Breakfast

Trying To Stay Positive

Happy Friday!!!!!!!!!!

There’s no way to put this gently: guys, I chickened out. I didn’t run this morning. I’m just really struggling and feeling incredibly frustrated because despite it all, I’m still in a lot of pain. And it’s getting worse. You know when the doctors say you have 99% chance of custom fit orthotics fixing your feet forever? Sadly, I’m the 1% that they just don’t work on. I could go into my whole long sob story but for your sake and mine, I’ll save it. I’m trying to stay positive! I’m going to rest my leg today and tomorrow and then see how I feel Sunday morning for my run. I see my doctor again next week so I guess I’ll learn more then….just thinking about it makes me want to cry out of sheer frustration so I’m going to change the subject now!

Not going to lie, I was up super late worrying about this whole predicament. Honestly, I KNOW I’m not meant to be a runner. But I hate quitting and I hate feeling so insufficient because of my injury. Oatmeal made me feel better:

IMG_3520

IMG_3521

I used 1/2 cup oats, 1 cup almond milk, 2 tbsp Udi’s and naturally more pb. I love the granola/oatmeal combo!

So instead of my marathon this morning (hah), I’m going to my favorite Friday morning Yoga Grooves class. I won’t be able to go next week because this time next week I’ll be on an airplane headed to CALIFORNIA!!!!!!!!!!!! Gahhh so excited. There may or may not be some interesting twists to my story, which never fails to become more dramatic by the day. You know you love it. Stick with me…..

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  • Christina MINDFUL LIVING
    September 18, 2009 at 8:00 am

    Jenna,
    believe me, I KNOW that it can be frustrating!!! but you are doing it right my friend ;)…. rule to live by- it if it hurts. dont run through it. dont even pretend like you are pain free (we have ALL done this…dont deny it! haha). its better to be off your feet for a few days, a few weeks, even a few weeks!!! rather than be off of your feet for the rest of your life. stay patient, jenna…and never say you are not meant to be a runner…cause the thing is… YOU ARE A RUNNER!!!! a damn good one too

  • Lesi
    September 18, 2009 at 8:02 am

    Sorry to hear about your run, but I’m sure you are correct in listening to your body. I am dealing with the same thing, trying to run a half with tendentious and I’ve had to take several days off. But I always remember: you are building a body for life, not a body for now!

  • Jen Trinque
    September 18, 2009 at 8:07 am

    Jenna, you said “I hate feeling so insufficient because of my injury”. I challenge you to think about all the AMAZING things you can do, physical and non-physical that you are MORE THAN sufficient at! You said it yourself; you’re not meant to be a runner. You are NOT a quitter. And what if you had to walk some of your half marathon? You’re a TBL watcher, right? Last season, in the finale when Ron had to walk the whole marathon, didn’t you still cry when he made it across the finish line? (or was that just me?) You can still complete the race, it just might not be the way you envisioned. You have so many gifts that you can focus on in the future! I hope you feel better 🙂

  • Sarah
    September 18, 2009 at 8:07 am

    Don’t beat yourself up- your body is telling you what it needs: time. So walk, jog, walk, jog–as the song says- nice and easy does it…. Give your body, mind and heart the opportunity to heal. You have the wisdom within yourself, just listen and (this is the tough part) be patient.

  • Courtney (The Hungry Yogini)
    September 18, 2009 at 8:14 am

    You have to honor your body…it’s the only one you’ve got! I think you made a wise choice.

    SO jealous you are goin’ to Grooves. My friend Ali will be there and so will Patrick. This is my first Friday in Gainesville ALL semester…blah. I’ll be there in spirit =)

    Enjoy!

  • Michele
    September 18, 2009 at 8:16 am

    You commented that you hate being a quitter despite knowing you’re not meant to be a runner — BUT it’s not quitting if you’re cutting back on something you’re not really meant to do. Not everyone can run extremely long distances — that doesn’t mean you don’t enjoy the runs you go on, it doesn’t mean you can’t walk extensively. Perhaps HEAB is onto something with only doing yoga and hiking for exercise. We have to listen to our bodies — we’re not all cut out to be marathoners.

