brave enough to get really honest with myself and almost reach a point where I had to admit that there was an energy imbalance there, it was hard to buy into it.’”
British runner Pippa Woolven was 19 and running collegiately when her once-promising athletic career took a turn. She began developing a wide range of symptoms—small injuries, frequent colds, dark moods. And after a brief period of time when she was running faster, her training and racing began to suffer, too.
As she explains on this week’s episode, it took some time, some bravery, and a blog post by another athlete that echoed Pippa’s experiences before she got to the bottom of the issue. She had relative energy deficiency in sport (RED-S), a condition in which her caloric intake wasn’t sufficient to support both her training and her body’s other essential functions.
Eventually, Pippa recovered. Now, she’s the founder and director of Project RED-S, an organization that aims to provide the resources she didn’t have when she was solving her own puzzle. “Thankfully, this is an issue we can prevent and we can recover from,” she says. “I think not enough people are sharing those messages."
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- The Project RED-S website and Instagram
- Pippa’s Instagram
- The Runner’s World article about her
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I want to know how to deal with the ups and downs, feeling good then having a setback over and over and over. In the beginning it’s easier to know it won’t last, but when it keeps happening it gets harder to get through it. Also how to be more patient.”
—Kaili
“I am struggling with the fact that I have been dealing with a stress fracture since January from a car accident, have followed all my doc's advice, and just had a setback again. So why, if I keep following the rules, AND my latest MRI shows the stress fracture is mostly gone, am I still having setbacks? There will be no tri season for me this year.”
—Amy
“I would say how to handle the unexpected setbacks and the constant fear or having one. I feel like I cannot trust my body anymore.”
—Erica
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers three MORE questions from listeners.
Setbacks are a part of the process, and how you react to them helps determine how they’ll affect you. It’s never fair when you encounter one, but there are ways to reframe them to minimize their impact. Listen as Carrie talks us all through the process of viewing obstacles as opportunities, recognizing the gifts in our struggles, and seeking the support we need to get through it all.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
"At first it was a bit difficult, talking about it and reliving it, but now I see how powerful that can be. You wouldn't believe how many stories I hear. I swear every time somebody crashes really bad on their bike, they reach out to me. It’s incredible—I don't think people realize that about themselves when they reach out, but literally they will be in the hospital messaging me, ‘How did you get through this? How quickly did you come back?’ I say, ‘if you’re already thinking about it, that right there goes to show how strong you are. If you want to come back, you will once you're clear.’”
The first time she lined up for a triathlon in 2013, Sika Henry was hooked—but she noticed something out on the course. Or rather, she noticed what wasn’t there: any other people of color competing alongside her.
From that moment, she dedicated herself to becoming the first Black woman to earn her pro card in the sport, hoping to show others what was possible. A serious bike crash during a race in 2019 nearly derailed her. But with such a powerful mission, she returned to finish what she started.
In this week’s episode, Sika shares the key question from her dad, and the messages from fans, that kept her moving; the creative solutions her coach developed to help her train during recovery; and more about her efforts to increase diversity in the sport through efforts such as the Ironman Foundation’s Race For Change initiative.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Sika’s website, Instagram, Twitter, and blog (including the post about her accident—which has some intense images)
- Her Slowtwitch post about race starts
- Ironman Foundation’s Race For Change initiative
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I’m continuing to struggle months after my stress fracture is ‘healed’ with new pain areas and fearing it is a recurrence of the original injury. How do I mentally get over that hurdle?” —Liisa
“I’m currently in transition from return to function towards return to play and every little flare gives me the jitters, if you happen to have any input on navigating. 🙏”
—Sarah
“I think fear of reinjury is big too. Like, I don’t even know if I want to try getting back to running and surfing—or if that’s just fear—so help on thinking through those tough decisions.”
—Ayla
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers not one, but three, questions from listeners.
Your brain is hard-wired to protect your body, she explains. Once an injury exposes your vulnerability and raises your inner alarms, it’s hard to turn them off. But with focus and intention, you can work to overcome fears of reinjury and return to your sport—or not—on your own terms.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“That experience helped me to realize to cherish every relationship, to cherish your responsibilities, to cherish your opportunity when you have it, because it's not guaranteed tomorrow. You can be the hardest-working player, you can do things right, you can be a great person and all of those things—that does not guarantee that you will finish the way that you wrote your story or the way that you want it, desire it to finish.”
Vad Lee fell in love with football at a young age. He thought he knew how his life would pan out—winning the national championship, getting drafted into the NFL, becoming a star professional quarterback.
A foot injury during a game late in the season his senior year at James Madison University changed everything. Vad spent years bitter and angry at the sport he’d once adored, unable to so much as watch a game on TV.
But in this week’s episode, he tells us the remarkable story of what led him back to the game—and how he’s turned his setbacks into a far richer life full of faith, meaning, and mentorship.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Vad’s website, Instagram and Twitter
- His book Purpose Over Position: Discerning God’s Plan to Live a Life Full of Purpose!
- The Purpose Over Position Foundation
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“While I am not a professional athlete, I am a chef who has gone from 1 hour intense daily workouts and working 10 to 14 hours a day to doing nothing. Exactly one month ago today I fully tore my pectoral major off my humerus while bench pressing. I am itching to finally have my surgery completed this upcoming Monday.
I'm hoping you can provide me with some insight and guidance. Everyday I find myself in a battle with my monster and athlete. I know what I have to do to control my monster, but it is really exhausting having continuous arguments between the two. It feels like rationally I have the answers for all the nagging questions and concerns, but deep down they keep replaying like a fricken broken record: ‘Look how much you have atrophied’, ‘Sitting here not working, seems so useless’, ‘What if they damage my nerve in surgery?’ Blah blah blah. How do I get this record to stop?”
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Gavin.
You can’t always control your inner monster, she points out—but you don’t have to buy into its arguments. Instead, you can recognize that that voice is often acting out of fear, and enlist the athlete inside you to calmly and patiently talk the monster down. While they’re engaged, aim to coach yourself through the next phase of your recovery.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“The greater lesson of this is that I've helped open the door—a lot of people have opened the door—to talk about what running on the other side looks like, or not running, what the other side of that looks like. You can still have a creative, active, badass life without pounding on your body, if that doesn't work for you anymore.”
Dimity McDowell has been a runner for years. She’s also the author of many books about running; a sports and fitness writer who’s written for running publications; and the co-founder of the positive, thriving community Another Mother Runner.
But the last time she ran a step was on Jan. 18, 2020.
She wouldn’t trade her relationship with running for anything; the miles made her who she is. In this week’s episode, Dimity explains the challenges that convinced her it was time to move on—and how she made peace with her redefined identity.
The journey wasn’t easy, and at times it’s still sad and frustrating. But by sharing her experiences, she hopes to offer others a guide to making tough decisions, grieving losses, and living a full, joy-filled life filled with new adventures.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Dimity’s Instagram and Twitter
- Another Mother Runner’s website, Instagram, Twitter and podcasts
- Dimity’s articles about leaving running in Women’s Running: The True Finish Line: How One Runner Finally Accepted the End of Her Running Career, How to Know When It’s Time to Quit Running
- The Another Mother Runner blog post and podcast episode where Dimity tells the community her situation
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I had arthroscopic surgery for FAI/labral tear six years ago, and it's been a long, slow road of recovery. I think my rehab program didn't focus enough on building back strength and mobility before I progressed back to running, so I've dealt with a lot of lower body injuries from overcompensation and bad movement patterns since then. I've been focusing more on mobility and strength in the last year and feeling better, but this week my hip has suddenly felt worse than it has in years. I've been trying to focus on what I can do for it right now and listening to my body, but it's been a really bad week mentally. I'm hoping this is just a temporary setback, but it's easy to spiral into anxiety and depression about losing the activities I love and the social aspect of being an athlete. I'd love to hear some advice on how to handle the mental and emotional struggle of a chronic injury!”
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Calen.
Coping with an unexpected setback is never easy, Carrie acknowledges, especially when it’s just another part of a long, arduous rehab journey. She describes a moment of acceptance that shifted her own perspective on chronic injury, and also offers some advice on social connection and support.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“When you think about it, how often is your mind completely absorbed in the task in front of you? How often do you catch your mind wandering off task? Our brains, you know, they like to wander off. Mindfulness helps us bring it back, rein it in, back into this moment.”
When you’re injured, it’s easy to get hooked by negative emotions—perceived failures in your past, frustrations about the present, and fears of an uncertain future.
You can’t rid ourselves of these feelings entirely; they’re a part of being human. But if they’re constantly hijacking your brain, taking you away from the present moment and your ability to do what’s necessary for your recovery, they become counterproductive.
Today, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson takes us through some ways to take those Fs—Failures, Frustrations, and Fears—and turn them into As, also known as the three-step Accept, Adapt, Act process. We cover mindfulness, why it’s not always about meditation (though that can help!), and real, tangible exercises to both snap yourself out of a funk in the moment and build your mindfulness muscle over time.
She also talks about the power of the group in working through these issues—and how you can join one of her Rebound coaching programs, which kick off soon.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Rebound worksheets, which include several of the exercises we mention
- Episode 32: Cindy and Carrie Travel Through Time
- Episode 3: How to Go FAR: Feel, Accept, Recover
- The book 8 Minute Meditation: Quiet Your Mind. Change Your Life
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“What do you say to people after you get injured and their comment is ‘maybe your body is telling you something?’ This phrase irritates the heck out of me. Of course I’m always looking for something to be learned from an injury but how do they know what MY body is telling ME? I’m reading REBOUND right now (so good) and there are so many athletes with repeated injuries who push through to come back stronger, which is exactly what I want to do. But I wonder how many people told those athletes “maybe your body is trying to tell you something?’ What do you say to that annoying judgment?”
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Erin.
Carrie describes her own gut reaction to seemingly insensitive comments—and how she takes a beat to respond more thoughtfully. Decide how YOU want to feel after these interactions, she advises, and then offers a few strategies you can take, from assuming good intent to deflecting to being straightforward about how hurtful something feels.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- There Is No Good Card for This: What To Say and Do When Life Is Scary, Awful, and Unfair to People You Love, by Dr. Kelsey Crowe and Emily McDowell
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I remember not knowing whether I was going to be able to race that day. I felt so emotional, I was crying. I had tears on my face and I was just thinking about just how weird the circumstances were, and just feeling how it was taken from Daniela, but it wasn't from me.”
Susannah Scaroni had one career high in summer of 2021—she won her first two Paralympic medals, a gold and a silver, at the Tokyo Games. This past May 29, she had another, when she set the world record in the 5,000 meters for the T54 category.
In between came one of her greatest challenges. In September, she was struck by a car while training, sustaining a burst fracture in her T8 vertebrae. Treatment included a clamshell-like back brace and restricted movements, which kept her out of the fall marathon season—and had her wondering about her future in the sport.
As if that weren’t enough to make her recent record-breaking performance more emotional, the race took place at the Daniela Jutzeler Memorial meet, named for a Swiss wheelchair racer killed in a similar collision. Susannah joins us on this week’s show fresh off that incredible accomplishment, and talks through what it took to get there, the lingering effects of the crash, and how it’s changed her outlook on athletics—and life.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Susannah’s Instagram and Twitter
- Runner’s World article about Susannah’s story (by Cindy)
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I find it difficult to keep up with daily PT after all these years of rehab and feel like I let myself and my PT down in recent months. This is not the state I want to stop and I want to keep getting better, but the vision of that seems hard to see some days. For the injured athletes that are on long-term recovery tracks, how do you stay motivated and engaged with PT and training when the recovery process is much slower than you want to, or are trying to return to sport but your body is still not fully ready?”
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Jamie. It’s totally normal, Carrie emphasizes, for your motivation to ebb and flow over time. She discusses why you should let go of the guilt and shame when you miss a day (or a few) of your rehab exercises, describes how to tap into your deeper commitment, and offers creative ways to stay engaged.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“It's so important to pay attention to how you are talking to yourself, because your words influence everything. So you really need to understand your self-talk and start to dive into it a little bit and know, OK, is the way I'm talking to myself right now—is that helping me or is that actually hurting me?”
Imagine you’re walking past two sets of coaches and athletes on the tennis court, track, or soccer pitch. One coach is yelling at an athlete for her poor performance, telling her it’s all her fault and she’ll never improve. The other is offering encouraging words, letting the athlete know she may have fallen short this time, but if she tries again, success is achievable.
Which coach would you rather play for—and which athlete do you predict will do better in the long run?
Most of us would gravitate toward a leader who’s empathetic and builds athletes up rather than tearing them down. But so often, and especially when we’re injured, we serve as our own nightmare coach—blaming ourselves for any setback and constantly pointing out our own shortcomings.
Co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson sees this all the time in her clients, and now, we’re dedicating a whole episode to turning this equation around. Your self-talk matters, and there are many ways to notice that inner dialogue and shift it so you’re nourishing your inner athlete, rather than feeding the monster of self-doubt and criticism.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Rebound worksheets, which include several of the exercises we mention
- The Queen’s University study that quantifies the number of thoughts we have per day (more than 6,000!)
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I’m concerned my injury will never get better because the doctors and physical therapists don’t seem to have a clear sense of the problem. How do I know when to keep seeing new providers and when to give up?”
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Rachel. Carrie explains the difference between acceptance and resignation, and other helpful ways to deal with an uncertain diagnosis.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I know, at some point, I'll feel better, I'll be in a better position. And if there's any chance that I can get back to the level of fitness that I was at before, I don't want to be the one that's holding myself back from doing that.”
In 2020, despite the disruptions associated with the pandemic, British triple jumper Shanara Hibbert was coming off her best season yet. She’d stepped away from her full-time job to focus more on athletics, set personal bests three times, and won two silver medals at national championships, one indoor and one outdoor.
“Coming into 2021, I was thinking, okay, I can just build on this. And hopefully, we'll get a proper fall season,” she said.
But instead, on Feb. 20, she was jumping in the final round at the British Athletics European Indoor Selection Trials when she heard a pop. She thought it was her foot striking the take-off board—but it turns out, she’d ruptured her Achilles.
Waves of emotions, surgery, and a year of recovery later, Shanara—who’s also a mindset coach—joins us on the show this week to talk about how she navigated the setback and her recovery. She found our book Rebound early in the process, and walks us through how—with exercises within it, and many other tools and resources—she managed the roller-coaster of rehab to give herself the best shot at a full rebound in the future.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Running, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Shanara’s website, Instagram, and Twitter
- A tutorial on bullet journaling
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“When coming back from injury and having had a number of setbacks, how do you ‘read your body’ to know when to rest more or when to keep up with a PT program? I’m week 4 of 6 in a CAM boot for PTTD. I have a physio, but I’m still scared that—when I can stop wearing the boot—I will not take things slow enough and will reinjure myself. I have lost any confidence that I’ll know when to pull back before getting injured again, and I’m scared of also going out too fast if (IF) I feel better when the boot’s off.”
