Behind The Butter

the time i sprained my ankle…again

See the above photo? That was taken in 2007. Back before I figured out running was a bad idea*.

You see, the month that I ran this race (my one and only 10K), I also started this blog…naming it “Eat Live Run” to combine my “passions” for eating, living and…running.

Nowadays, I really just eat and live with a strong emphasis on the eat.

But can someone please tell me yet again that running really is a bad idea?

Like, it was a bad idea last year when I pushed myself too hard and got shin splits so painful I couldn’t walk?

It was also a bad idea when I sprained my ankle the first time.

And, oh wait, it was still a VERY bad idea yesterday, when seduced by the lovely California sunshine and cool Fall weather, I decided to go for a little jaunt over at the local state park. After running for, like, four minutes I took a complete nose dive over a huge rock and sprained my ankle…yet again.

I wish I could tell you I was kidding.

So, um, yeah….I think from now on I’m just going to stay in the kitchen where I belong. Frosting cupcakes and mixing cake batter never hurt anyone, right?

It’s safe in here.

The outside world scares me.

*you might like to run, and that’s cool. you might actually be coordinated enough to do it, unlike myself. If that’s the case, you should totally go for it.

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  • stepf @dailyspark
    November 3, 2010 at 12:18 pm

    Nooooo! Oh, no! I’m so sorry. Remember R-I-C-E. Also, I hear that wine cures sprained ankles.

  • Meredith @ An Epic Change
    November 3, 2010 at 12:19 pm

    I totally know what you mean! I got really into running when I was trying to lose weight and then I got injured (stress fracture in my already bad knee) and realized that I really didn’t like it. now I’m more of the “move a little, then spread some butter on it” attitude.

  • Runeatrepeat
    November 3, 2010 at 12:19 pm

    Ankle sprains are the worst 🙁 I have weak ankles and always roll them. Get better soon 🙂
    RICE RICE RICE!!!

  • Deanna
    November 3, 2010 at 12:20 pm

    Somebody needs to change their blog name to Eat, Live, Bake 😀

    • eml
      November 3, 2010 at 6:17 pm

      That’s totally what I said before!! And you would still have all your followers!

      Although I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it even if you don’t always run – I mean really RUN could mean a lot of things in life…just being free and following your passions, strength, integrity…and we all evolve and change!! In a few years time you could be running again…or maybe climbing mountains…or on Dancing With The Stars as the next big reality chef star….

      😉

      Meh. What do i know though?

  • Sean
    November 3, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    Well the blog banner kind of does look like … Eat, Live, Rum… 🙂

    • Kristin
      November 3, 2010 at 12:53 pm

      haha!! love it.

      • Ana
        November 3, 2010 at 5:51 pm

        Love the blog name as it is, Jenna! Don’t change it:) “Run” means so much more than the literal sense of the word.

  • Sana
    November 3, 2010 at 12:28 pm

    Yeah I thought running was cool. Until fracture my spine. Now I just eat.

  • Carolyn @ Lovin' Losing
    November 3, 2010 at 12:28 pm

    Oh, no! I hope it feels better soon. 🙂

  • Molly
    November 3, 2010 at 12:30 pm

    Oh no!!! Feel better soon 🙁
    I always hurt myself too. After a day of running I have to take off three because Im in so much pain. not good.

  • megan @ whatmegansmaking
    November 3, 2010 at 12:30 pm

    Oh no, I’m sorry! Hope it’s not a bad sprain. I trip all the time while running, but haven’t truly hurt myself yet. I’d say definitely stick to baking and cooking – so much fun and it tastes better!

  • Sahar
    November 3, 2010 at 12:31 pm

    I don’t think it’s funny that you broke your ankle but your posts always make me laugh because you’re always so humorous about everything. I love that you put out the message that it’s okay to not love running and not have to eat perfectly 100% of the time – you’re awesome! And I hope you’re okay.

    So…any plans for posting a gingerbread cookie recipe? *hint, hint*

    • jenna
      November 3, 2010 at 12:36 pm

      gingerbread–yes, yes! I need to research.