  • JocelynEatsFresh
    September 18, 2009 at 8:20 am

    I think you should just run when you feel at your absolute best…make it a treat. And do yoga the rest of the time! Take some ques from Polly 😉

  • maggie b
    September 18, 2009 at 8:22 am

    Stay Positive!! Find something else fun and heart pumping to channel your workouts to! Like CYCLING!!! it is soo amazing, especially for the runners that are injured. Get a road bike and just go!!! I am a strong believe that if something (a particular exercise) does not work for you, then finds something else!!! exercise is supposed to be fun, and trying to work through all that pain cannot be fun!!
    keep your head up and remember:
    “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
    Isaiah 40:29-31

  • Whitney @ Lettuce Love
    September 18, 2009 at 8:23 am

    You were 100% correct to listen to you body. If you don’t feel ready for something, then is it just not the right time.

    You’re not a quitter; you’re smart.

  • Deb
    September 18, 2009 at 8:24 am

    I agree with the previous posts. You are NOT quitting! You are listening to what your body has to tell you. Clearly it’s not happy with what you have been doing. Take a short break and then change it up! You might not be able to run long distances any more. So what? Try running shorter distances, running slower or walk/run. Your body will tell you what it’s most comfortable with if you just listen to it. I know I find the yoga you do absolutely amazing!

  • Gab*
    September 18, 2009 at 8:24 am

    Hope you feet improve Jenna 🙁 I encourage you to work with your doctor as often orthotics need some tweaking and they can adapt them a fair bit, even once they are already made. Good Luck!!

  • Julia
    September 18, 2009 at 8:24 am

    I feel sorry for you and your body…give it the time it needs to heal! You deserve it:)

    xxx Julia (Taste of Living)

  • Lizzie
    September 18, 2009 at 8:26 am

    A friend of mine who has run several marathons was ready to run Boston last year when she ended up with an injury that sidelined her for two months. This was completely out of left field for her as she has never really had an injury before. So she literally took two months off, apart from yoga and the elliptical. I saw her this morning coming off her usual 10-miler before work. While her running is definitely to the extreme end, I don’t believe you’re not meant to be a runner and I also don’t think that you’re in any way admitting defeat or giving up. Maybe you need a serious break from running (did you get new shoes yet? Not that they’re the cause, but it might be helpful?) and then come back. You also seem to have a lot on your plate at the moment – writing, yoga, blogging, this trip to CA (which you were right – do love all the twists!), & you just had some major upheaval in your personal life. The very fact that you chose not to go this morning shows what a good runner you are – listening to your body and figuring out what is best for it (it took me ages to do that and I still have trouble with it sometimes!). Plus you took out the positive of getting to attend a great yoga class that you won’t be able to next week (b/c you’re going to be in Cali – yay!). I do know how yuck it feels to be injured, but you will get through it. Thought of you this morning when I didn’t have any oatbran left and was craving some peanut butter and raw honey in a nice steaming bowl of it 🙂

  • Erin
    September 18, 2009 at 8:27 am

    If you’re in a pain, it’s NOT chickening out — it’s being smart! Listen to your body or you could end up hurting yourself even worse. Enjoy yoga!

  • Daria (Summer of the CSAs)
    September 18, 2009 at 8:30 am

    Injuries are so frustrating! But hang in there, and think of all the other awesome things your body can do, like your favorite yoga class!

  • Pam (Highway to Health)
    September 18, 2009 at 8:35 am

    Hang in there! You are honoring your body. It’s nothing to beat yourself up over. If you are in pain it’s not chickening out or quitting you’re just listening to what your body needs. Once you feel better than you can try again!

  • Marla
    September 18, 2009 at 8:39 am

    I really hope you won’t let yourself feel bad if you have to cancel on the race.Your beloved brother would not want you to suffer in agony.You have to put your health first,and there are SO many things and ways you can pay tribute to John.