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Sarah. Carrie describes the way we often get caught up in timelines and expectations from our healthcare providers—but emphasizes why WE remain vital members of our treatment team. And, she talks about how mental toughness sometimes means holding back rather than pushing forward.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recording and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Running, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“A surgery doesn't just fix you physically, it also does help you a bit mentally. The injury gives you that time to stop, in a way. It’s not always appreciated at the time, but you look back, and it was actually quite good to have stopped and kind of reset and be like, right, this is what I want to do—because of how much you miss it.”
Her untapped talent at asking for help. The limits of her patience—and how they weren’t as hard and fast as she’d believed. And, the depth of her commitment to her sport. Scottish pro golfer Hannah McCook learned a lot about herself in the year it took her to recover from hip surgery.
Somewhere in the midst of this comeback, she found our book Rebound and the Injured Athletes Club podcast. Now, she’s on the show herself to share the lessons from her recovery—the mental skills, techniques, and mindset shifts that got her through the darker moments.
Hannah has been golfing since age 6, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 8, and became a professional athlete in 2019. She discussed how having a chronic condition both prepared her for and complicated her injury recovery; the way she rejected comparisons and embraced her own timeline; and how the whole experience has transformed her, as an athlete and a human.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Movement, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Hannah’s website, Instagram, and Twitter
- Some of the blog posts we mention on the show: A Whole Year On, Same Journey, New Challenge (her first post, about asking for help); It's All About The Small Wins
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I am a cyclist and do triathlons every so often for fun. I had to give up running years ago after three ankle surgeries which ended with chronic stress fractures. I’ve always been told because I have cavovarus feet I will need surgery to correct, but I’ve been able to put it off. One of my ankles is currently flared up and doc says I should do the surgery on that foot now. It would mean 4 months off the bike. I really want to keep putting it off, as cycling doesn’t bother it. However, I can no longer even wear running shoes, so any sort of fast walking or hiking is currently out. I can’t decide what to do. I should also add I’m five months post-op for total hamstring avulsion reattachment surgery. The thought of starting over makes me want to die. How do I decide what to do?”
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Whitney. Carrie gives advice on how to make decisions when none of the options seems great, why there’s hardly ever a “perfect” time to have surgery, and how to Go FAR—feel, accept, recover—at this crucial stage of the recovery process.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recording and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Netic Health, Lever Movement, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“When I first got pregnant, I was like, ‘Oh, it's just like a big injury. You slowly lose fitness, and then you eventually have to stop altogether. And then you take some time off, then you get back to it once you're healed and recovered.’ And I was pretty far off. I feel like it definitely was a different process, because you are physically changing and emotionally changing and mentally changing on top of not being able to run. On the other side of it, I feel like I came out a different person.”
About a year after Neely Spence Gracey’s first son was born, she found herself in a difficult spot. What she’d envisioned as a swift, strong return to running wasn’t going as planned. She was injured, anxious, and while she loved Athens with all her heart, struggling to balance the demands of being a pro athlete, coach, and new mom.
Now, she has two sons—Rome was born in June 2021—and a whole new perspective. While she’s still rebuilding from her second pregnancy, she now knows the process may take longer than she’d planned. But she’s OK with that; her competitive fire still burns, and she’s committed to taking care of herself and her family even as she keeps her sights set on big goals.
Neely is the co-author—with Cindy—of a new book called Breakthrough Women's Running: Dream Big and Train Smart. In the book, and in this week’s episode, she talks about what a breakthrough means, and why standout performance might look different in different phases; how injury and pregnancy both alter an athlete’s identity; and how to keep making progress toward your goals no matter what life throws at you.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recordings and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Running, Netic Health, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Neely’s website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
- Neely’s book, for which Cindy is co-author: Breakthrough Women's Running: Dream Big and Train Smart
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“My question is about how to balance hope with logic. My injuries related to low bone density that was a consequence of an eating disorder in my 30s. I know the reality is I can no longer run as much as I used to because that is what the doctors say (and I trust them) and my hope is that my body will prove them wrong. At some point hope evolves or devolves into delusion. How do I remain engaged in the sport while respecting the reality that my body has limits that I used to thrive off of pushing?”
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Jen. Carrie explains why realism and optimism can sometimes mix—and how to redefine what success and mental toughness mean when your goalposts have shifted.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recording and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Running, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I don't want to put my life on pause. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to miss out on the miracle cure when it comes along, so I do pay attention. But I really compartmentalize it. I try not to open that door too wide. I mostly just focus on, let's just assume it's not going to get any better than this. How OK can I be with my present limitations, feeling the way I am?”
At the end of February 2020, prolific author and endurance athlete Matt Fitzgerald spectated at the Olympic Marathon Trials, then ran the Publix Atlanta Marathon. Soon afterward, he developed symptoms of the disease that would later become known as Covid-19.
He was sick for a month, then felt better—until suddenly, he didn’t. A bad workout in October of that year marked the beginning of an unraveling of his health and well-being. Since then, he’s coped with—by his count—more than 30 symptoms of long Covid, including crushing fatigue, brain fog, and an inability to exercise.
Matt has shared his experiences on his 80/20 Endurance podcast and blog, among other places. Though he never thought of hiding his condition (“I'm not the suffer-in- silence type,” he says), he’s reaped more benefits from this transparency than he ever imagined.
This week, Matt joins us to kick off season 5 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast. In this episode, he shares how community has helped him, what it’s like working full-time in endurance sports without being able to compete, why his relationship with hope is complicated, and what he’s learned about himself, and his coaching, along the way.
New this season: We’re asking listeners to support the show directly, which you can do at buymeacoffee.com/rebound. Make a one-time donation or download extras like webinar recording and resource sheets. Or, you can join as an ongoing member; for $10 a month, you’ll get goodies like podcast extras, live monthly Q&As with Carrie, and discounts from great companies like Fluid Running, Lever Running, and Reflex Health.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Matt’s website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
- His most recent and relevant books: Run Like a Pro (Even If You’re Slow) and The Comeback Quotient: A Get-Real Guide to Building Mental Fitness in Sport and Life
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
"Of all the emotions I have felt after injury, the one I'm having the most trouble dealing with is anger. I'm mad at myself, my coach, and at the medical professionals who I feel have failed me. I know some of this is justified. But I also feel trapped by it. What can I do to move forward?”
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Adrian O. Carrie takes out her emotional metal detector to help injured athletes see what lies beneath their anger—and offers some surefire strategies for how to handle what they uncover.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
Note: This is the last episode of season 4; we'll be back with season 5 after a short break!
A huge thank you to our sponsor for this episode, and this whole season: Fluid Running. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. Listen for a special discount code in the episode!
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Episode 3 on How to Go FAR: Feel, Accept, Recover
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I had the two black lines in my life, I had the black line that trailed the pages of my journal, and I had the black line that trails the bottom of a pool. And both gave me that place to be, that place to process, to grieve. I found the ability—with swimming specifically—to bridge my past to my present and lead me toward something in my future and allow me to understand that life was bigger than the moment I was facing. Swimming, in a lot of ways, brought me back to life.”
Though she’d grown up in the water, Mallory Weggemann was nearly ready to leave competition behind for other dreams. But when a medical procedure gone wrong resulted in her paralysis at age 18, she found herself back in the pool. There, she regained her strength and confidence—and excelled swiftly enough to win Paralympic gold four years later in London.
She had every intention of blazing forward with her athletic career and defending her gold in Rio. In 2014, though, she suffered another severe setback. At this second point of impact, she had to decide all over again why she swam, and whether it was worth the fight.
In this week’s episode—and her fantastic new book, Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance—the soon-to-be three-time Paralympian explains exactly why she didn’t give in, and all the teamwork, support, and strength it took to work her way back to the black line that made her feel at home.
A huge thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Fluid Running. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. Listen for a special discount code in the episode!
In this episode, we discuss:
- What the process of writing her book was like (5:56)
- Why, and how, she kept a journal over the years—and the benefits it brought her (8:48)
- What she means by “sudden moment of impact” (13:01)
- Her second injury, in 2014, and why it was even more challenging to recover from emotionally than the one that led to her paralysis (16:28)
- Why she had to stop comparing her current self to her past self, and how she did it (21:25)
- How she used visualization both to preserve her mental health during a dark time and prepare when she returned to competition (30:03)
- The reality of medical flashbacks, and how she copes with them (34:15)
- “I can do it” vs. “We can do it,” and the balance of community and independence (37:06)
- How she’s come to see the gifts her experiences have brought her (41:54)
- The big realization that we can feel two things at once (44:20)
- Her final words of wisdom for injured athletes and others facing setbacks (51:57)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Mallory’s website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
- Her book Limitless: The Power of Hope and Resilience to Overcome Circumstance
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
"Could you discuss how injury shows up the fault-lines in your relationships? Injuries change the dynamics, and certainly my back-to-back injuries have made me feel less in control, less independent, and probably facing the relationship issues I was literally running away from."
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Aisling C. Carrie explains some of the underlying dynamics that can affect communication when one partner is injured, and how to tend to your connections as well as yourself and your own health.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
A huge thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Fluid Running. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. Listen for a special discount code in the episode!
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“People who have a growth mindset believe that success is possible through your effort and strategies. So if you encounter a setback, there is a solution, you just haven't figured it out yet. Part of that solution might be getting assistance from others. It's knowing that someone else out here has gone through this and has the answers and has the expertise, I need to find that person and get information from them. They see it as a resource and a tool instead of a sign of failure.”
When you’re an injured athlete, it’s easy to feel isolated and alone. There are a lot of legitimate reasons for this, and factors that make it challenging to reach out and ask for the support you need. Many high-level competitors, for instance, fear seeming weak or incompetent.
But social support—along with other types of assistance—are critical to the rehab and recovery process. They can also make you a happier, healthier person outside of sports. So, what’s a sidelined athlete to do?
In this episode, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson talks us through exactly why support matters so much. And, she gives you specific tactics for determining which support you need and when you need it, and how to assemble a willing crew around you to offer it.
A huge thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Fluid Running. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. Listen for a special discount code in the episode!
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why support is so crucial to injured athletes in the first place (2:23)
- The difference between perceived and received support—and the shocking fact about which one is more important (4:09)
- The four crucial types of support injured athletes need, and an easy acronym to help you remember them (5:54)
- Some of the common reasons injured athletes don’t ask for support (9:20)
- What you can start to do today to turn it around and empower yourself to seek support (12:37)
- Why your support system may fall short, and what to do when it does (15:17)
- The two big myths of support, and how busting through them can change everything for your recovery (18:43)
- The importance of having a good medical team (21:03)
- A little bit more about The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, and how it can help provide a few different types of support during your recovery (24:17)
- A mental drill—a specific, step-by-step exercise—that can help you identify the types of support you need, then reach out to get them (28:02)
- Another drill, Found in Translation, that can help you manage communication between you and other people who care about you (31:55)
- Other life situations where it pays to be deliberate about seeking support (36:54)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Season 4, Episode 56 | Carrie Answers a Question: Ric’s Request
How do I come to terms with or accept that I can no longer do exactly what I had hoped to do? I never let that dream go. After four years, I should but I can't.
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Ric J. Carrie gives Ric a great big audio hug, helping him to reflect on what was meaningful to him about his sport and find new ways to get excited and inspired.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
A huge thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Fluid Running. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. Listen for a special discount code in the episode!
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
"It's not like I hurt myself because I wanted to hurt myself. It came from passion, it came from an athletic drive, it came from inspiration and dreams. I just wasn't an irresponsible athlete; I don't want to call myself that. I might have been an over-optimistic and over-passionate athlete, as opposed to calling yourself bad names. Once I made the decision to stop calling myself bad names, that's when the true sense of self-love and self-kindness came through. And that's why I say, in those six months, I've learned more about self-kindness and self-love than the rest of my 41 years on Earth."
Manal Rostom has been running since the age of 13. She rededicated herself to the sport in her 30s, and subsequently ran 13 marathons, becoming the first Egyptian woman to run five of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors. And, she climbed new heights; she’s also the first Egyptian woman to summit two of the world’s highest mountains, Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Elbrus.
Along the way, she built a career in sports and fitness, through partnerships with brands like Nike as well as through personal training. So when she found out, in December of 2020, that she’d have to take six months off to heal her Achilles tendons, she found herself fearful and devastated in more ways than one—physically, emotionally, and financially.
As she searched for a way to process her injury and recovery, Manal—who’s also the founder of her own Facebook group, Surviving Hijab—sought out community in The Injured Athletes Club. We’re so glad she did! And in this episode, which was recorded exactly six months to the day after she began her time off, she shares all the lessons she’s learned in that time about showing up for yourself and your community, reconnecting to your purpose, and trusting where your rebound will lead you.
A huge thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Fluid Running. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. Listen for a special discount code in the episode!
In this episode, we discuss:
- How she’d say injuries are viewed among runners—and her unique perspective on that as an Arab woman in sport (7:17)
- Why she thinks, when it comes to injuries, “your biggest enemy is your ego” (11:31)
- How she felt when she learned she needed six months off (13:31)
- How her injury first developed and progressed (19:54)
- What she’s gotten out of the Injured Athletes Club community and the book Rebound (21:06)
- Why self-care is such a critical component of recovery for her (25:00)
- The specific struggles of having an injury as a fitness content creator (30:01)
- How she “remembered her why” (38:19)
- How she’s moving forward from here (42:35)
- The importance of listening to your body (49:04)
- Her final words of advice to injured athletes, about community, values, and joy (51:27)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Manal’s Instagram, including the amazing videos of her wakesurfing (one while eating a protein bar!)
- Surviving Hijab on Instagram and Facebook
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
There are days when I feel utterly hopeless and cry a lot. How do I keep it together? My doctor prescribed therapy and counseling, but there are no available spaces in my area. Besides yoga and meditation, what can I do to stay or return to positive?
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Sarah B. Carrie suggests some ways for Sarah to both accept the emotions she has and to process them in a way that allows her to move forward—including journaling, strategic support, and overcoming obstacles to reaching professional help.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
A huge thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Fluid Running. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. Listen for a special discount code in the episode!
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- Previous episode: Cindy and Carrie Travel Through Time
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“Every day doesn't have to be perfect. But you still have to put in the work, and you still need to show up, and you still need to put that brick in. Because in my little brick house in Fort Collins, which I grew up in, all the bricks were there, even if they were cracked, and scratched. They were all there in their imperfection and they made this beautiful structure. That's honestly what kept me going on those days where I felt like I didn't want to show up to do my PT. I felt like that was the one thing that I could do, no matter how boring it was, to lay that brick for the day.
Hillary Allen’s amazing story is actually the very first one we highlight in our book Rebound. In 2017, she fell off a ridge during Norway’s Tromsø Skyrace, tumbling 150 feet to what could have been her death. Her injuries included two broken ribs and wrists, a fracture in her back, and a ruptured ligament in her foot.
She’s always written eloquently about her injury, and her compelling new book Out and Back tells the tale of her accident and recovery. On this week’s show, we delve into some of the emotional components of that incredible journey, including the importance of asking for support and how she showed up for herself on days when she didn’t know if she had it in her.