      • Julie
        November 3, 2010 at 12:46 pm

        Will you do the recipe from Tartine? I heard it’s amazing!

        • Sahar
          November 3, 2010 at 8:44 pm

          Oops, I meant sprained, not broke. I’m glad it wasn’t serious!

  • Jenny
    November 3, 2010 at 12:31 pm

    sorry to hear about your ankle, but it makes for a funny story:)

  • Ingunn
    November 3, 2010 at 12:37 pm

    Ugh, that sucks! My ankles are super-flimsy from playing handball back in the days of yore, so I worry about sprains every time I go hiking. Luckily it’s only happened within two miles of the trailhead so far, so I haven’t been totally screwed yet. *knock on wood*

    When I run*, I use Five Finger shoes, and I don’t worry about rolling my ankle with those. Now I just need to build up the guts to use them for real hikes, and I wouldn’t have a problem. :o)

    *the moderately paced shuffle I call running

  • Angharad
    November 3, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    Mmmm hazelnuts. Are you making something nutella-y??
    I am always in the market for new nutella recipes…

  • lindsay
    November 3, 2010 at 12:42 pm

    Oy – sorry!! That stinks 🙁

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    November 3, 2010 at 12:46 pm

    Ugh! Hope it heals fast girl. Eat some bacon. It has magic healing powers.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite
    November 3, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    Bummer! Here’s to quick recovery!

    And I agree with Jessica! Bacon has healing powers 🙂

  • laura
    November 3, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    thanks for posting this – i sprained my ankle twice in three months (running!) and i’m glad to know i’m not the only one with repetitive injuries!

  • Liane
    November 3, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    So sorry to hear about your ankle! Although, the “run” in your blog title doesn’t need to literally refer to running long distances… it could refer to running around your kitchen as you make your creations, or off being busy on your travel adventures… so many different options!

  • Lauren at KeepItSweet
    November 3, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    ah no! i hope it gets better quickly!

  • Maria
    November 3, 2010 at 12:55 pm

    Hazelnuts! Now I’m tempted to go home and eat spoonfuls of nutella from the giant jars we got at Costco last night. Totally acceptable dinner right?

  • Therese
    November 3, 2010 at 12:58 pm

    Oh no! Hope it heals quickly. You know, some people just aren’t meant to run! LOL

  • Rachel
    November 3, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    Bummer

  • Lisa
    November 3, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    I sprained my ankles a lot as a kid. And a teen. And a 20-something. I sprained my ankles just by walking or tripping, or falling. Or standing. It didn’t matter. I did it enough times I eventually had to have surgery to repair my ligament in my ankle.

    Yes, it hurt as much as you can imagine it did.

  • Tab - Just Weighing In
    November 3, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    I’m with you – I can’t run. Wish I could, but I can’t. In fact, I fractured my foot a few months ago just from walking (I have some toe problems and I was compensating while walking). Sad, huh?

    🙂

  • Carrie (Love Healthy Living)
    November 3, 2010 at 1:06 pm

    Oh no! That’s too bad, hope you feel better soon. I hate running but I can’t fault you for trying. 🙂

  • Hope
    November 3, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    Oh I hear ya! I’m totally not a runner either!
    I think I’d like to be, but I’m just not and I’m ok with that!
    Hope your ankle gets better soon!

  • Aimee
    November 3, 2010 at 1:17 pm

    Can we request recipes? Chicken and dumplings! Tried a recipe from the Food Network and it was bland and watery–not the best attempt. Have you got something more hearty & flavorful?

  • Nadine
    November 3, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    I got new custom orthotics to “cure” my plantar fasciitis. I have fallen over TWICE from stepping on tiny stones. Good times! Hope you feel better soon, and try to stay upright while walking or running.

  • Kelly
    November 3, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    I am with Aimee above…I think you should do reader requests!!!

    • jenna
      November 3, 2010 at 1:33 pm

      ok! although chicken and dumplings is almanzo’s specialty…not mine!

      • Jodi
        November 3, 2010 at 1:59 pm

        Guest post from Almanzo then!