    I enjoy your blog daily and wonder how many readers you have approx?I know it’s growing every day but I am so curious!You are a lovely writer.

    Have a beautiful trip to California.Somehow it seems like you would love to land a job out there and maybe will with your winery connections? Who knows what exciting adventures lie ahead for you-I could picture you loving the east coast as well 🙂 I also picture you teaching yoga someday!

    Wherever the days ahead take you,enjoy it moment by moment.Sometimes I find myself looking too far ahead and worrying and it is tough to live in the present.Yoga helps me a little in this area for sure!

    Blessings to you and yours!

  • Cara
    September 18, 2009 at 8:41 am

    Hi Jenna,
    I completely understand your frustration! My body was just not built to be a runner, no matter how much I try to be! I’ve stuck with the run/walk interval method, and my injuries seem to have dropped way down.
    Good luck, and hang in there!

  • Jojo
    September 18, 2009 at 8:41 am

    I agree with everyone. You are not quitting. You must listen to your body!! You did the right thing.

    I know your problems/injuries run deeper than just sore shins, but do you have a shin stick? It is a life saver supplement to your normal stretching. Check it out. It won’t cure you, but one more thing to help can’t hurt!

  • Eve
    September 18, 2009 at 8:45 am

    Try not to get down…running is extremely hard on the body and not meant for everyone! I developed bursitis in my hip as a result of running track competitively in high school and still feel the pain today! That’s crazy considering it happened over 10 yrs ago. Our body speaks loudly, and it’s important to listen. I spent so many years just being mad that I couldn’t run and now I have channeled that into positive energy — I do yoga, pilates, kickboxing, walking, swimming, etc.

  • rhodeygirl
    September 18, 2009 at 8:47 am

    Stay positive lady! Does yoga ever bother your shin?? Maybe you will just have to replace running with another passion… biking, hiking, yoga… whatever it is!

    Have a happy weekend!

  • Lauren
    September 18, 2009 at 8:49 am

    Jenna, I’m so sorry about your ongoing issue with your shins. You are right to listen to your body and not run until you feel you are ready.

    You are not, I’d like to emphasize, in any way insufficient! While I have not had the privilege of meeting you in person, your uplifting posts, excellent recipes, and very kind demeanor inspire me – and countless others – each day. Running is only one small facet of your identity. I know very well the tendency to feel upset with yourself when you cannot, for whatever reason, ‘dominate’ an area you’d really like to excel in. I love running and do it often, but I have not had a totally pain-free run in quite awhile due to a hamstring injury. It’s demoralizing (especially when you’re training for a races/races, like I currently am), but the key is to not let running, or whatever else ails you, overshadow what makes you feel vital and wonderful. You are an amazing yogi! How many people can do multiple standing back bends in one yoga class? Not too terribly many, I’m sure!

    I hope that today is good to you. I know that running can seem like the be-all, end-all in the blog world, but it is only one form of exercise and release. Take care and stay strong!

  • VeggieGirl
    September 18, 2009 at 8:50 am

    Sendings hugs, prayers, and strength vibes.

  • Sarah R
    September 18, 2009 at 8:51 am

    Hang in there girl. Listen to your body. It’ll let you know when it’s ready!

  • Johanna
    September 18, 2009 at 8:53 am

    I love your positive attidude!!!!

  • Emily
    September 18, 2009 at 8:56 am

    Hi Jenna! I know it must be so hard when you’re going through it, but know that the fact that you maybe weren’t meant to be a runner does not make you insufficient or less of a person – at all! What is most interesting to me about the people around me is that we all excel (and are meant for) different things. You are a great chef, blogger, daughter, yogini, friend, etc. Keep your head up! 🙂

    Also…so looking forward to hearing some more exciting news. I love the twists…

  • Emily @ The Experimentarian
    September 18, 2009 at 9:03 am

    I agree with the other commenters, too! It’s clear that you love running, so keep it as something that you love! Don’t make yourself suffer through it or push through pain–keep it always fun and special for yourself. You may be able to enjoy it more as a supplement to your other activity on an intermittent basis. xoxo

  • Jen B
    September 18, 2009 at 9:03 am

    Hang in there girl. I was a runner – hard core. For a decade. Then my knee decided to pack it in. Surgery blah blah blah. Who am I if I’m not a runner? Turns out, I’m still me! I started doing power walking and going to the gym. It wasn’t easy. I still HATE seeing people run outside, especially when they pass me when I’m walking. But I’m OK! You will be too.