And—in a topic that’s not discussed as much, but is critical for injured athletes—she also opens up about her past with disordered eating, how fueling may have saved her life, and her advice for coping with fears about weight and nutrition during recovery.
A huge thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Fluid Running. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. Listen for a special discount code in the episode!
In this episode, we discuss:
- Her respect for the power of nature, and injuries are viewed in extreme running (5:56)
- How coming to terms with the fact that she might never compete again ultimately made her a stronger runner (14:05)
- Her “brick by brick” analogy of recovery (18:43)
- Why asking for support was so hard, and how she learned to do it anyway (23:00)
- The hardest time period of her recovery, and how she got through it (28:00)
- The power of curiosity, and why she believes it was one of the secrets to her survival (30:41)
- How grief and trauma are like waves, and how she’s learned she can withstand them (34:23)
- Her experiences with disordered eating before—and after—her injury, and why she’s so passionate about sharing them (36:39)
- Why she—like Amelia Boone—doesn’t like referring to her recovery as a “comeback” (48:11)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Hillary’s website and Instagram
- Her fabulous book, Out and Back: A Runner’s Story of Survival Against All Odds
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
How can I handle the pressure of not being able to train with the fear of losing fitness as a competitive athlete?
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Carla F. She suggests Carla reset her goals and remember that her fitness will come back in time, once she allows herself the time and space to heal.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
A huge thank you to our sponsor for this episode: Fluid Running. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. Listen for a special discount code in the episode!
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- Previous episode: Cindy and Carrie Travel Through Time
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“All right, there are two options: You can get going and see what you can do with this life, or you can give up. And I said, option one's too easy, I don't like taking the easy road out. I'm going to see what I can do. I'm going to see the capabilities I have as a person that I've forged for myself over the last 18 years of training, doing sports, lifting weights, going through all those life experiences.”
This Saturday, Justin Phongsavanh will have six throws of the javelin to earn his way to the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, when he competes at the U.S. Paralympic Team Trials for Track & Field in Minnesota. In this week’s episode, he shares with us the incredible journey that brought him to this point—and how the power of sport has carried him through some of life’s toughest moments.
Justin grew up a multisport athlete, playing football and rugby, wrestling, and throwing shot put and discus. He was no stranger to setbacks, including broken wrists and multiple concussions. But his strength and athletic background would be put to an even larger test after a gunshot wound severed his spinal cord in 2015, when he was just 18.
The incident and his recovery afterward brought a true roller-coaster of emotions, including hopelessness and anger. Adaptive sports helped reconnect him to the competitor he was in the past, and continue seeking the best for himself.
It didn’t take long for him to realize he could be great—at his first meet, he broke national records in every event he entered, from powerlifting to shot put to javelin. Now, he’s gearing up to compete at the sport’s highest level, living his dream while also taking time to give back to the next generation through coaching young athletes.
Note to listeners: This episode contains descriptions of violence from 13:53 to 18:46.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and ProStretch. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And ProStretch offers uniquely designed products to stretch and massage muscles easier and more effectively than conventional methods. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
In this episode, we discuss:
- The three categories of disability in Paralympic sport (5:41)
- The types of overuse injuries common among throwers, and how he helps prevent them (6:13)
- His earlier history with injury, including concussions (8:54)
- The incident that caused his spinal cord injury (13:39)
- His initial emotional reaction (18:46)
- The point at which he began to see the way forward—and how he approached rehab with an athletic mindset (21:19)
- The anger he felt at the individual responsible, and how he’s worked through it (25:14)
- How he got into Paralympic sport, and throwing specifically (30:36)
- His decision to move to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in California (36:29)
- What prehab and rehab looks like for the athletes there (40:26)
- How COVID altered his training (46:15)
- The coaching he does with younger athletes (51:01)
- His support system and how they’ve helped him navigate life (54:56)
- His advice for injured athletes and other people facing obstacles (58:15)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Justin’s Instagram
- A story about him from Team USA
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
What I am struggling with the most right now is the paralyzing fear of re-injury. What else can you suggest for the person who has a debilitating fear of re-injury who has tried everything in Rebound and tends to outsmart themselves by overthinking everything?
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Frances S. She offers Frances some insight into just what makes our brains so fearful to begin with—and then gives some tips for quieting the mind and moving forward with confidence.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and ProStretch. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And ProStretch offers uniquely designed products to stretch and massage muscles easier and more effectively than conventional methods. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- Blog posts from Carrie, including: What If I Hate to Meditate?, I Can’t Meditate: How to Deal with Busy Mind Distractions, and How an Attitude of Gratitude Can Also Lead to Better Performance
- Finding a certified mental performance consultant in this directory from the Association for Applied Sport Psychology
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I just wish I could go back and tell myself a year ago how great I'm feeling a year later ... to have that kind of foresight that it's going to get a lot better. I'm going to look back on this one day and think, wow, I won't even be able to believe that I was there at one point. I'm going to be feeling so much better, so much healthier, and so much stronger.”
Heading into 2020, elite runner Vanessa Fraser of the Bowerman Track Club had her sights set on the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. She’s fast enough at the 5,000 meters—her personal best outdoors is 15:07.58—that she’s long been considered a contender for making the Tokyo team.
But as the big date neared, some minor pain she’d been feeling in her Achilles tendons since 2017 was worsening. Time off didn’t heal them; neither did any of the other remedies she tried, from oral anti-inflammatories to shockwave therapy to a medication patch system called iontophoresis.
Just when the pain became nearly unbearable, the pandemic changed everything. Vanessa took the opportunity to have bilateral surgery to repair Haglund’s deformities, bony bumps on her heels that were damaging her Achilles tendons. A year to the day after she left the surgical center in two walking boots, she toed the line again at her comeback race, Sound Running’s Track Meet, on May 15.
In this week’s episode, she walks us through everything that came between—from revising expectations to overcoming yet another setback to maintaining her fitness through deep water running—and why she’s even more excited about her big dreams for the future.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and ProStretch. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And ProStretch offers uniquely designed products to stretch and massage muscles easier and more effectively than conventional methods. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
In this episode, we discuss:
- How injuries are viewed in pro running (8:11)
- Her early start in Girls on the Run (11:03)
- The earliest signs of her Haglund’s deformities, and how they progressed to the point that surgery was the best option (12:27)
- How she decided exactly which procedure to have, and found a surgeon she felt confident in (22:16)
- The way she navigated changing timelines, and why she’s actually glad she didn’t fully absorb how long her comeback would take (28:51)
- How deep water running—and specifically, the Fluid Running system—aided in her recovery (34:04)
- How her teammates and coaches—including Shalane Flanagan, who had a few notable injuries and recoveries as a pro runner herself—supported her (37:36)
- What it felt like to come back to running after her first real break, and how she developed another injury during that time—but had the tools to cope (43:19)
- Her advice to other injured athletes (53:13)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Vanessa’s Instagram—including photos and videos of her early milestones
- Bowerman Track Club
- The Tenex procedure she had
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
I'm struggling with which doctors to trust and how to get second opinions. I've seen at least six for the issue I am currently experiencing, which turned out to be a lot more complex than I imagined. So my question is, how much do you tell a new doctor about what previous doctors think? And how can you ensure that you get a proper diagnosis based on the evidence when you're seeing so many different providers?
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Tania G. Carrie offers Tanya some guidance for navigating a complex medical system, and some ways all injured athletes can build confidence in their diagnoses and treatment plans.
Listen to the show for more—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and ProStretch. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And ProStretch offers uniquely designed products to stretch and massage muscles easier and more effectively than conventional methods. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“So many of us seek out this idea that we want to feel confident all the time in whatever it is that we're doing—that if we feel confident, that means that we're never going to feel doubt. And that is just not true. That's why I like to talk about confidence as not something that you are, it's something that you do.”
Fear, doubt, anxiety, worries about re-injury—these are all normal parts of the injured athlete experience. The antidote to all of them? Confidence. And while we often think of being confident as a binary trait—it’s something you are, or are not—that couldn’t be further from the truth.
In fact, confidence is a set of skills that you can strengthen with time and intention, as co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson explains in this week’s episode. We’ll talk through all the reasons your confidence may wane during the recovery process—and give you solid, clear ways to work on boosting it. (Just wanna get to the practical tips? Fast forward to 24:21.)
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and ProStretch. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And ProStretch offers uniquely designed products to stretch and massage muscles easier and more effectively than conventional methods. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why it matters so much to think of confidence as a mental skill rather than a trait you possess (2:34)
- Why it’s natural for confidence to dip during injury recovery (4:32)
- Why taking action helps us feel more confident—and some examples of empowering actions to take (10:56)
- How it is TOTALLY NORMAL to feel anxiety and doubt during recovery (and why it’s so important to recognize the ubiquity of those emotions) (14:53)
- Common times in the process when those emotions crop up (17:34)
- The definition of self-efficacy, why this specific type of confidence is important for athletes, and three main sources of it (21:55)
- The “Four-Step Confidence Boost” from p. 151 of Rebound (24:21)
- The “Chart Your Confidence” exercise from p. 155 of Rebound (30:45)
- Why support is so critical for confidence, and a teaser for a future episode on this topic (34:50)
- How working on your confidence while injured pays off in your later performance—and the rest of your life (37:03)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Episode 8: Carrie and Cindy Climb the Anxiety Pyramid
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
I have a high pain threshold. I've run through stress fractures and I'm currently rehabbing another one. How can I or should I learn better to be aware of pain in order to prevent injury?
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Jennifer H. The answer, Carrie says, is that tuning in to pain will indeed pay dividends in injury prevention and recovery—and, she offers solid advice on just how to do it.
Listen to the show to find out—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and ProStretch. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And ProStretch offers uniquely designed products to stretch and massage muscles easier and more effectively than conventional methods. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“My visualization was imagining myself and my horse in a protective white light, and that we were protected over the jumps, the whole course. The next competition, I remember thinking, ‘I don't know if this is going to work, but we'll give it a try.’ We went in and that fear started to come up, I could feel it. I just closed my eyes for a minute and envisioned this white light and rode really well.”
For years, Hannah Selleck—like most athletes—believed the key to success was pushing her body to the max. But in 2018, the professional equestrian show jumper fell, got her foot caught in a magnetic stirrup, and sustained severe fractures to her tibia and fibula.
Recovery from that setback taught her that sometimes, patience and rest pay off more than strain and effort. New treatment and performance techniques helped her cope with the unexpected emotional impact of her fall. And a friend and fellow rider kept her horses in competition when she couldn’t, which gave her a taste of the owner role—something she realized could also be fulfilling for her later on.
Now, she’s fine-tuned the parts of her mental training that complement the physical, including visualization and restorative yoga. She works them into her routine regularly, recognizing they’re just as critical to success as her time in the ring or the gym. All this has made her not only a stronger, better athlete, but also a more self-aware, kind, and balanced person, she says.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and ProStretch. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And ProStretch offers uniquely designed products to stretch and massage muscles easier and more effectively than conventional methods. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
In this episode, we discuss:
- How injury is viewed in equestrian sports (4:48)
- Some of her earliest experiences with injury (6:26)
- Her big fall—the one that kept her out for seven months (8:36)
- How the emotional connection the thousand-plus-pound fellow athlete she works with influences her experience (15:32)
- When and why she had a panic attack in the ring, and how she handled it, including the white-light visualization technique (17:58)
- The unexpected setbacks that occurred when she got her hardware out post-surgery (23:00)
- How she made the shift to incorporating rest and psychological techniques into her training (26:04)
- How she shifted her role in the industry when she couldn’t ride, and the advantages that offered her (32:32)
- Other ways she refocused, rebalance, and prevented burnout (36:08)
- How injury prepared her to cope with COVID cancellations (39:26)
- Her biggest advice to other injured athletes (41:58)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Hannah’s Instagram and Twitter
- The website for her business, Descanso Farm
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
My question is about how to create habits to get the daily prehab/rehab exercises done.
This is always my struggle - I never manage to keep it up super consistently and struggle to find ways to fit stuff in and do it every single day. (Currently I need to rehab an ankle, but I really need a daily foam rolling habit too.)
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Penny W. What admissions does Carrie make about her own rehab habits—and how does she get herself back on track, and recommend others do so, too?
Listen to the show to find out—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and ProStretch. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And ProStretch offers uniquely designed products to stretch and massage muscles easier and more effectively than conventional methods. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“It's all about respect ... I'm not going there looking to hurt someone, that's not my mindset. My mindset is to show them that I'm not afraid of anybody. In a race, if you come close to me, I'll do whatever it takes for me to win. I'm not going to just let you pass just because I'm afraid of you.”
Jet ski racing has been Mouad Salhi’s passion from a young age. He’s stuck with the sport for years despite the costs, both financially and in the form of injury.
When you’re maneuvering large, heavy vehicles across the water at high speed, you’re bound to get hurt, Mo says—and he’s experienced some serious crashes. But to him, it’s all part of the sport he loves, and has excelled at (he’s claimed world, U.S., and 3 European championships, among other accolades).
In this week’s show, he describes how he redirects emotions like fear and anger into a bold racing style—which, while it seems risky, is actually part of a strategy for staying safer. He also shares some of the other struggles and setbacks of a solo rider in an expensive sport, and how much support means to him along the way.
Note: Because of an equipment problem, Mo didn’t race April 17 after all, as discussed in this episode. His first competition back for the season is May 1, in Kissimmee, Florida—check his Instagram and YouTube channel for updates!
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and 2Toms. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And 2Toms provides advanced sweat proof, waterproof blister and chafing protection products that keep you moving. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
In this episode, we discuss:
- Some of the basics of jet ski racing (5:34)
- How injury is viewed in the sport (7:35)
- His experiences with injuries—including serious crashes (8:48)
- How he’s learned to manage his fear to dominate on the water (13:17)
- The knee injury he’s currently rehabbing, and how jet ski racing involves strength and endurance through his whole body (18:27)
- Financial issues, and how they play a role in succeeding in the sport and recovering from injury (23:17)
- How representing an entire country adds to the pressure (30:17)
- What it was like to come back after his most serious crash (34:45)
- How it feels to now race for a new country, the United States (38:25)
- What it took to come back to the sport after an 11-year break (39:01)
- His best advice for other injured athletes (42:15)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Mo’s Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
- His fundraising page
- P1 AquaX, the jet ski racing series
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“I'm a distance trail runner, or used to be, and that was the main sport that I pursued and was my passion. And the doctors and therapists all say that it's not a matter of if I will be able to run again because they said I would be able to. However, if I continued at the pace or distances I was prior to the injury, I'm a likely if not definite candidate for either osteoarthritis or a full knee replacement later in my life. I've been kind of weighing the inevitability of this and wondering how to proceed with or without running when I'm recovered? Do I go all in if I can, and if it doesn't hurt, and enjoy myself now? Or do I back off and maybe pursue some other sports with the mix of running here and there and try to preserve the longevity of my knee?