        • eml
          November 3, 2010 at 6:19 pm

          Wait, Almanza cooks too? Is he more of a cook or a baker? We see more Baking from you – …not that I blame you 😉

          • Cate
            November 3, 2010 at 7:01 pm

            Jenna is a chef! Check out her recipe page if you need a reference. She does a lot more than bake! 🙂

          • eml
            November 4, 2010 at 5:48 am

            Oh I know!! I just mean lately we see more baking. I don’t mean it badly!

  • Joanna
    November 3, 2010 at 1:21 pm

    Sprained ankles are horrible and they get no credit for it. I sprained my recently–quite badly, mind you, the sight of it in all it’s purple swollen glory made a nurse almost drop her clipboard–and everyone kept calling me a baby. Anyway, I am lucky enough to have never hurt myself while running. I took a spill on the racquetball court. All physical activity has its risks…. And sometimes it sucks… Hope you feel better soon 🙂

  • Alina @ Duty Free Foodie
    November 3, 2010 at 1:28 pm

    …”with a strong emphasis on the eat” = best quote from this blog in the time that I’ve been reading it, EVER.

    I am accident prone while running too. I am not sure why I do it at all, really, except that the elliptical bores me to death and inclement weather is frequent here in Canada and sometimes, very occasionally, I have fun while doing it and forget that I swore I would never do it again.

  • Mabelle- Latina Health Diaries
    November 3, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    Ive been trying to “fall in love” with running for such a long time since is such an amazing workout. However, perhaps the fact that I hate running so much is the universe way of telling me—“is not safe. stay away”….:) I like the kitchen too.

  • Janet
    November 3, 2010 at 1:40 pm

    I don’t know, once I cut myself on a Triscuit…and bled.

    But as long as you’re not baking with Triscuits, I think you should be alright. 😉

  • Camille
    November 3, 2010 at 1:42 pm

    Oh no!
    I can run because it doesn’t take much thought, just training. You would destroy me in the kitchen any day though!

  • rebecca lustig
    November 3, 2010 at 1:42 pm

    thats like me pretending I’m an athlete. or a dancer. i’m just. not. but thats ok, bc everyone has something they are good at, which is a beautiful thing

  • Cathy B. @ Bright Bakes
    November 3, 2010 at 1:44 pm

    dear me.. the troubles life can bring…so sorry!
    Although a few warm baking experiences can certainly help ease pain… 🙂
    Hope your recovery is speedy-quick!
    love,
    cathy b. @ brightbakes

  • Susan
    November 3, 2010 at 1:46 pm

    First time commenting but I want to say I LOVE your blog. I actually read it a couple of years ago and now I’ve been at it again and can I say I love your new “format”? It’s so much more personal : )

    And I’ve always thought running was a bad idea. But I was never “okay” with thinking that running was bad until very recently. I used to beat myself up for not wanting to run (ever) and now I just enjoy the exercise I do get…which is usually walking around the kitchen!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog)
    November 3, 2010 at 1:48 pm

    oh no – hope the ankle heals soon !!!

  • Rachel @ The Avid Appetite
    November 3, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    I’m a recent adopter to the whole running thing (all those cupcakes and pastrami sandwiches are catching up with me) and my ankles hurt everyday. I think ice is becoming my bff.

  • katie
    November 3, 2010 at 2:03 pm

    well you do other things to exercise right? like yoga and hiking. so no need for running.

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
    November 3, 2010 at 2:07 pm

    Omg I am sooooo sorry to hear about the sprain! Just days before Food Buzz…that SUCKS!

    Ironically today I just posted about my workouts and how running and cardio has just hit the wayyyy back burner for me. I would rather walk, do yoga, hike, lift weights, do backbends and stand on my head…pretty much anything other than running for more than about 20 minutes. That’s my limit. Lol. And I used to do half marathons all the time…boy how life has changed!

    Take care of that ankle!!!!!!!!!!

  • Elliott
    November 3, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    I do know a lady that lost a finger to a KitchenAid Mixer! Be careful 😉

  • Charles
    November 3, 2010 at 2:18 pm

    Running. Scratch.
    Biking. Nix.

