“ 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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.