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Claire C. How does Carrie suggest she think about the future, and weigh the emotional consequences of either choice?
Listen to the show to find out—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and 2Toms. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And 2Toms provides advanced sweat proof, waterproof blister and chafing protection products that keep you moving. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“My story is a miraculous recovery because I beat every expectation for what was going to happen. We believe we can share some of these guides to help others have a miraculous recovery from what they're going through. Because, as I say, a lot of my luck was created. You can create your own luck if you take the steps to build it, and climb an alternative peak.”
Jamie Crane-Mauzy—better known as Jamie MoCrazy, a name she’ll explain early in this week’s show—has lived most of her life on the slopes. She started skiing at age 1, and by 18, had gone pro as a slopestyle and halfpipe skier.
Everything changed in 2015, when she crashed at the World Tour Finals and sustained a traumatic brain injury. Her condition was so severe the medical team had even written her fatality report.
She survived—and after a 10-day coma, embarked on an extensive, years-long recovery process. Of course, re-learning to walk, talk, and interact socially were difficult. But one of the biggest emotional struggles, Jamie says, came when she realized she would no longer be competing as a pro athlete.
Coming to terms with that major life shift involved the support of a loving family, professional mental-health treatment, and finding a greater purpose—educating and motivating others, including survivors of traumatic brain injury and their caregivers, through the MoCrazy Strong organization. It’s a different kind of mountain to climb, Jamie says, but one that’s ultimately incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
**Please note that this episode contains descriptions of trauma that some people may find unsettling. If you want to avoid this content, skip from 6:30 to 19:30.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and 2Toms. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And 2Toms provides advanced sweat proof, waterproof blister and chafing protection products that keep you moving. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
In this episode, we discuss:
- Where the name Jamie MoCrazy comes from (5:17)
- Who she is—including the details of the accident that changed her life (6:39)
- How injury is viewed in skiing, especially freeskiing (9:45)
- What it was like to hear about the accident from her family’s perspective (14:22)
- More of the details of her extended rehab—including the incredible support and involvement of her family (19:29)
- The critical role caregivers can play, and why the whole MoCrazy family is passionate about reaching out to them (26:29)
- When she realized she wouldn’t be competing again, and how she came to terms with that, including the importance of mental-health support (30:36)
- More about the emotional component of her recovery, including the role of MoCrazy Strong (36:53)
- How she’s continuing to learn about the brain, and putting that knowledge into practice (47:04)
- The ways in which telling her own story has affected her (49:48)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- The MoCrazy Strong website and Instagram
- Their video series for caregivers with the Brain Injury Alliance of Utah
- Her podcast, Life Gets MoCrazy (including the episode with Roy Tuscany of The High Fives Foundation)
- Our episodes with Roy Tuscany and his partner, Alana Nichols
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“A question I think a lot of us have is, when do you let go? That is, when do you realistically decide that the energy, physical, mental and emotional is not going to be rewarded and a change in goals—whether that's physical goals or life goals—is an order? In short, when do you stop beating your head against an immovable wall?
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Dawn F. What advice can Carrie offer during what may be a time of transition? Can she help Dawn pinpoint her objective, and consider the possibility that it’s OK to pursue it through a different strategy?
Listen to the show to find out—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and 2Toms. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And 2Toms provides advanced sweat proof, waterproof blister and chafing protection products that keep you moving. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“There's this feeling when you feel like you could fly and when you're that fit, when you're that peaked. For me it was always being out in nature, being out on the trails, being connected with the land. And when you can't do that because you're in continual chronic pain—that was a travesty. That's the piece of me that is my soul and the reason I do this, so when you take away all of that, you’re left feeling so desperate.”
Some injuries have a clear treatment plan and a defined timeline for recovery. Others are much more difficult to decipher, and leave athletes wondering what to do and when they’ll be back training and competing again.
In her 15 years as a professional triathlete, Lesley Paterson has encountered essentially every type of setback—often going from, as she puts it, “superhero status” to struggling with daily functions like sitting and driving. In this week’s episode, she talks us through how she’s coped with all of them, most significantly a chronic high hamstring/lower back/piriformis problem that’s affected her for nearly a decade.
When she’s down for the count, Lesley—who now competes in XTERRA, or off-road triathlon—has learned how to redirect her considerable energy into her rehab and recovery. But that alone isn’t enough, the five-time world champion points out.
Athletes also need to find a way to connect with another source of joy. Her other passion is filmmaking, but it could be a hobby, relationship, or any other pursuit that keeps you moving forward when times are tough, she says.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and 2Toms. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And 2Toms provides advanced sweat proof, waterproof blister and chafing protection products that keep you moving. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
In this episode, we discuss:
- How injuries are viewed in XTERRA and other endurance sports, and the difference between how athletes see acute and chronic injuries (6:52)
- How she helps her athletes work through chronic injuries, and why she sometimes calls them lazy (8:06)
- Where her stop-at-nothing mindset comes from (10:04)
- How her worst, longest term injury developed, taking her from the top of the world to her lowest low (13:55)
- Why she feels her powerful drive is both her greatest gift and her biggest downfall—and how her art helps her to balance the two (20:11)
- That time she broke her shoulder during a race and finished it anyway (23:29)
- How she built her support system, and why that’s been so critical (29:10)
- The way she and her sport psychologist/co-coach husband navigate their many different roles (33:34)
- How she helps her athletes visualize the root causes of their injuries—and why personality matters when choosing a health care provider (35:04)
- The silver linings she’s taken from the pandemic, including an exciting new film project (37:48)
- Her advice to other injured athletes about finding that “positivity fuel” to keep you moving forward (48:37)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- Lesley’s website, Instagram, and Twitter
- The XTERRA podcast, which she co-hosts, and a recent episode on which Carrie appears
- Her book, The Brave Athlete, co-authored with her husband and sport psychologist Dr. Simon Marshall
- Their coaching company, Braveheart Coaching
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“What's better, focusing on something different than sports and thus dealing with the feeling of losing contact to one's sport and one's team? Or on the flip side, rehabbing all day and substituting every former training session with a cross training session?”
This week, co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question from listener Sophie H. Does Sophie have to decide between going all-in on recovery and turning away from sport altogether? Or can Carrie suggest some alternative options?
Listen to the show to find out—and to submit a question for a future episode, email us a note or a voice memo to hello@injuredathletesclub.com.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and 2Toms. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And 2Toms provides advanced sweat proof, waterproof blister and chafing protection products that keep you moving. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
“It was like being a part of a book and finally figuring out the cause of all the pain, the cause of the injuries. Everything started coming together. Just thinking back, I had to ask myself, how in the world did I continue to play?”
ShaRae Mansfield was a superstar on the court during her four years at Western Kentucky University. In 2001, she was a third-round draft pick for the WNBA’s Houston Comets.
All this success came despite the fact that ShaRae was in near-constant pain. By the time she graduated, she’d had six surgeries on her ACL. She loved the game, but her injuries eventually cut her career short, a development that sent her into what she calls a “basketball depression.”
Unsure of what to do next, she went back to finish her degree, then sought help from a psychologist. Little by little, she began to grasp the ways in which losing her athletic identity impacted her, and to work through it. Then—a decade later—a surprising medical diagnosis helped her comprehend all that had happened in her body.
Out of all this pain and challenge came a fierce determination to help others in similar situations. She’s now an advocate for people with chronic conditions (and leader of the Beautiful Warriors support group). And, as a Ph.D. candidate in psychology, ShaRae is studying the difficult transition period out of sports—aiming to smooth the path forward for the next generation of retiring athletes.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for this episode: Fluid Running and 2Toms. Fluid Running makes it possible to maintain your peak physical fitness even when you're injured through the power of deep water running. And 2Toms provides advanced sweat proof, waterproof blister and chafing protection products that keep you moving. Listen for special discount codes in the episode!
In this episode, we discuss:
- How injuries are viewed in basketball—and the struggle not to see them as weaknesses (6:40)
- Her earliest experiences with injury and pain, and some of the red flags that popped up as early as elementary school (11:19)
- The biggest regret she has about her collegiate career (13:53)
- The huge high of being drafted into the WNBA, and why it was tempered by a feeling of uncertainty (19:15)
- The “soul-crushing” news that came after that (21:51)
- The challenges she faced when her career was truly over (30:48)
- The big revelation, a decade later, that finally explained her extensive injury history (36:58)
- What it felt like when she finally was able to move without pain (43:56)
- What she’s studying now, and how she hopes to help other athletes (54:34)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links:
- ShaRae’s Beautiful Warriors support group for people with chronic conditions
- More of her story on the Arthritis Foundation website
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
As another part of our support for injured athletes, we—Carrie and Cindy—operate a Facebook group that’s also called The Injured Athletes Club. It’s a thriving, positive community of other people who just plain get it.
We’re grateful for the way the group supports each other through the highs and lows of their recovery. And this week, in our final episode of season 3, we asked members for their questions about the psychological and emotional aspects of the journey. Here, Carrie responds to concerns about fears, doubts, and understanding what makes you tick, among other things.
A huge thank you to Fluid Running H2GO, the only app-based deep-water running system in the world, for sponsoring this season of the Injured Athletes Club. CLICK HERE and use code IAC 30 to take $30 off the full system or the digital bundle.
The questions Carrie addresses in this episode are:
- From Annie, about losing faith and confidence in her body (3:34)
- From Lindsey M., on falling out of love with your sport (7:34)
- From Shana J., on channeling her desire to physically perform (9:42)
- From Kathryn G., on injury being a longer journey than expected (14:54)
- From Dawn F. and Cheryl M., about aging as an athlete (17:51)
- From Letitia W., on the fear of re-injury after a failed attempt at healing (25:17)
- From Camilla W., on repeated setbacks and injuries (29:46)
- From Jeremy N., on understanding your own operating manual (34:20)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- Episode 3: How to Go FAR: Feel, Accept, Recover
- Episode 6: Triathlete Fiona Ford: Pursue Your Potential
- Episode 11: Canadian Olympian and Runner Jessica O’Connell: Today, Not Tomorrow
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
From cancer to health. Back to the hospital with a heart attack—and home with a new heart. And finally, across the country on a bike, twice.
Mike Cohen’s life has taken him to places he never could have imagined. In this week’s episode, the San Diego-based athlete—who calls himself a professional cyclist riding for a cause—takes us through some of the highs and lows of his travels.
Through it all, he’s managed to stay positive yet realistic; set and achieve big goals; and honor those who have supported him. His story might differ some from that of the typical injured athlete we have on the show, but his mindset is relevant for coping with any setback.
A huge thank you to Fluid Running H2GO, the only app-based deep-water running system in the world, for sponsoring this season of the Injured Athletes Club. CLICK HERE and use code IAC 30 to take $30 off the full system or the digital bundle.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How his past experiences have culminated into his current career (4:29)
- His original diagnosis with cancer, and how he coped (11:23)
- How he got back into running and cycling, and then decided to ride across the country the first time (20:26)
- The dramatic night when he went into the hospital for a heart attack (27:21)
- How his previous experiences helped him navigate that difficult period (32:53)
- The wait for a transplant—and how he finally heard the news about his new heart (41:53)
- How he went from getting a letter from his donor’s parents to riding his bike across the country to meet them (48:00)
- What it was like the moment he arrived (51:58)
- The biggest pieces of advice he has for others based on his experiences, including slowing down, planning for setbacks, and finding joy where you can (56:34)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- Mike’s website, Instagram, and Twitter
- A captivating story about him by journalist AC Shilton, for Bicycling magazine
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
On most days, British runner Anji Andrews lives the athlete’s dream. She works from home—with plenty of time and flexibility to train—making a living coaching, writing about running, and handling social media for organizations like the popular UK-based podcast Marathon Talk.
But this summer, a foot injury that had begun to develop earlier this year worsened just as the country locked down due to the pandemic. Anji found the constant reminders of what she couldn’t do difficult to bear. In this week’s episode, she talks openly and honestly about the raw emotions of this combination, and how underfueling and overtraining played a role.
They’re challenges that will sound familiar to so many injured athletes, and while she’s still traveling her road to recovery, Anji has plenty of insights, advice, and encouragement to share with others in the same boat.
A huge thank you to Fluid Running H2GO, the only app-based deep-water running system in the world, for sponsoring this season of the Injured Athletes Club. CLICK HERE and use code IAC 30 to take $30 off the full system or the digital bundle.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How injuries are viewed in running (4:53)
- More about the challenges of being around running everyday, even when she can’t do it (7:10)
- Her big goal for the half marathon, and how the foot injury first began to threaten it (9:39)
- Why she held back from telling her coach at first (14:44)
- How the pandemic played a role in exacerbating things, as did overtraining and underfueling (23:05)
- When she finally got a diagnosis, and why it actually came as a relief (28:55)
- What it felt like to realize, after five months of pain, that she would be able to run again (36:27)
- The difficulty of revealing the depth of her struggles to those closest to her—and then the strength and hope she experienced on the other side (38:12)
- How journaling—including some of the specific exercises in Rebound—has helped her cope (44:41)
- Her advice to the friends and teammates of others who are dealing with similar issues (50:21)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- Anji on Instagram and Twitter
- Anji’s forthcoming book, with Martin Yelling: Running in the Midpack: How to be a Strong, Successful and Happy Runner
- The Marathon Talk podcast
- An article about Anji’s heart condition—a topic we only barely touch on (perhaps she’ll be a repeat guest to tell this story!)
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Lex Gillette—a world record holder and national champion in the long jump—has had to navigate change before. At age 8, doctors diagnosed him with detached retinas, and couldn’t save his sight despite multiple surgeries. Though the transition wasn’t easy, Lex credits his support system—and the confidence they inspired in him—with getting him through.
Even after he became an elite Paralympic track and field athlete, Lex faced injuries and other setbacks—including a long jump gone wrong on the world stage that required a near-instant recalibration, a story he retells dramatically on this week’s episode.
So this year, when the COVID-19 pandemic delayed what would be his fifth Games in Tokyo, Lex was as well poised as anyone to find a new way forward. He took some time to be disappointed—after all, every athlete mourns a goal deferred—then set to work appreciating what he could do with the extra time.
The one constant in life is change, he realizes, and it’s the ability to steer through uncertainty that enables you to reach whatever goal matters most.
A huge thank you to Fluid Running H2GO, the only app-based deep-water running system in the world, for sponsoring this season of the Injured Athletes Club. CLICK HERE and use code IAC 30 to take $30 off the full system or the digital bundle.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Lex’s early years, including his vision loss (4:38)
- When and how he found out about the Paralympics being rescheduled, and what he felt about it (6:47)
- How injuries are viewed in Paralympic track and field (12:18)
- His first major injury, and how important an engaged health care team was to his recovery (14:08)
- How he learned to ask for help when he needed it, and what a difference it’s made in his life (24:10)
- Why he thinks some people don’t ask for support (27:56)
- How leaning on others has been like a trampoline, propelling him to greatness (30:52)
- The ways he’s learned to focus on what he can do instead of what he can’t—the cane instead of the blindfold (34:28)
- His injury that happened during the 2015 World Championships and how he regrouped—including the importance of his relationship with his guide (37:24)
- Why his mantra is “No need for sight when you have a vision,” and how any athlete can use that right now (49:47)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- Lex’s website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook page
- His new book, Fly!: Find Your Own Wings And Soar Above Life's Challenges
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Wherever you are, stop for a moment and take stock of what’s on your mind. Then, look down at your feet. Ask yourself: Are your body and mind in the same place?