    Hiking seems to agree with you. Stick with that.

    Swimming perhaps? Ocean Kayaking?

  • kate
    November 3, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    What a bummer! Hope you have a quick recovery and are able to enjoy Foodbuzzz!

  • Nicole
    November 3, 2010 at 2:31 pm

    UGH! I’m so sorry to hear about your ankle! That stinks! I’ve tried running so many times, and now when I get the ‘urge’ to try it again, I will think of you. I hope you feel better soon.

    Maybe you can change your blog to ‘Eat, Live, Om’? I know you love yoga (me too!). Plus, I don’t think you can sprain your ankle practicing yoga 🙂

  • Erica
    November 3, 2010 at 2:58 pm

    Oh Honey!! I’m so sorry! Bless your heart! <3

    Here's what you should do:

    Get a glass of wine, a good book, sit down (easily), prop that foot up, and relax.

    Again, bless your heart!

    Love you!!

  • Amy
    November 3, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    I love running! There is nothing, for me, that compares to the feeling I get as I approach the finish line at a race…crowds cheering, every cell in my body firing towards one goal, the culmination of months (or years) of training. I’m addicted :). But the beauty of this world is that we’re all different – just keep doing what you like!

  • Krystina
    November 3, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    I finally got into running again. I actually like it because I can bang out a quick mile or two and be done, instead of endlessly ellipticalling.

  • Cara Thielvoldt
    November 3, 2010 at 3:24 pm

    Ouch. I hope it heals quickly. I am sure the frosting helps with that. 🙂

  • Heather (Heather's Dish)
    November 3, 2010 at 3:26 pm

    you know, i feel like it’s totally healthy to combine running and eating with the eating emphasis! totally normal 😉

  • Mary (What's Cookin' with Mary)
    November 3, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    Sorry to hear about your ankle Jenna! 🙁 I think you need to step away from the running shoes ;P

  • salah@myhealthiestlifestyle
    November 3, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    OMG! I know how you feel….I fall ALL the time, its no fun…Iwish I were just coordinated to walk lol

  • Sara
    November 3, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    ohh BOO! it’s a good thing eating is more fun that running anyway… 😉
    XOXO
    S

  • MMiller
    November 3, 2010 at 3:37 pm

    So sorry Jenna…..but hey, at least it isn’t broken! Take care of it and let it heal fully!

  • Stephanie Rose
    November 3, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    I’m running in college, and even I think it’s a bad idea. I’m jealous you get to do yoga, Jenna! As soon as I graduate, I’m heading to a yoga class! Feel better!

  • Jessica
    November 3, 2010 at 3:47 pm

    I sprained my ankle last Friday. I literally feel your pain. 🙁 Get well soon.

  • Alison
    November 3, 2010 at 4:00 pm

    Oh no! You poor girl! But your post still managed to make me laugh. Any ideas for a good pumpkin bread or muffins? I have a craving!

  • Karen
    November 3, 2010 at 4:06 pm

    Oh, no…so sorry about your mishap, Jenna! Please try to take it easy during the next few critical days. (RICE…it really works!) Feel good soon!

  • Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down)
    November 3, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    Oh no!! So sorry to hear about your ankle! Feel better!

    I love, love, love a good long run. It helps me think. But baking is great for that too. 😀

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey
    November 3, 2010 at 4:23 pm

    oh my gosh – I wish I could say I’m not laughing right now, but I totally am. 🙂

  • Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman
    November 3, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    That sucks! So sorry to hear about that. I agree, running is dangerous. But that’s coming from someone who can trip over her own feet and face plant on the floor.

  • Lacey @ Lake Life
    November 3, 2010 at 4:43 pm

    Even if you forget that running is a bad idea, it seems as though your ankle remembered for you -I hope it heals quickly. As said above, Rest Ice Compression & Elevation are key!