  • Steph
    September 18, 2009 at 9:04 am

    I know exactly how you feel with your frustrations. I’ve ran 1 1/2 half marathon, but I’ve trained for 3. Injuries would start halfway through, I would continue to train, and the closer the race got, the worse my injury became. Eventually all of this led to my latest knee surgery and I realized that I cannot be a runner. It was so hard to give up, but my body couldn’t handle running anymore and I had to learn to deal with it. I feel so much better now and I’ve realized that I do have a life outside of being a runner.

    I hope everything works out for you and your race. Just keep listening to your body…put yourself first!

    Have fun at yoga and enjoy your day 🙂

  • Jenna
    September 18, 2009 at 9:04 am

    I’m super excited to hear about you Cali news 😉

    I hope your shin gets feeling better.

  • Matt
    September 18, 2009 at 9:08 am

    Sorry about how you are feeling, but you never know until you try. Running is not easy; I go through this stuff everyday. You have to at least try. Quitting is the stright path to failure. Not trying to be rude, but that is just my philosophy.

  • Lizzy
    September 18, 2009 at 9:09 am

    i can totally understand your frustration, but like you said just stay positive! trust me whatever is supposed to happen will! 🙂

  • *Andrea*
    September 18, 2009 at 9:13 am

    be kind to yourself – that’s what my mommy always tells me when i am frustrated or angry. would i treat my friend this way?

    you can still run but just maybe not in the short term. maybe you should concentrate on weight training and yoga! you seem great at yoga (i can barely touch my toes)!

  • Renee
    September 18, 2009 at 9:19 am

    Jenna,

    I know that, especially lately and especially in the blog world, it seems that if you are not out running several miles a day you are not doing enough. I used to run (and was pretty damn good) but then took a second and realized I freaking hated running. It was not enjoyable. I slowly declined, and now I probably couldn’t run over a mile or so without stopping (I used to run about 35 miles per week). I, unequivically, am not a runner. It is through no fault of my own either. Just isn’t in me. Accepting that made me feel awesome. I took up cycling, I am in better shape, and I enjoy what I do to work out now.

    It seems like a lot of the time you are just trying to keep up for the sake of keeping up. Do whatever you want. Running doesn’t have to be it just because others are doing it. Life is far too short to struggle through something for no reason.

  • Jenna
    September 18, 2009 at 9:20 am

    girl i am sad to hear you are still in pain 🙁 hang in there!
    oatmeal looks great and i can’t wait to hear what twists you have 😉
    jenna

  • Kathryn
    September 18, 2009 at 9:23 am

    I have a suggestion for you to help you with your shin issues. I teach an exercise class called willPower & grace. It is a barefoot class with the mindset that our feet are what ground us to the earth and if something hurts like our hip there is most likely a problem in our foot because everythign is connected. Instead of using orthotics we exercise barefoot, this strenghts the muscles and helps fix the problem. All orthotics due is make the pain tolerable. You should look into some barefoot training, strengthen those muscles and you’ll be good to go 🙂 I think your great! You are strong you can get thru this.

  • Anne Marie@her new weigh
    September 18, 2009 at 9:24 am

    You aren’t insufficient because you aren’t a runner. You are so much more than a run (but I think you know that!!)