Your physical being occupies space in the present moment. But often, our thoughts are a million miles away, fretting over the past or fearful of the future: Will I ever run again? What if I hadn’t gone on that last ride or collided with that other player? Am I going to get re-injured? Those types of thoughts can hook us, leaving us untethered to reality and unable to move on.
In Chapter 4 of our book Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries, we (Carrie and Cindy) discuss this habit of time traveling and how it can be detrimental to recovery. We describe how to catch yourself taking these less-than-productive trips. From there, you can recenter your mind on the here and now, adapt to the existing reality, and act to move toward a better future.
A huge thank you to Fluid Running H2GO, the only app-based deep-water running system in the world, for sponsoring this season of the Injured Athletes Club. CLICK HERE and use code IAC 30 to take $30 off the full system or the digital bundle.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What exactly we mean by time traveling, especially in the context of injury (3:03)
- Why it’s not always obvious when we’re doing this, and how to catch yourself (6:07)
- How time traveling sometimes makes it physically impossible to think rationally (8:21)
- The three Fs of time traveling—Fears, Failures, and Frustrations—and how to recognize when you’re engaging with them (11:19)
- The three As—Accept, Adapt, Act—and how to use them to turn your situation around (15:46)
- How these tools build your resilience, so when life knocks you down again, you can get back up (22:11)
- How using a Time Travel Log can help you spot patterns in your thinking (26:04)
- Why one of us (Cindy) started keeping a poetry book by her bed, and how that relates (30:51)
- Another tool, Energy Conservation, that can return you to the present moment (32:26)
- How these ideas and tools apply to life outside of the injury context (41:13)
- When you might need to reach out for a little more support (41:45)
IMPORTANT: If your emotions are overwhelming or you’re afraid you might hurt yourself or others, you can text HOME to 741741 in the U.S. (If you’re elsewhere, other numbers are listed at https://www.crisistextline.org/.) You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or chat online at https://www.imalive.org/.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- The Injured Athletes Club podcast episode 3: How to Go FAR (Feel, Accept, Recover)
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Mechelle Lewis Freeman had put everything on the line to achieve her Olympic dream. She’d walked away from a successful career in advertising, moved to a full-time training facility, and calculated everything from the hours of sleep she needed to the grams of protein she ingested to the positive mantras running through her head. (The impossible is nothing. I can do all things. No weapon formed against me shall prosper.)
Injury threatened to derail her progress, keeping her away from the track for four months in the leadup to the 2008 Olympic Trials. But because she’d already invested so much in training not only her body but also her mind, Mechelle was able to see the opportunity in the obstacle. She took her training to the pool and returned months later to make the team in dramatic fashion, as she explains in this episode.
This optimistic, ambitious mindset not only took Mechelle to the Games in Beijing later that summer, it now informs her work as a relays coach for Team U.S.A. and fuels her mission to mentor the next generation of athletes through her non-profit, TrackGirlz.
A huge thank you to Fluid Running H2GO, the only app-based deep-water running system in the world, for sponsoring this season of the Injured Athletes Club. CLICK HERE and use code IAC 30 to take $30 off the full system or the digital bundle.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How injuries are viewed in sprinting (6:11)
- Her earliest memories of injury, and how they led her away from sport (9:09)
- What drew her back to it years later (13:49)
- How she has been able to use comparison as motivation, rather than a reason to doubt herself (18:19)
- The steps she took to fully commit to her new goal (20:00)
- The injury that kept her away from the track for four months during an Olympic year, and how she stayed dedicated and focused while dealing with it (22:22)
- The big secret she kept from her family about her selection for the team, and why (32:16)
- What actually happened during the Games that summer—and one of the hardest moments of her entire journey (44:04)
- How she moved on from that experience and translated her gifts into the next phase of her career (55:44)
- The ideas she has for instilling resilience in young athletes—and for further integrating and diversifying the running community (1:01:23)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- Mechelle’s Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook page
- The TrackGirlz website and Instagram (go there to register for the last in the RefresHER series, July 28!)
- Her AirBnb Online Experience (and the article Cindy wrote about it for Runner’s World)
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Chris Mosier has made history many times before, as the first transgender athlete to represent the United States in international competition, appear in the ESPN Body Issue, and be sponsored by Nike.
This January, he once again blazed a trail at the Olympic Trials for the 50K racewalk, becoming the first transgender athlete to qualify and compete in the Trials in the gender with which they identify. However, injury nearly robbed him of the chance to make it to the starting line.
On this week’s episode, Mosier shares the experience of having an injury he didn’t tell anyone about; how he’s changed his goals and perspectives through injury and other challenges, and the way his identity continues to evolve through his competition and his work as an activist.
A huge thank you to Fluid Running H2GO, the only app-based deep-water running system in the world, for sponsoring this season of the Injured Athletes Club. CLICK HERE and use code IAC 30 to take $30 off the full system or the digital bundle.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How injuries are viewed in triathlon and duathlon, and the advantage of being a multisport athlete (4:49)
- His early injuries, including multiple concussions, and how they affected him—including bringing him face to face with vulnerability (9:18)
- How he started racewalking, and when his most recent injury occurred (17:29)
- The way he coped with training for a major event while simultaneously managing an injury—including a little bit of what we might call bargaining (22:02)
- How he shifted his perspective to focus more on his advocacy (25:16)
- Meditation, how it’s helped him, and his app of choice (28:48)
- The ways in which he suppressed emotions from childhood on, how he’s begun to undo that, and how those lessons apply to the world right now (35:26)
- The leadup to the Olympic Trials and what it was like to keep his injury under wraps (41:05)
- A dramatic recap of the race itself (44:27)
- His key pieces of advice for other injured athletes, including offering yourself grace, remembering injury is temporary, and focusing on what’s in your control (51:51)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- Chris’s website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook page
- His New York Times profile from January
- His feature in the ESPN Body Issue
- His Nike ad, which aired during the Rio Olympics
- His episode of the Rich Roll podcast
- His website, Transathlete.com
- EDGE Athlete Lounge in Chicago, where he coaches
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Basketball, ski racing, sprint kayaking, surfing—Alana Nichols’ athletic career has brought her to the highest levels of a wide range of sports. Still, she tells us on this week’s show, as a Paralympian she often struggled to get the same care for her injuries as her able-bodied peers.
But fight she did, and her advocacy has carried over into her newer roles as president of the Women’s Sports Foundation and mother of baby Gunnar, who turns one year old in July (and whose dad is previous guest Roy Tuscany). For Alana, it all began when she came to terms with reality and set small goals. Eventually, they took her farther than she would have imagined, within sports and beyond them.
A huge thank you to Fluid Running H2GO, the only app-based deep-water running system in the world, for sponsoring this season of the Injured Athletes Club. CLICK HERE and use code IAC 30 to take $30 off the full system or the digital bundle.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How injuries are viewed in Paralympic sports and the added obstacles adaptive athletes face (5:42)
- How that connects to a bigger movement for access and equality (9:03)
- The way her initial spinal cord injury influenced the way she coped with subsequent injuries (10:15)
- How sports helped her through the process of adjusting to disability (13:38)
- Becoming a new mom, and how that required her to readjust to her identity all over again (16:26)
- Her last major injury, which led to her retirement from ski racing (19:18)
- Vicarious trauma and how that factored into her life and decision to retire (28:47)
- How lessons learned from injuries are helping her navigate the pandemic
- Her work with the Women’s Sports Foundation, and the way it’s transformed her even as she’s aiming to transform the world (36:44)
- The challenges women’s sports face in the wake of the pandemic and how they’re hoping to address them (42:15)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- Alana’s website, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook page
- The Women’s Sports Foundation website
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Note: This episode was recorded several months ago, before the deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd, and the protests that have followed. So, we start it off with a statement about Black Lives Matter, systemic racism, and our commitment to examine our own role and make changes.
The second time Amanda Ferranti tore her ACL, she had a feeling her soccer career was over. But even as she coped with the challenges of recovery and retirement, she was working on another project: a system to help other injured athletes manage their emotions and thrive through, and beyond, their rehab process.
In this week’s episode, Amanda—now a soccer coach and a certified mental performance consultant with her own company, Ferranti Empowerment—outlines the process by which she journaled and planned her way to a successful future. Now, she shares her techniques with youth and adult players alike.
A huge thank you to Fluid Running H2GO, the only app-based deep-water running system in the world, for sponsoring this season of the Injured Athletes Club. CLICK HERE and use code IAC 30 to take $30 off the full system or the digital bundle.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How injuries are viewed in soccer, especially among youth: “It’s not real until it happens.” (7:59)
- The process by which she began recording and managing her emotions during her ACL injury (14:40)
- Why it’s so important to understand the science underlying your injury and recovery (15:58)
- The difference it made for her recovery to actually feel her emotions, even the difficult ones—and why she views that as so courageous (17:35)
- Her “five-A” approach to emotional management (20:23)
- The specifics of navigating a career-ending injury, and the “mourning period” that follows (23:15)
- How to set goals when you’re injured so you can retain your athletic identify (32:41)
- What parents of injured athletes can do to help kids through injury, and how the process is different for youth than adults (34:54)
- Similarly, what coaches can do, including checking in with injured athletes regularly (42:50)
- How to navigate the fear of re-injury and rebuild your confidence when you return to play (44:43)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- Amanda’s website, Twitter, and Instagram
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
We first spoke with this week’s guest, pro distance runner Alia Gray, in person during Olympic Marathon Trials weekend in February in Atlanta. She’d chosen not to run the race despite a qualifying time and an injury-free stretch—a choice made from joy rather than fear, she says, and one she describes at length in this episode.
Instead, she’d set her sights on some different competitions, including the New York City Half Marathon in March and the Olympic Track Trials in June. They were challenges that excited her, in part, because her last couple of injuries—a sacral stress fracture in 2018 and a torn meniscus in 2019—gave her a much-needed rest and also helped her understand and address underlying weaknesses that were holding her back.
Of course, since then, the coronavirus pandemic has upended most of those plans. So, we caught up with Alia again in late April to find out how she was faring. Though she’d gone through ups and downs like all of us, she—like so many other athletes we know—has found the same mental techniques that helped her cope with injury useful in navigating this stressful and ever-shifting time.
A huge thank you to Fluid Running H2GO, the only app-based deep-water running system in the world, for sponsoring this season of the Injured Athletes Club. CLICK HERE and use code IAC 30 to take $30 off the full system or the digital bundle.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How injuries are viewed in pro running, and the “unifying factor” they represent
- Why she chose not to run the Olympic Marathon Trials, even though she’d been thinking about it since 2016 (10:32)
- Speaking of 2016—how she came in 10th place in the Marathon Trials that year, despite having broken her fibula three months earlier and training almost exclusively on the Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill (14:52)
- Her sacral stress fracture—the most serious injury of her running career—and what it taught her about rest and recovery (19:23)
- Why she decided to seek psychological therapy during that tough time, and how it’s also helped her improve her performance when she’s healthy (24:00)
- The fear, anxiety, and lingering pain she felt after recovering from the stress fracture, and how she coped (28:44)
- How she navigated her relationship with her husband/coach/sports doctor—Dr. Richard Hansen—and her advice for other injured athletes about communication and relationships (31:31)
- The way she came to understand her entire injury cycle, and the steps she’s taken to “bulletproof” herself as an athlete since (39:24)
- What self-care means to her, and her advice on using it as an injured athlete (46:38)
- How her plans changed due to the pandemic, and how she’s navigating the new normal using mental skill honed through injury (48:18)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- More background on Alia’s coach Joe Vigil
- The Roots Running Project, Alia’s team
- About the Alter-G Anti-Gravity Treadmill
- Alia’s Instagram and Twitter
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
In slalom water skiing, Matteo Luzzeri says, “you’re playing tug of war against a 6.2-liter engine boat.” Injury—both from overuse and from sudden, traumatic events—comes with the territory.
On this week’s episode, Matteo shares the story of his most serious injury, a ruptured Achilles in September 2014. The experience was all the more challenging because it came at what could’ve been the peak of his career, and after he’d just moved to a new city. With the support of friends and fellow athletes, and expert medical care, he made a return to the water the following spring.
On top of his own athletic accomplishments—which include the Italian Championships, a National Collegiate Championship with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 2010, and two podium placements on the Pro Tour in slalom in 2014—he’s a coach and just completed his Ph.D. in sport psychology. This combination gives him unique insight into how the mental affects the physical, and the mindset techniques that work to navigate any type of adversity.
A huge thank you to Fluid Running H2GO, the only app-based deep-water running system in the world, for sponsoring this season of the Injured Athletes Club. CLICK HERE and use code IAC 30 to take $30 off the full system or the digital bundle.
In this episode, we discuss:
- More about the way injuries are viewed in the sport of waterskiing, including why there’s support in the community around the issue (6:58)
- His early injury history, and why those sustained outside the sport can be extra frustrating (9:17)
- How the biggest injury of his career—a ruptured Achilles in 2014—occurred and affected him (13:06)
- The sage advice he got from another pro about mentally reframing his injury recovery (19:47)
- The incredible support he received from a friend post-surgery (24:41)
- How a decision he made about his equipment contributed to his injury, and what he felt about that afterward (27:26)
- What it was like to get back in his skis after months away (34:09)
- The empty-chair technique and how athletes can use it in their own mental skills work (44:44)
- The tremendous power of a social support network in navigating almost any setback (47:25)
- How athletes dedicated to mastering their craft can view injury as a new puzzle to solve or challenge to overcome (49:31)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- A further description of the empty-chair exercise, from the British Psychological Society
- Matteo’s podcast, The Water Ski Podcast
- Matteo’s Instagram and Twitter
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Season 3, Episode 25 | Cindy and Carrie on the Rebound Lifestyle, mid-Pandemic
This podcast—and our book Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries—exist primarily to teach mental skills to sidelined athletes. But we’ve always known these lessons and techniques can transcend injury, and even sports performance.
It’s one of the aspects we covered in the final chapter of the book, called “Rebound Lifestyle.” While we never imagined we’d be applying them to a global pandemic, here we are—and both of us, Carrie and Cindy, have been finding the same mental drills we use to bounce back from injury surprisingly relevant.
So, since the coronavirus looms large in everyone’s minds—and journalists, athletes, parents, and coaches alike have reached out to Carrie for advice—we’re spending this first episode of our new season (we’ve missed you!) discussing how to navigate these stressful, uncertain times.
