Coach Carrie Answers a Question from Jennifer: Getting Back Up to Speed Post-Injury

“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
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