  • leslie
    September 18, 2009 at 9:29 am

    your life is like a reality show haha. have fun in california! 🙂

    hang in there with your shins. i remember what you said at the summit about yoga, and those words really helped me come to terms with not being able to run and devoting myself to something else. it is hard, especially when it feels like everyone is running and racing. but you listen to your body better than anyone i “know.” letting go is different than giving up – letting go is acknowledging that you’re in pain and can’t force yourself to do something that breaks you down. my fingers are crossed for you though. keep smiling! 🙂

  • Sarah
    September 18, 2009 at 9:31 am

    You are totally awesome Jenna! Do not feel bad for things that are beyond your control. You have given it EVERYTHING you have from Day One, as we have all witnessed. Whatever you decide, everything will be fine. It is better to not hurt yourself though. I hope you have a great weekend and keep that head up, your positivity in trying times is always inspiring to me and many others I’m sure 🙂

  • Anne P
    September 18, 2009 at 9:36 am

    I heart you!

    Did you buy new shoes yet?!?!?!?!? If not, that will majorly help with the shins. My shin splints totally disappeared when I got a new pair of my same shoes. I am, however, still having issues with my right knee… just trying to take it easy in between long runs with lots of cross training and icing. I think after this race I’ll stick with shorter distances again!

    We need a gchat date asap! I miss youuuuuuuuuuu!!!!!

  • Shelly
    September 18, 2009 at 9:36 am

    I am so sorry your injury is still hurting you!
    Do you think that maybe it’s just that you’re not meant to be a distance runner or that maybe you’ve overdone it by starting to increase your mileage right after you got the orthotics? I think we sometimes forget that a half marathon is a long freaking run! I’m training for one myself (hopefully I’ll tackle 8 miles this weekend) and 8 miles doesn’t sound like a lot to me, but when I think about how much time it takes, it occurs to me that 8 miles is a long way to run! And I haven’t had any sort of pain other than soreness and blisters until I started training for a half. (My right quad hurts somewhat, but hopefully new shoes and taking a little break will have helped it). I’m just saying that a half marathon doesn’t seem like a lot, but I think it’s a distance that can definitely be hard on your body in a way that shorter runs aren’t.
    But regardless, if you never run again, you are not insufficient. You are wonderful and inspiring and so much more than the sum of the miles you’ve run! And if you never run again, you can still get outside, enjoy nature and do good things for you body. Walking and hiking are so good for you!
    I do, for the record, believe that you can and will run again. But I think you will have to give your body more time to heal.
    I hope you feel better soon!

  • Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
    September 18, 2009 at 9:41 am

    I have always felt that I am not meant to run myself. I still have hope that one day I will learn and it will become easy for me. Hope you feel better and stay strong! 🙂

  • K
    September 18, 2009 at 9:47 am

    If you’re in pain, it’s not chickening out! Take it easy and give yourself time for some of the pain to go away. I’m sending a lot of positivity your way 🙂

  • Stephanie
    September 18, 2009 at 9:49 am

    So sorry that your run didn’t work out this morning, but I know that your yoga class will kick butt – everything happens for a reason, just remember that 🙂 Happy Friday and have a wonderful day!

  • ShutupandRun
    September 18, 2009 at 9:52 am

    Hey Jenna,
    I am training to try to qualify for Boston and am running my second marathon in November. Running has become such a part of my day and of who I think I am, that when I can’t run (like this week due to a foot problem) I get really down. What I am realizing is that I have mistakenly made running what defines me. Who I am. But what is really true for me and for you, is that running, eating, drinking, etc is what we DO not who we are. Who we are is all the other stuff like how we treat others, how much love we put out, what we contribute to making ourselves and those around us better. You do all of those things so wonderfully everyday. And so do I. So let’s try not to be hard on ourselves – I think we’re both doing okay after all.

  • christie, honoring health
    September 18, 2009 at 9:55 am

    I agree with the others, being in pain and deciding to honor your body IS NOT chickening out. You are trying to respect your body and do what feels right, end of story!! You are still an awesome person whether you are a runner or not!!