A huge thank you to Fluid Running H2GO, the only app-based deep-water running system in the world, for sponsoring this season of the Injured Athletes Club. CLICK HERE and use code IAC 30 to take $30 off the full system or the digital bundle.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why it’s important to remember that you can feel more than one thing at a time (5:06)
- Two big reasons why journaling is an especially helpful habit right now (8:48)
- How emotions, like viruses, can be contagious—and how to avoid “catching” those that might not serve you (10:06)
- The exact words you can use to talk yourself through fearful moments (13:43)
- Why you might be feeling more fatigued and less productive right now, and how to work with that (17:32)
- What “controlling the controllables” means in an off-the-charts situation like a pandemic (18:59)
- A key exercise that can help anytime you feel stuck: Go FAR (Feel, Accept, Recover) (23:31)
- Why it’s OK to be bummed out by things like injuries and canceled races (aka why we shouldn’t compete in the “suffering Olympics”) (27:22)
- Warning signs that you should seek outside help for your mental health—and where to find it (31:28)
- The three key things you should for yourself right now, today (36:57)
IMPORTANT: If your emotions are overwhelming or you’re afraid you might hurt yourself or others, you can text HOME to 741741 in the U.S. (If you’re elsewhere, other numbers are listed at https://www.crisistextline.org/.) You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or chat online at https://www.imalive.org/.
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- “Who do I want to be during COVID-19?” graphic
- The Injured Athletes Club podcast episode 3: How to Go FAR (Feel, Accept, Recover)
- The Injured Athletes Club podcast episode 12: Cindy and Carrie Take Stress Head-On
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Angie Fifer first enrolled at Penn State with a plan to become an athletic trainer. But during a class in sport psychology, she felt a tear roll down her cheek. Instantly, she knew she’d found her calling—to prevent other athletes from having the same experience she had.
When she was 16 and an aspiring gymnast, a serious fall on the uneven bars sent her to the hospital and threatened her future in the sport. (Just a heads-up to listeners, she describes the incident in a bit of detail around the 9:56 mark.)
The broken bones and stitches weren’t the worst part. Far more challenging was the transition from invincible to fragile in others’ eyes. Despite supportive parents and teammates, she still felt isolated and depressed without psychological help for the trauma.
On this week’s Injured Athletes Club, Angie shares more about this experience, as well as her transition to endurance sports and her work helping athletes and others “be their best a little bit more often.” We discuss:
- How injuries are viewed in gymnastics, and how it’s sometimes hard for young athletes to take the long view (5:40)
- Why gymnasts sometimes fear coming forward with injuries (8:55)
- The big injury that changed the trajectory of her athletic career, and her life (9:56)
- The biggest regret she has about that experience (18:55)
- When it became clear she’d never compete again (22:57)
- How she found her athletic fire again as an adult (30:35)
- What happened when she got injured as a runner, and how different the experience was (33:45)
- The most common emotions she sees in the injured athletes she works with (38:15)
- How visualization can boost confidence and ease fears of re-injury (40:26)
- Her biggest advice to coaches (45:13)
Resources/links:
- Angie’s website and Twitter
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and now, on Spotify! If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Order our book, Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries, out now! Buy it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, or from our publisher, Bloomsbury Sport.
- Join The Injured Athletes Club email list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
After overcoming multiple injuries to qualify for the 2016 Olympics in the nick of time, 5,000-meter runner Jessica O’Connell faced another series of setbacks as she prepared for the Games.
When she arrived in Rio, she was tempted to view her situation as an anomaly. But the more she talked to other athletes, the more she realized adversity strikes everyone—the best (and luckiest) among us are those who can persevere.
It’s an attitude that’s served her well throughout her running career. Injuries, she says, are now disappointing but not devastating. She can see them that way, in part, because she has a plan to deal with them—a cross-training strategy she’s outlined and shared with runners everywhere in a free, 27-page document called The Back-Up Plan.
On this week’s Injured Athletes Club, Jess talks more about the plan and her own experiences with injury. We discuss:
- How injuries are viewed in running, especially at the Olympic level: with a lot of avoidance and denial (6:51)
- Her string of injuries, which began in college (8:15)
- The simple statement from a fellow Olympian that snapped her out of her lowest low (10:50)
- What gives her confidence when returning from injury (14:27)
- When and how she came up with the idea to create the Back-Up Plan, a comprehensive cross-training guide for runners (15:52)
- The mistakes runners often make in cross-training, and how to avoid them (22:28)
- The advice she gives injured athletes about their mental health (27:05)
- How she handles difficult interactions with others when she’s injured (31:37)
- What healthy runners can do to support their injured friends (33:41)
- The biggest lessons she’s taken from her setbacks, including their virtual inevitability (40:08)
Resources/links:
- Jessica’s Instagram, Twitter, and the website for the coaching business she has with Obstacle Course Racer Faye Stenning, Grit Coaching
- The Back-Up Plan (also on Instagram)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Order our book, Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries, out now! Buy it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, or from our publisher, Bloomsbury Sport.
- Join The Injured Athletes Club email list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Jen A. Miller has been writing about running for The New York Times since 2010. The first article on the sport she published there had to do with injury—"dead butt syndrome," specifically.
Last year, she sustained another serious setback, a stress fracture in her tibia. In the weekly running newsletter she now writes for the Times, she chronicled her journey, from the anger and frustration at her diagnosis to an emotional comeback, running the New York City Marathon with her mother.
On the Injured Athletes Club podcast this week, Jen—who’s also the author of a memoir, Running: A Love Story—joined us to share:
- How she thinks injuries are viewed in running: “inevitable and terrible” (5:10)
- More about her dead butt syndrome, how she coped, and how it ultimately propelled her career forward (6:28)
- One tool she’s found incredibly helpful in staying healthy (8:29)
- More about what contributed to her stress fracture (9:05)
- What it was like to write about injury in such a public way (12:08)
- The emotions that most surprised her along the way (14:58)
- The process of returning to running, and helping her mother train for and race her first marathon (22:36)
- Her experience tapering off antidepressants, and how running played a role in the transition (28:36)
- The challenges athletes sometimes face in communicating with health care providers (35:51)
- The biggest lessons she’s taken from her injury experience and the changes to her running she’s made because of it (42:01)
Resources/links:
- Jen’s website, Instagram, and Twitter, and the site for her book
- Her articles in the New York Times, including those in her “Running with My Mom” series: What We Talk About When We Talk About Running, Nowhere to Go but Up, Running a Marathon With My Mom
- Her articles about injury, including that first one—When an Injury Sidelines a Runner—along with The Long Road to Injury Recovery, How to Stay Patient While Recovering From an Injury, and After a Runner’s Fracture Heals, Fighting the Fear of Re-injury (a Q&A with Carrie)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Order our book, Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries, out now! Buy it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, or from our publisher, Bloomsbury Sport.
- Join The Injured Athletes Club email list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
If you ask Joey Wagman to describe his baseball career, he’ll tell you—with a wink—it’s a bit unorthodox. Since his 2013 graduation from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he earned All-American honors and served as team captain for two years, he’s played in both the minor leagues and several different independent leagues.
Since 2013, he’s also pitched for Team Israel, thanks to rules that allow those with Jewish heritage to represent the country at many levels of play. To reach the top echelon, however—the Olympic Games—requires national citizenship. So in 2018, Wagman and nine of his Jewish-American teammates became dual citizens.
This past September, Joey pitched for his new nation in the Africa/Europe 2020 Olympic Qualification tournament—leading them to victory and securing the team’s spot in Tokyo. It’s a moment that, back in high school or even early in his pro career, he never could have imagined, he told us on this week’s episode of The Injured Athletes Club.
He also explains that the high he’s riding was made all the more meaningful due to the lows from which he’d recently emerged—a shoulder injury the prior summer that required surgery in December of 2018 and affected his mental health in ways that caught him off guard.
On this episode, Joey shares:
- More about how it is that he came to be playing in the Olympics for Team Israel (6:32)
- How injuries are viewed in baseball generally, and among pitchers specifically (12:27)
- The shoulder injury that set him back last year, and why an incorrect diagnosis and prognosis at first was so devastating (13:56)
- How The Injured Athletes Club podcast played a role in Joey’s recovery (and also why it was sometimes tough to listen) (18:50)
- The darker days he experienced along the way, and how they took him by surprise (20:21)
- Why he feels so compelled to share them: To let other athletes know they’re not alone, and they won’t feel that way forever (22:35)
- Why it’s important to recognize baseball as something he does, but not all he is (25:52)
- The biggest factors in lifting him out of the low spots (26:49)
- His most crucial advice for other injured athletes (28:51)
- How he plans to continue building his confidence heading toward the 2020 Games (37:07)
Resources/links:
- Joey’s website, Instagram, and Twitter
- Some background on the team’s journey, from the Wall Street Journal and the Jerusalem Post
- Joey’s GoFundMe to raise money for his trip to the Games
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Order our book, Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries, out now! Buy it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, or from our publisher, Bloomsbury Sport.
- Join The Injured Athletes Club email list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
During her long career as a wheelchair racer, Amanda McGrory has accumulated seven Paralympic medals and more marathon finishes than she can count—including first-place and podium finishes at many of the sport’s prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors.
Her half-decade’s worth of experience has also brought her something less tangible but incredibly useful: an ability to see the bigger, broader picture of her career and life.
She benefited from this perspective last October, when the flare-up of an old injury required her to make a difficult decision that will likely resonate with most athletes. Should she push through the pain to stick to a timeline, potentially worsening her problems and imperiling her next Paralympic Games? Or should she rest and heal, and risk losing time and fitness during a critical preparation period?
Amanda joined us this week to discuss her choice and her experience, telling us:
- How injuries are viewed in wheelchair racing, and the technological developments in equipment and training in the past decade that have reduced their risk (5:37)
- The recurring injury that has plagued her career, and the decision it necessitated (9:50)
- The surprising thing that happened when she competed on 12 days of training after taking a year off (15:38)
- The lesson from that experience she hopes to take forward into her future competitions—and how that echoes what Carrie often hears from other injured athletes (17:57)
- What she was able to do in her time out of her racing chair to continue to build strength and endurance (22:12)
- How that period of time changed her perspective on retirement and life after sport (23:47)
- Why she, and her coach, believe athletes perform better when they have something besides sport in their lives (25:19)
- What mentoring younger athletes has taught her (27:20)
- Her new service dog, Calvin, and what role he’s played in her health and well-being during her recovery (24:57)
- Why she’s actually feeling a bit more anxiety now that her injury is fully healed, and how she’s managing that (38:02)
- The downside of training with the best racers in the world when returning from injury, and the key change she made to manage that in her most recent buildup (39:40)
- Why her Twitter and Instagram handle are @alittlechipped (47:24)
Resources/links we mention:
- Amanda’s website, Instagram, and Twitter
- The University of Illinois wheelchair track program
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Order our book, Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries, out now! Buy it on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Target, or from our publisher, Bloomsbury Sport.
- Join The Injured Athletes Club email list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
One of the biggest challenges of injury is seeing the goals and timelines you once had for your season or your career slip through your fingers. You may know, objectively, that these plans no longer make sense given your new situation.
Still, your brain often holds onto these previous targets. Each time you realize you’re not reaching them can provoke feelings of failure.
Chances are, though, you’re making progress in your recovery in some way, each and every day. Shifting your focus to that forward motion, rather than solely mourning what you’ve lost, represents a powerful way to change your mindset around recovery.
This week, Carrie talks through an exercise designed to call attention to your achievements. Using Redefine Success—which is on page 50 of our book Rebound, if you’ve picked it up—you can learn to truly celebrate your wins. You’ll boost your mood in the moment, and fuel yourself with powerful confidence and motivation for moving forward.
On this episode, we discuss:
- Why the phrase “recovery is now your sport” is so transformative for injured athletes (3:27)
- The cruel trick our brains play on us when we’re injured (5:45)
- How celebrating your “firsts” empowers you (7:44)
- Why you should take pride in your perseverance and resilience (9:25)
- How using gratitude can open up your definition of success (12:11)
- The measurable—and squishier—ways to tell you’re getting stronger (15:56)
- Why, and how, to actually celebrate these newly redefined wins (18:02)
- And, how recognizing others’ wins can fuel you, too (20:09)
- The difference between redefined success and “good-enough goals” (21:22)
- How to avoid letting “secret goals” sabotage you (24:51)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Order our book, Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries, out now from Bloomsbury Sport!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club email list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
After three years of racing Ironman triathlons as a pro, British athlete Fiona Ford was having the season of her life—she’d finished fourth in Ironman France and felt poised to push through to the next level, all the while building a thriving coaching business.
Everything changed in an instant during a training ride on June 23, 2012, when a car pulled out suddenly in front of her. Thanks to quick thinking and years of bike-handling practice, Fiona was able to avoid colliding with the vehicle—but she still flew off her bike and hit the pavement, sustaining a broken collarbone, sacrum, several vertebrae, and pelvis, among other injuries.
It was a long road back from the hospital room, where doctors told Fiona she’d likely never run a marathon again, to a podium finish in Kona in 2016. In her own excellent book on the topic, Back on Track—and in this week’s episode—she explains how she got there, one difficult step, online search, and therapy visit at a time.
Applying the same diligence to her rehab and recovery as she did to her training and racing allowed her to unlock her true potential, she said. The result transformed not only her career but her view of humanity and the hidden potential in all of us.
Fiona told us:
- How injuries are viewed in triathlon, and how coaches work to reduce the risk (4:52)
- Exactly what happened during her crash, and how her training and racing history helped her make life-saving decisions (5:41)
- The reactions of the athletes she coached to her accident—including some who passed out when hearing about it—and why they inspired her to write a book about her experience (10:21)
- How she translated her coaching and training approach to setting new goals for her recovery (12:17)
- Why being a multisport athlete can be an asset in recovering from injury (15:34)
- The struggles she faced when coming off pain medications, and the advice she gives athletes on the topic now (22:53)
- When she decided to reach out for cognitive behavioral therapy, and why she’s glad she did (28:12)
- Why and how she decided to return to competition (33:37)
- Her secrets to conquering the pain of the marathon, including strategic walk breaks and mental shifts (43:53)
- What injury taught her about the human potential, and why she no longer puts limits on herself or her athletes (47:56)
Resources/links we mention:
- Fiona’s website, Instagram, and Twitter pages
- Her book, Back on Track; How I Recovered From a Life-Changing Accident and Got Back On The Podium
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Order our book, Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries, out now from Bloomsbury Sport!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club email list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
You might think of yoga as primarily a way to prevent and perhaps recover from other sports injuries. However, it can also be an intense physical endeavor in its own right—one which, instructor Adam Whiting told us on this week’s Injured Athletes Club podcast, is going through a transformation in terms of how its practitioners teach and practice.
Teachers and trainers like Adam are infusing more anatomy into their understanding of each asana or pose, working to ensure yogis move through postures in a way that doesn’t increase their long-term risk for tendonitis, tears in the cartilage of their hips, back problems, or other slowly developing overuse injuries.
