In this episode of the MindBodyMarathon, Dr. Leo Kormanik discusses the topic of running injuries, emphasizing the importance of reframing how we think about and approach these injuries. Drawing from his own experiences as a runner and physician, he shares insights on the psychological aspects of dealing with injuries and the lessons learned through his journey.

Dr. Leo recounts his history with injuries, starting from high school where he had minor issues, to more significant challenges in college, including a serious knee injury and complications that led to hospitalization. He highlights the theme that injuries offer valuable lessons, reflecting on how his cockiness and eagerness to push himself contributed to these challenges. 

Throughout the episode, he shares stories of various injuries, including back issues he inherited from his father's history with pain. His struggle with a significant herniated disc ultimately led him to take charge of his rehabilitation, diving into research and various methods to heal without relying on pain medication. This experience shaped his approach to treating injuries in others, leading him to appreciate the resilience and learning potential that can come from such struggles.

Dr. Leo emphasizes that the psychology of performance, such as concepts from the book "The Inner Game of Tennis," can be applied to running and injuries. He encourages listeners to understand that every injury has a message and that navigating the complexities of being injured can lead to personal growth and improved performance in the long run.

In this segment, the speaker reflects on their long history of dealing with running injuries, particularly focusing on recurring issues with their ankles, Achilles tendons, and plantar fascia. They recount how these challenges led them to a deeper understanding of their passion for running. After narrowly missing the Olympic trials in their debut marathon by just 29 seconds, they committed themselves to training, postponing other life plans like grad school.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a strong internal motivation—"knowing your why"—which was their commitment to qualifying for the Olympic trials. They acknowledge that injuries were part of the journey, but their focus remained on the ultimate goal, which helped them navigate pain and setbacks without feeling defeated.

Drawing from personal experiences as well as anecdotes from patients, they argue that many athletes limit themselves by waiting until they're injury-free to set goals. The speaker believes that maintaining a clear vision of goals, even during challenging times, enables individuals to overcome significant obstacles. They stress the importance of dreaming big and working backward from goals, emphasizing that a strong mental focus can lead to unexpected successes, regardless of physical preparation. Instead of being bogged down by metrics like mileage or pacing, the emphasis should be placed on aspirations and purpose, as these are what truly drive progress.

The speaker expresses concern for novice runners who overly focus on metrics like heart rate and mileage, suggesting this can undermine their passion for running. They emphasize that running should be driven by dreams and aspirations rather than numbers. Reflecting on their own experiences with injuries, the speaker shares that many of these setbacks stemmed from ignoring signs of vulnerability, overconfidence, or neglecting strength training and stability work. 

They stress the importance of understanding the reasons behind injuries and learning from them instead of viewing them as random events. Holding oneself and medical providers to high standards during recovery is also highlighted, as prolonged recovery times can often indicate a lack of effort or understanding in the rehabilitation process. 

The speaker urges runners to be aware of their body's signals and to adjust training accordingly, recognizing that various life stresses can affect performance and injury susceptibility. Finally, they conclude by encouraging individuals to learn about their injuries, take responsibility, and engage effectively with healthcare providers for better recovery outcomes.

You can order the Dr. Leo Kormanik's book Faster Without Fail on Amazon at https://amzn.to/4eEsB7M. 

Be sure to also check out Dr. Leo's Running Rehab YouTube page at www.YouTube.com/@RunningRehab.