  • Jamie in Arkansas
    September 18, 2009 at 10:10 am

    Jenna – You are an inspiration NO MATTER WHAT! 🙂

    Sometimes you just have to listen to your body and slow it down a bit. Rest is so important to the healing process. I know it’s hard, but it’s definitely not a cop-out and you are NO CHICKEN.
    You’re amazing! 🙂 Now have an amazing day! 🙂

  • Angharad (Eating for England)
    September 18, 2009 at 10:10 am

    Ugh. I feel like I am going through the exact same injury/pain stuff as you. It helps reading your posts and your commenters comments! My left shin has been causing me grief, now my ankle is hurting and my knee is even starting to twinge again. If I didn’t have a ten mile race to run in two weeks then I would most likely not be running at all right now but I don’t feel like I can afford not to run – it’s so frustrating isn’t it?! Gah!
    I am thinking I might postpone my 9 miler til this sunday after what you said. And I’m buying new shoes tonight as I am sure they are causing a lot of problems right now. Sigh. Good luck – don’t give up, just be patient!

  • Food Makes Fun Fuel
    September 18, 2009 at 12:36 pm

    I was just thinking about doing oatmeal/granola this morning. I’ve never tried it, but I like the crunch of almonds on oatmeal, so why not grains?

  • BethT
    September 18, 2009 at 12:44 pm

    Walk if you need to! I think you will be amazed by the number of people who will be walking the Nike Women’s race – for many, it’s more about the experience than setting a personal record. They even encourage you to stop and take photos at certain spots on the race course. Come to SF, enjoy your time, and if you have to walk the whole darn race you are STILL completing a half marathon!

  • Stephanie
    September 18, 2009 at 12:45 pm

    Listening to your body is never chickening out. If your body is not meant to run, there are so many other things that you can do for a similar workout. My body is not meant to run (ankle issues), so I walk/hike like a mad-woman and I take advantage of the elliptical machine at the gym (which gives me the pleasure of running without the ankle impact/pain). Respect your body – you only have one, and you do not want to spend your life suffering…

  • Chelsea
    September 18, 2009 at 12:48 pm

    Just to state the other side, here: shin splints shouldn’t be a cease-running injury. I ran through high school, college and beyond (I’m 24) and I’ve had shin splints for …. 10 years now. But they don’t interfere with my running. I know you don’t want to believe this, but orthodics, icing, PT exercises, etc. arn’t going to do anything – sorry 🙁 Just make sure you increase your mileage slowly and that you take adequate rest days. The only way your shin splints will improve (besides quitting running entirely) is if you keep at it! You must be consistent. Running on and off is making them worse. Believe me, you can do this half marathon. Don’t let shin splints defeat you!

  • Mindy
    September 18, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    Jenna! I’m sad and really frustrated for you, but I truly admire your ability to stay positive 🙂

  • Kristine
    September 18, 2009 at 12:56 pm

    Jenna,
    You didn’t chicken out! You made a SMART decision. BE PROUD! I know you are training for a half, but you have to listen to your body first and foremost. If you can’t run, you can’t! You don’t want to cause more damage down the road! Take it easy and relax, and eventually you will feel up to running again! Cheer up, buttercup! 🙂

  • amy leclerc
    September 18, 2009 at 12:57 pm

    Jenna,

    I feel for you. As a lifelong runner, I too have felt the challenges of being sidelined. It sucks-no real other way to put it. Running gives you a high that is unique and addictive. This being said, if you know that running is not something that is in your cards for the long term, I would do my best to make peace with it. I know plenty of people who have pushed the limits of running at an early age and are paying the price now. There are so many other activities you can pursue, and knowing you, you will excel. Yoga of course, which you are already practicing faithfully. I know you have tried swimming and biking-these are also great ways to get exercise. I find that swimming, like running, puts you in a mental place that is totally unique to swimming.
    You should look into something called the Daily method. In Portland it is called Barre 3 (www.barre3.com), in NY it is Physique 57. It is a combination of yoga, pilates and ballet. It ROCKS! All I can say. I bet there is something similar in FL.
    It is not running of course, but I find it to be a constant challenge and the rewards both mentally and physically are impressive.