Adam’s knowledge and passion for this approach comes in part from his own experience with injury—most notably, an extruded disc in his lower back that required surgery. He shared his story with us first in an interview for our book Rebound, and now in the podcast. Here, he delves a bit deeper into how his training in yoga and meditation served him during his recovery, and also how his behavior on the mat, in front of the class, and even on social media changed as a result of his experience.
Adam told us:
- How injuries are viewed in yoga—and the emerging paradigm shift (6:48)
- The three types of yoga teachers—engineers, athletes, and mystics—and where he falls on the spectrum of each (13:41)
- When his back problems first began, and a prediction that would eventually come to fruition (15:56)
- His previously “aggressive” style of practice, and how that may have contributed to his issues (17:40)
- How being temporarily unable to demonstrate yoga poses transformed his teaching (25:13)
- The role social media plays in perpetuating potentially injury-inducing yoga poses, and how he aims to strike a balance in using it (28:04)
- Why back surgery was such a physical relief but a mental struggle, and how Yoga Nidra and similar practices helped him recover (33:53)
- How he realized yoga wasn’t a panacea—and why that’s been a good thing for his practice, his teaching, and the discipline overall (39:11)
- Why, though the pain was tremendous and nothing he’d wish to relieve, he’s ultimately glad he went through this experience (42:37)
- His biggest advice for yogis, on an off the mat: it doesn’t matter what something looks like on the outside or on Instagram, it’s whether you’re doing it with integrity and balance
Resources/links we mention:
- Adam’s website and Instagram
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Order our book, Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries, out now from Bloomsbury Sport!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club email list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
From a torn meniscus weeks before his Pro Day to a broken hand shortly before we recorded this podcast, Brandon Copeland—a linebacker for the New York Jets—has had his share of injury-related setbacks.
Brandon considers himself much more than a football player; he’s an entrepreneur, philanthropist, father, professor teaching financial literacy, and more. However, being a pro athlete makes all these other endeavors far easier. So, he maintains a detailed—but flexible—routine to stay healthy, mentally and physically.
All this has allowed him to continue playing for seven years in a sport that’s not exactly easy on the body. He was kind enough to share his story in an interview for our book Rebound—and joins us again on the Injured Athletes Club podcast this week to expand on it and update us on what he’s been up to since.
Brandon told us:
- How injuries are viewed in the NFL—where, he points out, there is essentially a 100-percent chance of getting hurt (5:11)
- His strategies for preventing them when possible, and managing them when they do happen (7:50)
- How he realized his pain threshold might be different from everyone else’s (17:17)
- How his first major injury—a torn meniscus—came at the worst possible time for this then-future NFL career (19:13)
- How he used mental skills to manage that comeback, including reaching out for support from a surprising place—the school’s track coach (23:47)
- The way he allows himself time to be disappointed after each injury, then moves on (26:25)
- Why he says it’s important to have different forms of motivation available at different times, and how he cycles through them (29:41)
- What he names his motivational playlists (hint: one matches the title of this episode) (31:39)
- How he handles haters—including why he screen-shots their comments and saves them (35:48)
- What injury has taught him about himself, as an athlete and a person (44:23)
Resources/links we mention:
- Brandon’s website, Instagram and Twitter
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Order our book, Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries, out now from Bloomsbury Sport!
- Join The Injured Athletes Club email list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Anyone who’s met Carrie Tollefson, seen her covering running events on national broadcasts, or listened to her podcast C Tolle Run would likely describe her as a positive person. She’s known for both her Minnesota kindness and her optimistic tagline, “Get after it.”
But her athletic career was, as she puts it, “not all happy, happy, joy, joy.” Along the way, she had a number of serious setbacks, including a cancer scare when she was still in college at Villanova, years of plantar fasciitis, and a painful abdominal injury that eventually required an extensive repair procedure.
The fact that she came back from these injuries to secure a total of five NCAA championships, a spot on the Olympic team in Athens in 2004, and a long-term career covering the sport prompted us to interview her for our book Rebound—and then to follow up with her again on the podcast.
Carrie joined us today to discuss:
- How runners tend to view injuries, and how she’d always come back stronger (5:50)
- The major, unusual injury that almost ended her career before it truly began—and how it changed her entire life (8:12)
- How she cross-trained when she couldn’t put any weight on her foot or even get into the water (14:13)
- The powerful mindset shift that increased her gratitude during her recovery process (17:05)
- The painful moment that led to her second major injury—one she had to aggressively manage during the Olympics (21:14)
- How she navigated injuries with her sponsors (30:18)
- Whether her positivity comes naturally to her or if she actively works on it (34:19)
- What she’s learned about mindset and injury from watching and interviewing other top runners (38:51)
- How two injuries—one real, one invented—played a role in her husband Charlie’s proposal (41:03)
- The biggest pieces of advice she gives athletes competing right now on mindset and injury (44:43)
Resources/links we mention:
- Carrie’s website, Instagram and Twitter
- Her podcast, C Tolle Run
- Other athletes Allie Kieffer and Kara Goucher
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Order our book, Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries, out from Bloomsbury Sport Oct. 15
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
When hockey forward Meghan Duggan broke her wrist in the semifinals of the World Championships a few years ago, she could clearly see the fractured bone on an MRI. The path forward was clear, if a bit painful: She’d wear a cast to play in the finals (where the team won gold), have surgery, then let the bones heal.
That seemed simple and straightforward after what she’d just been through: a 14-month recovery from a serious concussion. Since December of 2011, she’d been coping with symptoms such as migraine-like headaches, severe sensitivity to light and sound, and depression. At her lowest moments, she’d wondered if she could even handle going to the grocery store, let alone returning to the ice.
But through a long, slow process of self-discovery and an innovative approach to treatment, she rebounded—to new heights. She led her team to an Olympic silver in Sochi and then gold in PyeongChang in 2018—and in between, through a contract dispute with USA Hockey that amounted to a seismic shift toward gender equality in the sport. While her injury recovery was nothing she’d wish on anyone else, she said, the skills and determination she gained fueled all that came afterward.
Meghan joined us today to discuss:
- Her lifelong passion for hockey and her marriage to a fellow hockey star (update since we recorded: they’re having a baby!) (5:37)
- How hockey players view injury and the toughness of the sport (7:05)
- More about how her concussion occurred, and what she calls “probably one of the worst decisions I made in my life” (13:02)
- The small steps that began to change her trajectory (20:45)
- The personal transformation the injury inspired (23:41)
- Her specific symptoms of concussion and the unconventional approach to treatment she followed (24:42)
- What her relationship with the team was like while she was out, and when she returned (38:32)
- How she harnessed what she’d gained during her recovery process to lead her team to Olympic gold (45:39)
- Her thoughts on concussion awareness and prevention (46:51)
- What she tells injured athletes about seeking support (50:54)
Resources/links we mention:
- Meghan’s Instagram and Twitter
- The Carrick Institute, where she pursued treatment
- More about the contract dispute, and resolution, with USA Hockey
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Order our book, Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries, out from Bloomsbury Sport Oct. 15
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Injuries affect essentially every athlete. The experience is as much mental as physical. But typically, the support athletes receive during this time has focused mostly on healing joints, bones, and tendons—not thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
As a mental skills coach and a journalist writing about sports and fitness, this discrepancy stood out to us like a sore thumb. That's why we started this podcast and our Facebook group for injured athletes, hoping to change the narrative around recovery. And now—as we announced at the end of last season—we have a new resource to share with you. Our book Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries will be out Oct. 15 from Bloomsbury Sport (you can pre-order it on Amazon or through the publisher now!).
Rebound includes many of the concepts and tools we’ve talked about on this podcast, and lots more—a total of 49 mental drills to try, along with explanations of why they work and stories of athletes who’ve been there. With these resources, our goal is to not only help you recover from injury, but come back a stronger, more resilient athlete and person, both within your sport and outside it.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How Carrie got into sport psychology and helping injured athletes specifically—and how we began working together (2:23)
- The four key themes of the book (7:45)
- The ways injury affects athletes psychologically (10:38)
- Why the experience differs from athlete to athlete and injury to injury—and what determines how well an athlete copes (13:31)
- Why we need a book like this, and how exactly mental skills training can help athletes during their rehab process (16:29)
- Whether some athletes are naturally tougher and better able to handle injury, and what Carrie learned about sport psychology from singing in harmony (18:22)
- Why Rebound won’t ensure athletes never have any negative thoughts, and why that isn’t something you should actually strive for in the first place (21:22)
- How the book is set up and how athletes can use it (23:18)
- What the title means exactly, and how athletes can visualize their recovery like a bouncing ball (25:54)
- How mental skills can also help athletes who have life-altering injuries—and how they transcend sports to help anyone overcome any obstacle (32:40)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
Resources/links we mention:
- Episode 2 of season 1, explaining The Injured Athletes Club
- Carrie’s first book, On Top of Your Game
- Our launch week events in Chicago, Oct. 9 to 12
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
On some level, we all know what stress feels like—a sense of panic, a pounding heart and quicker breath, a notion that we’re overwhelmed and just can’t handle it all.
But injured athletes might not realize the degree to which stress infiltrates deep within our bodies. The cascade of hormones that triggers our flight-or-fight response, if repeatedly activated, can have real and damaging effects on joints, bones, and other tissues, and impair the healing process. And of course, it unsettles our minds too, affecting our psychological recovery.
This week, Carrie talks in more depth about the perils of stress for injured athletes—and shares one concrete tool to begin neutralizing it. Using the Stress Busters exercise, you’ll think through some ways to ease the pressure ahead of time, then take steps to incorporate them into your schedule and lifestyle.
And, if you stick around to the end, you’ll hear a special announcement from Carrie and Cindy—news about the publication of our forthcoming book Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries. It’s out Oct. 15 from Bloomsbury Sport (a bit earlier if you’re in the U.K.) and you can pre-order it on Amazon or through the publisher now.
Rebound includes many of the concepts and tools we’ve talked about on this podcast, and lots more—a total of 49 mental drills to try, along with explanations of why they work and stories of athletes who’ve been there. With these resources, our goal is to not only help you recover from injury, but come back a stronger, more resilient athlete and person within your sport and outside it.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Why self-care goes out the window when we’re stressed—and the harms that can cause (1:50)
- Why athletes need to be deliberate and proactive about addressing stress (3:56)
- The ways in which we often needlessly spike our stress response, and how to stop (7:29)
- How being concrete and specific about what’s bothering us helps us let go of what isn’t truly a stressor, and get to work balancing out the challenges that remain (9:41)
- The difference between stress balancers and stress relievers, and why it’s important to build both into your life (12:45)
- How things like blowing bubbles, playing with cats, sitting on the deck with coffee, and creating art have real power in your recovery process (13:51)
- What Carrie does when she’s entering a time of high stress to prevent injury and illness (21:43)
- The power of actually writing stress relievers and stress balancers down on lists (24:52)
- How to start making a profound mindset shift from a framework of “stress management” to “living my values” (27:11)
- The ways in which these tools build you into a stronger, more well-rounded athlete who can better handle any obstacle (30:01)
This is our last episode of season 1; thank you so much for joining us! We’ll be back in September with season 2, and will have a whole new slate of athletes and others to interview, as well as more tools and techniques from Carrie’s practice. Subscribe, if you haven’t already, on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
When you’re on top of the world after a major victory—say, an Olympic gold medal (or two)—it’s relatively easy to think positively. But David Wise has had his fair share of challenges surrounding his greatest achievements. Through his work on mental skills, though, he’s learned to view each setback as a chance to soar higher.
Most recently, this past May, he took a bad landing during a run in Austria and broke his femur. David allowed the filmmaker who was there to document his flips and spins, Justin Burgan, to focus his lens instead on the unfolding drama of uncertainty and recovery.
Doing so made the transformation of obstacle into opportunity even more resonant for David. Through sharing his story, he found a new voice, speaking to all types of athletes and other individuals coping with challenges of their own. (You can watch the resulting videos here in a series he calls “Overcoming”; don’t worry, he doesn’t include footage of the crash itself, a decision he explains around the 11:57 mark.)
David joined us today to discuss:
- His passion for freestyle skiing, and why he at first gave up on his Olympic dreams before going on to become the first (and second) gold medalist in the half-pipe (3:00)
- The way athletes in his sport aim to prevent serious injuries even as they take seemingly risky leaps through the air (5:32)
- Why his first words after his recent crash were “that was so dumb” (7:29)
- What he feels when he watches the video of the accident, and why he keeps doing so (12:00)
- Why he’s actually glad his children have seen him struggling during his recovery (16:34)
- Why he believes happiness is an outcome, but joy is a choice (17:52)
- How he’s gotten through the daily grind of rehab, one day and one small victory at a time (19:44)
- Why he almost quit the sport, before he began working on the mental side of training and competition (22:23)
- What playing the banjo and learning French have to do with his recovery process (30:49)
- Why his biggest advice for other injured athletes revolves around gratitude, as well as what he calls “high hopes and low expectations” (38:38)
Resources/links we mention:
- David’s YouTube channel (including the Overcoming series)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Your doctor’s appointment doesn’t go the way you planned. Your healing is taking longer than you thought. Your first competition back ends in a poor performance—or, worse yet, a re-injury.
Even the strongest, most resilient athletes might explode in anger or sink into despair in the face of these unanticipated setbacks. You can’t always control that reflexive reaction. But it is often possible to pause, take a beat, and change your response—the thoughts you choose to focus on and the feelings they create.
This week on the Injured Athletes Club podcast, Carrie shares a strategy for shifting your perspective when you hit a snag. Obstacles to Opportunities gives you a step-by-step framework for recognizing counterproductive narratives and nudging them toward those that keep you moving forward.
In this episode, we discuss:
- The power of language in shaping our emotional landscape (1:02)
- What childhood reactions to spilled milk and dental visits have to do with how athletes respond to injury (1:55)
- Why it’s natural for our brains to jump to negative conclusions, and how you can start to change your internal wiring (4:55)
- When talking to yourself—and poking holes in your ideas and theories—can be productive (5:43)
- How to know when to use Obstacles to Opportunities (10:24)
- The four key statements with the power to shift you toward a new way of thinking (11:17)
- How to put the exercise in practice for yourself (14:25)
- The way thoughts and emotions influence each other—and how to know which one to try to change first (16:53)
- What happens when you’re able to see that “this is happening” versus “this is happening to me” (22:34)
- How this exercise can keep you from time traveling and bring you back to the present moment—where your power to take action lies (23:10)
- Some of the other life situations where injured athletes have used this exercise to change perceived setbacks into exciting opportunities for growth and transformation (28:34)
You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.
To access more resources for injured athletes:
- Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for weekly news and updates
- Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
- Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
The day after Roy Tuscany burst-fractured his T12 vertebrae in a skiing accident, the doctor who performed the eight-hour emergency operation that stabilized his spine came to his hospital room. Roy, eager to show appreciation, put his hand up to to give the surgeon a high-five. After a few awkward moments, the physician reciprocated—and Roy realized what a powerful, positive moment of connection he’d created.