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss
    November 3, 2010 at 5:00 pm

    Ouch!! I would say “hope you feel better soon” but I know how long it takes for those things to heal unfortunately..sooo I hope you feel better! Period. 🙂

  • Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef
    November 3, 2010 at 5:13 pm

    oh no! feel better! i love running but i don’t expect everyone to 🙂 plus you’re great at everything else!

  • Katie
    November 3, 2010 at 5:31 pm

    Jenna, I’m so sorry you sprained your ankle, but THANK YOU for posting this!

    I was never a runner, but decided to give it a whirl back in May. Ever since, I’ve had ongoing knee injuries and am “RICE-ing” as we speak (err…type). I’m just not built for running, and it’s SO REFRESHING to read a blog that agrees! There are so many other wonderful ways to stay fit and nourished (hello yoga and chocolate!). I hope you feel better!

  • Natalia - a side of simple
    November 3, 2010 at 5:32 pm

    Oh no! I’m sorry 🙁 Even if you don’t mind the “not running” part, I’m sure it’s still painful. This deserves some baking remedies 🙂

  • Mom
    November 3, 2010 at 5:52 pm

    Will you be alright to travel to SFO this weekend ? 🙂

  • Jen
    November 3, 2010 at 6:04 pm

    I sprained my ankle back in July while running (which I miss an awful lot), and I’m still dealing with it – going to physical therapy, and it’s even still swollen. I’ve rolled my ankles before, but never hurt it this bad. I wouldn’t wish it on someone I didn’t like, and I really hope that your sprain is not terrible and heals quickly!

  • Kaitlin With Honey
    November 3, 2010 at 6:10 pm

    Oh, Jenna. I feel your pain. Feel better and I hope it heals miraculously quickly!

  • Paige is Running Around Normal
    November 3, 2010 at 6:31 pm

    Eat, Live, …. Hike? Camp? 😉

  • Ramona
    November 3, 2010 at 6:40 pm

    I do think you need to change your blog title. “Run” means run, no matter how much people say that it doesn’t. “Run” does not refer to yoga or baking (even though those are awesome activities, too). Why keep the word in your title when you don’t like to run? It makes no sense and detracts from your great posts, in my opinion.

    I like your new blog format more each time I read a post. It’s cool to see how you bake such delicious goodies from scratch. Your posts make me want to try baking soon. In the words of the great Bobby Flay, “Keep doing what you do”. 😉

    • Sarah
      November 4, 2010 at 5:34 am

      I agree. Your blog and your life has changed so much. There’s no shame in letting go of the run. It no longer makes sense.

  • Kar
    November 3, 2010 at 7:16 pm

    I wondered why you didn’t mention the Healdsburg half-marathon (which I ran). You should rename this blog.

    • jenna
      November 3, 2010 at 7:57 pm

      why would I mention it if I didn’t run it? I’m sure it was a wonderful event though!

  • Olivia
    November 3, 2010 at 7:25 pm

    These commenters that are all worked up over you needing to change your blog title are cracking me up! What is the big deal? People…start your own blog and then name it what YOU want!
    Hey Jenna… keep “running” with your fabulous ideas and recipes… Love them!!!

    • Ramona
      November 4, 2010 at 12:08 pm

      I don’t see anyone getting worked up so far. This is the comments section, so we’re making comments about the title. It’s not a “love it or leave it” situation. We don’t have to stop reading the awesome posts because we don’t love the title.

  • Sharon
    November 3, 2010 at 7:34 pm

    oh I feel your pain…I haven’t yet sprained my ankle running but I once took an awesome spill in Annadel that involved a large rock, gravel burns, a cut that probably should have had a couple of stitches, and a scar to remember it all by still visible on my left knee. I remember it not feeling that bad after the initial fall….I was bloodied but jogged the rest of the way back. The worst part-was washing the gravel out of my wounds back home-Awful! as previously mentioned…RICE is your friend 🙂

  • monicanelsonfitness
    November 3, 2010 at 7:37 pm

    what a bummer. so sorry. 🙁 Rest.. rest Jenna!