In the aftermath of his accident, Roy also found another source of positivity—the support of his family, friends and community. The Sugar Bowl Academy, the school for competitive skiers where he’d been teaching, started a fund that enabled him to focus on healing without worrying about finances.
As Roy moved through recovery, he decided to repay this kindness by starting an organization that would offer the same gift to other injured athletes. Fittingly, he named it after the gesture of goodwill he’d since shared with nearly all his medical professionals. Now, more than 10 years later, the High Fives Foundation has disbursed more than $3 million in grants to 237 athletes from 32 states.
Roy joined us today to discuss:
- How he first fell in love with skiing and how it became a part of what he calls his “ethos”: “The most beautiful way to travel is sliding on snow”
- How his accident happened, and how he nearly immediately made the decision to move forward with a new life instead of focusing on what he had lost
- The significance of the support he received as he recovered
- How integral adaptive sports were to his healing process—and how learning to ski again convinced him of the need for the High Fives Foundation, to give others access to the same resources
- What the organization does to provide connections and positivity to people facing difficult challenges: “When we can create community through sport, we are creating the strongest community possible”
- How High Fives works to create independent athletes—people who have the tools and knowledge to participate in their sport on their own terms and schedule
- The definition of athlete, per the High Fives Foundation: “anyone with a goal,” whether that’s skiing with family again or returning to high levels of competition
- Athletes who exemplify the organization’s mission, including Olympic ski jumper Nick Fairall and viral sit-ski sensation Trevor Kennison
- The positive changes that have occurred in his own life thanks to connecting with athletes like these
- His primary messages for others facing life-altering injuries: Find examples of positivity, set goals with your brain, use your heart to drive you toward them, and above all remember: “It’ll never be the same, but it will be awesome”
Resources/links we mention:
- The High Fives Foundation online, and on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
We hope you’ll take a listen—you can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in iTunes or Apple podcasts. And reach out anytime at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
In the past few weeks, Carrie has done several interviews related to fear and anxiety, including this one for the New York Times running newsletter by injured runner Jen Miller.
There’s good reason to expand on this topic. Of all the emotions you’ll encounter in your injury journey, fear and anxiety are among the most powerful. Often, they can tell you something important: that even if your body’s healed, your mind may not be ready for you to return to training and competition.
This week, Carrie offers a tool to help get your physical and emotional recovery back in sync. It’s called the anxiety pyramid, and it provides a simple but effective way to visualize going step by step to gain confidence during your comeback.
On this episode, we discuss:
- The situations that are most likely to provoke fear and anxiety in injured athletes
- The important reason we have those feelings in the first place
- When anxiety is facilitative—and when it begins to hold you back
- Why denial and avoidance sometimes work to relieve anxiety, but often have limited long-term usefulness
- Why thinking about the things that scare you most, and ranking them, can help you begin to tackle them: “you’re no longer spending energy pretending they don’t exist”
- How exactly to build your own anxiety pyramid, and what to do with it to boost your confidence
- Some ways to modify the pyramid for overuse injuries
- What role simulation training can play in easing your anxiety and progressing your recovery
- What happens when you reach the top of the pyramid—and how ongoing mental conditioning can help you deal with new triggers
- How you can use the anxiety pyramid outside recovery and even outside your sport
We hope you’ll take a listen—you can subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in iTunes or Apple podcasts. And reach out anytime at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Running coach Julie Sapper, half of the duo behind Maryland-based Run Farther and Faster, has finished the Boston Marathon 10 times. Three and a half weeks before this April’s race, she felt a strange pop in her knee during an easy run. Though the pain wasn’t severe, she knew it was something serious.
The next morning, she called the orthopedic specialist. A few days later, she had an MRI. The results confirmed her suspicions: She’d torn her meniscus. Instead of toeing the starting line in Hopkinton, she scheduled surgery for May 1. “I've made the tough decision to look at my body as a lot more important than a marathon,” she said.
Julie joined us today to discuss:
- How she took time to feel her sadness and disappointment—then jumped into action
- Why crying on her podcast (also called Run Farther and Faster) was a critical part of processing her emotions
- Why she feels embarrassed, as a coach, when she gets injured—but how she works through that, and allows the role to ultimately uplift her
- The thinking behind her decision to go to Boston anyway, and what spectating meant to her
- What happened when a doctor told her she should stop running marathons
- The advice she gives other runners about navigating the medical process: “I think we all need to take control of our own destiny”
- What a previous serious injury—an Achilles tear—taught her about managing this one
- The introspection and reflection she went through in the wake of the news
- How she’s aiming for a PR in recovery, and what she’s doing to use the time she’s not spending training wisely
- What she hopes to teach her children by persevering through injury and other challenges
Resources/links we mention:
- Julie’s coaching business, Run Farther and Faster, which she co-owns with Lisa Reichmann
- Their podcast, which led up to the Boston Marathon
- Her Instagram and Run Farther and Faster’s
Thanks for listening, and please reach out anytime at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
In the summer of 2018, pro runner Kaitlin Goodman—known for her positive personality, as well as times fast enough to qualify her for the Olympic Trials in multiple events—had just signed a new contract with the Boston Athletic Association High Performance Team and Adidas. She was training for the TCS New York City Marathon that fall. By her account, she was in “the shape of her life.”
Then, on a training run in August, she dove to avoid a car that nearly hit her. In the process, she partially tore her hamstring tendon. The diagnosis—and the subsequent slow recovery—ranks as one of the biggest challenges she’s faced in her life. But in her journey back to running, she gained newfound perspective (and even a new family member).
Kaitlin joined us today to discuss:
- How the injury took her from the “highest of highs” to the “lowest of lows”
- Why her dog Moose was so critical to her psychological and physical recovery—and how his running ramp-up mirrored her return to the sport
- The extremely difficult decision not to line up at the NYC Marathon, and why she kept her injury quiet for a time
- How she handled the day of the race itself; why she couldn’t go to NYC but did watch the competition from afar
- Why coaching was another saving grace during this time: “When all your eggs are in the running basket and running is not going well, it's really challenging. You feel like you're like failing at all areas of your life.”
- Why she thinks it’s so important to allow yourself time to feel negative emotions—but to put a timeframe on them
- One big piece of support she wishes she would’ve asked for in the depths of her injury process, and what she recommends to other athletes
- The anger she felt at the driver, how she worked a day at a time to control it, and the productive project into which she’s now channeling it
- The loss of identity that comes with injury, how deeply it affected her, and what she did to move through it
- When she started to feel like “Kaitlin the runner” was reborn, and how gratitude for that influences her experience now
Resources/links we mention:
- Kaitlin’s website
- Her social media pages: Instagram and Twitter
Thanks for listening, and please reach out anytime at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
We’re sorry you’re here, but we’re glad you’re with us!
It’s the week before the Boston Marathon, and I—Cindy Kuzma—won’t be running the race, for the first time in six years. I’m disappointed and know I’ll feel left out on Marathon Monday. But I’m also excited to watch an amazing elite field and cheer on my friends who are racing.
Sitting with all those conflicting emotions has proven a bit challenging. So I’m glad that this week on The Injured Athletes Club, my co-host and mental skills coach Carrie Jackson Cheadle talks me through a mental exercise that’s all about making peace with feelings that seem opposite or incongruous at first.
We started by calling it Good News, Bad News—but flipped it to Bad News, Good News midway through, as we realized we naturally think of the challenges first (and that it’s more helpful to end on a high note).
On this episode, we discuss:
- Some of the positive emotions that can accompany injury—including looking forward to improving other parts of your performance or spending time with friends and family
- Why it can be hard to accept those upsides or square them with your disappointment or other negative emotions; why we fight for one side to “win”
- How thinking back to high-school or college graduation, with its blend of melancholy and anticipation, can help us remember it’s possible to honestly feel a whole range of things at one time
- Why getting stuck either in the positive or negative side—or in either defying or conforming to others’ expectations of how you “should” be feeling—can be detrimental
- The way staying open to the lows is necessary to experience the highs; after all, they’re both an essential part of the human experience
- Situations in which Carrie’s seen her athletes use Bad News, Good News, including overcoming new pain, setbacks, and other obstacles
- How, practically speaking, to make it work (including some fun variations, such as writing your own clickbait headlines)
- The way this quick, simple exercise can build over time into greater resilience to handle more serious situations
- The definition of psychological flexibility, and its potential link to levels of anxiety or depression
- Other tools you can use to cultivate psychological flexibility, including redefining obstacles as opportunities and staying open to possibility
Resources we mention:
- Our website,
- www.injuredathletesclub.comThe Injured Athletes Club Facebook group
Thanks for listening, and please reach out anytime at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Every sport comes with its unique injury risks. But of course, athletes are humans living in the real world—and sometimes it’s incidents outside of training or competition that create injured athletes.
Miranda Alcaraz—a former high-level CrossFit competitor and now co-founder of thriving fitness community Street Parking—has experienced both types of setbacks, including a serious car accident and a torn ACL that happened in the middle of a competition.
Each has had a different emotional impact, though she used some of the same tools and techniques to approach her recovery—strategies she shares with other injured athletes who reach out to her, and in this episode.
Miranda joined us to discuss:
-How her diagnosis following her car accident was delayed—and the fearful moments that followed
-The difference it makes when you have trust in your health care providers (and how getting a second opinion helped her regain it)
-How her CrossFit training played a role in protecting her body, and how that knowledge fueled her
-How she regained confidence in her injured neck and returned to competing
-Why she knows her body will never be exactly the same—and what she does to address and accept that
-How she spent some of her downtime shifting her focus to addressing other weaknesses—and how that paid off when she returned to competition
-How hurting her knee was actually worse in some ways than breaking her neck
-Why she didn’t come back to competing after that injury—and why she’s grateful for the path she followed instead
-Why she values the experience and knowledge she gained through her injury experiences: “I can really empathize with people and I can help a lot of people know how to scale and sub and keep moving. It's made me a much, much better trainer.”
-The advice she gives other athletes about making a plan—in writing—for their comeback
Resources/links we mention:
Miranda on Instagram
Street Parking: website and Instagram
Thanks for listening, and please reach out anytime at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
We’re sorry you’re here, but we’re glad you’re here, too!
Welcome to the third episode of The Injured Athletes Club, a podcast about how to cope with sports injuries. We’re your hosts, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson Cheadle and journalist Cindy Kuzma.
This week, the two of us are here to talk you through a mental exercise Carrie recommends to work your way through sticky situations during your recovery. This one’s called: Go FAR. You can use it anytime you feel trapped or are facing a bump in the road you just can’t see your way through.
On this episode, we discuss:
-What the acronym Go FAR stands for: Feel, Accept, Recover
-The types of situations in which it’s useful (hint: just about anytime you feel stuck or in denial)
-What your feelings can tell you—and why it’s so important to listen to them
-Why we tend to clump emotions together or rush either through or away from them (there are actually biological reasons for these tendencies)
-Why getting really specific about what we’re feeling helps to break this cycle
-The “beautiful release” that can come just from being honest about your emotions
-When stepping back and gaining perspective or context can help—and when it’s counterproductive
-How journaling can help, and an alternative if you don’t love writing
-Why actually scripting out—and practicing telling—your own injury story is important (including the magic of the word “prefer”)
-How to recover—to plot your next step once you’ve accepted reality
Resources we mention:
-Emotion lists: one html, one pdf
-A journaling exercise from Carrie’s website
-Mindset, by Carol Dweck
-The Insight Timer app
And, as always:
-Our website, www.injuredathletesclub.com
-The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group
Thanks for listening, and please reach out anytime at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
Amelia Boone is an ultrarunner, four-time world champion obstacle course racer, and full-time attorney. She was dominating the OCR scene and training for the Western States Endurance Run—a 100-mile race she describes as “the superbowl of ultramarathons—when she developed a stress fracture in her femur.
That was challenging enough, but not long after recovering from that injury, Amelia had a second setback—a sacral stress fracture. In the end, she was sidelined from running for nearly a year, and didn’t race for 18 months.
Amelia joined us today to discuss:
-How she’s come to view her injuries as useful experiences and how they changed her relationship with running
-The stages of grief she went through when she learned about her initial fracture, including denial, anger, and finally, acceptance
-The loss of identity that occurred when she couldn’t run, and how she coped
-Why writing has been so important to her throughout the recovery process
-How she overcame some internal resistance and began actively volunteering and participating in the community while injured: “staying involved in the sport and seeing other people's’ joy and learning to hold that as my own”
-Her resistance to the phrase “comeback,” and why she thinks it’s important not to try to recreate the past
-What it felt like to have a second serious diagnosis so soon after her return to running
-The shame and “self-flagellation” that go along with overuse injuries, and how vulnerability has powered her through those difficult emotions
-Why being upset about injury is really just a sign of how dedicated an athlete you are and how much you love your sport
-The top pieces of advice she gives injured athletes, including giving yourself time to grieve, knowing when cross-training is detrimental instead of helpful, and being your own advocate with doctors and other health care providers
Resources/links we mention:
-Amelia’s blog
=Her social media pages: Instagram and Twitter
Thanks for listening, and please reach out anytime at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
We’re sorry you’re here, but we’re glad you’re here, too!
Welcome to the first episode of The Injured Athletes Club, a podcast about how to cope with sports injuries. We’re your hosts, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson Cheadle and journalist Cindy Kuzma. We’ll be right there with you through this 12-episode season.
We’ve both been there—sidelined—and we know how frustrating rehab can be, how slow your progress can seem, and how the entire experience can leave you feeling isolated and alone.
On this initial episode, we discuss:
-What The Injured Athletes Club is: “It might not be a club that you originally wanted to be a part of, but it's a way to reframe it—to go, ‘Ah, this actually can be a really powerful experience,” Carrie says
-Some of the most common psychological consequences of injury, including loss of identity, lack of confidence in your body, fear of reinjury, worry about falling behind your competition, and disconnection from your tribe
-Why it’s so important to do mental rehab along with physical rehab when you’re injured
-How social connections and support—including in groups like The Injured Athletes Club—are critical to the recovery process
-Who can benefit from mental skills training/mental rehab from injury (hint: It’s not just elite athletes)
-What to expect in this upcoming 12-episode season: shows that alternate between interviews with guests—including athletes, researchers, clinicians, and more—and episodes where Cindy and Carrie break down the tools you can use to cope with injury and recover faster and stronger
-How the mental skills you practice during rehab can benefit you long after you’ve recovered from injury
-What it means to rebound from an injury and come back stronger
-The way we hope to change the entire perception of injury: “When you step back and look at your entire athletic journey, this is just going to be one point that maybe provides a really powerful opportunity for you to learn more about yourself and come back even stronger, both mentally and physically,” Carrie says
-One mental drill Carrie recommends to any injured athlete (get out your pen and paper for this one)
Resources we mention:
-Our website, www.injuredathletesclub.com
-The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group
Thanks for listening, and please reach out anytime at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.