  • Laura
    November 3, 2010 at 8:06 pm

    Oh no! Hopefully the ankle will be back to normal quickly. And I can’t exactly agree with the kitchen not hurting comment — my cousin just sliced her thumb (8 stitches later) cutting up food…4 days before her wedding.
    Is there really any safe place/area/activity? 🙂
    On the other hand, your post did make me laugh and smile, after the inital ‘oh no, that sucks, i hope it feels better’!

  • Mary
    November 3, 2010 at 8:28 pm

    Do nothing and when you’re seventy you can be like me, with no aches or pains!

  • Peggy
    November 3, 2010 at 8:36 pm

    Wine and ibuprofen. Works every time. And, as someone who is relatively okay at living, and pretty good at running, but frequently cuts myself so badly I need stitches when I enter the kitchen, I think it is totally admirable to recognize our limitations. I just need you to cook for me…

  • zoe (and the beatles)
    November 3, 2010 at 10:53 pm

    HAH! i did the EXACT same thing yesterday! hasn’t the weather been absolutely lovely? i thought “yeah, a run sounds great!” that “run” turned into a huuuuge walk instead. i don’t know why i pretend i still love to run. i much prefer kicking it in the kitchen, anyway 🙂

  • Kelly
    November 4, 2010 at 1:05 am

    Oh man, this post kind of made me laugh. I know that’s not nice. However, I pretty much have difficulty with running too, so I can identify with this. I think kitchen + yoga equals you. maybe eatliveyoga?

  • Karen bentley
    November 4, 2010 at 4:29 am

    Running is fun. I’m totally addicted. When in pain I am sooo bad. I just pop the Ibuprofen and do it anyway.

  • Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
    November 4, 2010 at 5:44 am

    Ouch! I hope it’s nothing too serious!

    Given your new focus, do you have any plans to change the name of your blog?

  • Ahn Ei @ FlatironFlavor
    November 4, 2010 at 6:34 am

    Ohh no! Take care of yourself! 🙂

  • Gloria
    November 4, 2010 at 7:32 am

    Jenna, feel better! I bet some more pumpkin rolls will ease the pain…

    Don’t worry, I’m a failure at running too. I tried to kid myself and run 2 half-marathons and just ended up injuring my knees… for good. I was better off sitting on the couch watching Food Network and eating ice cream. The only thing you have to worry about is a brain freeze!

  • Amber K
    November 4, 2010 at 8:01 am

    I am completely uncoordinated as well, although I can run. I just have to remember to pay attention and not fly like an airplane as much as the mood strikes me. 😉

  • Monique Gagnon
    November 4, 2010 at 8:46 am

    No worries… I feel last year while running and broke my elbow, and then I fell a month ago (while running, again) and sprained my ankle… and to top it off, I fell at a bar the next week and twisted the SAME ankle… again. OH, and, mind you, the latest episode happened after a summer full of physical therapy for a hurt knee, so I totally get where you’re coming from! 🙂

  • Jen
    November 4, 2010 at 9:03 am

    Just wanted to say I love your blog. I don’t care if you change the name or not, as long as you keep writing, because I love reading your post! =)

  • tessa koch
    November 4, 2010 at 10:01 am

    I love you Jenna! I’m so glad I found your website. You are ME!!! I was just trying to psych myself up to go for a long overdue run tonight. Its good I read this first!

  • Pierre
    November 4, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    U love the outdoor…. Poor little ankle.

  • louise
    November 4, 2010 at 5:05 pm

    Disagree one must be on marathon rosters to be considered a runner. Jenna was a runner when she started this blog and chose its name. Life is flux, nothing stays the same. Do not think Jenna needs to feel obligated to change the name of her blog, which has a huge following by its name, because her life style has changed, just to appease die hard runners. Whatever exercise/sport she next tries, is she expected to, again, change it? Please! Having been a runner and participated in marathons, can she not be considered a running enthusiast? This is Jenna’s blog to run. Those who are offended by its title probably should not stop by. They probably need to spend time on their own blogs, which is theirs to control.

    Jenna, it is impossible to please everyone. There will always be those looking for things to complain about. Whether you are currently running or not, it is something that you have participated in; and, to me, that is enough.