  • Steph
    September 18, 2009 at 12:59 pm

    Hey Jenna,

    So I mentioned to you a few months/weeks ago that I live in CA and I’m running in the Nike Half. Well, God had other things in mind for me, and I am now pregnant! Unfortunately I won’t be running or walking in the race due to some complictions with my pregnancy. But if I could, I would definitely try to walk it. Have you considered doing a combination of walking/jogging for the race, in order to prevent further pain or injury? It would still be an accomplishment just to finish. I wish I could even do that!

  • Pam (trailmomma)
    September 18, 2009 at 1:06 pm

    A sign of a true runner is a runner who knows how to listen to their body. You do. You can run and you will run. When the time is right.
    I agree about checking your shoes, your gait and even your orthodics.
    It is the shins that are bothering you right? I recommend an Active Release Therapist or ART . . . especially one who is geared in athletics. They can do wonders. http://www.activerelease.com It saved my running career.
    Oh and welcome to California! Weather is turning HOT next week although the Bay Area should be cooler. 🙂

  • Pam (trailmomma)
    September 18, 2009 at 1:09 pm

    Steph – Congratulations on your pregnancy!!! As a mom of a 16 month old the adventure you’re about to embark on is so amazing. I am running NIKE and live in CA. Even though it may be hard to not run due to your pregnancy, if you are having complications, it is for the best. You’ll have many chances to run with your little one some day! 🙂

  • Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope
    September 18, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    Sorry to hear that it’s so frustrating with the pain. I definitely can relate with my bunion surgery I had over 2 months ago. The doctor says the Xrays look expetional, but that means nothing as far as pain. Just try to stay positive and do what you needs to be done to keep yourself feeling well!

  • Kristin (Kristin's Nibbles)
    September 18, 2009 at 1:17 pm

    You’re listening to your body, and that is what is most important! You’ll do it eventually. Just do what is right for YOU and only you, when the time is right.

    xo
    K

  • Julie
    September 18, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    You are not a quitter, you are listening to your body and being smart. Running would only cause more pain and frustration, and you could seriously hurt yourself.

  • Kelly
    September 18, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    I feel your pain very literally. I am having knee pain instead. I’m really sorry nothing has worked for you! You are still pretty great with your yoga!!!

  • Amy (www.weliveneon.com)
    September 18, 2009 at 1:37 pm

    Hi Jenna,
    I don’t comment often, but I can relate! All my friends run and I am just not a runner at all. But I recently took up Bikram and LOVE it! Running made me tired and in pain but with Bikram I have never felt better. There is an exercise for everyone!

  • Sandy
    September 18, 2009 at 1:43 pm

    Have you read Heather from HEABs story about going from running to yoga? Running isn’t the only answer, especially as you look at continuing to be healthy and pain free forever.

    Here are some past posts chronicling my journey from running/cardio to yoga:

    http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/2008/12/15/sugar-high-mileage/
    http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/2008/12/30/confessions-of-a-gym-junkie/
    http://heathereatsalmondbutter.com/2009/04/24/confessions-of-a-former-runner/

  • Veggie Booty
    September 18, 2009 at 2:07 pm

    Oh, Jenna, that post made my heart ache for you! I can completely sympathize with that frustration – it’s terrible to have your heart set on doing something and realize, for whatever reason, that it’s just not happening. In light of that, I’m going to toss in my two cents with a few tips: 1) You are not “insufficient” or “quitting!” EVERYONE has limits, in many aspects of life. And, unfortunately, learning what they are and accepting them is a part of growing. 2) Focus on what you CAN do. You have a strong body, a gifted mind, and a huge heart – these things are major strengths! While you may not be able to change your injury, there are a million other things that you ARE able to do and are within your reach! 3) Remember that it’s okay to be bummed! Sometimes, when I’m frustrated/upset about something, I end up getting more upset with myself for BEING upset – as though that helps! It’s okay to feel a little crappy and be sad – just don’t stay there! But, if you need a bubble bath and a good cry, by all means, do it! Just make sure you follow it up with something uplifting, like a long walk, a phone call to a friend, or, in your case, probably a yoga class!

    I hope you have a wonderful weekend – I imagine that it will be exactly what you need! HAVE FUN!! 🙂

  • Tay
    September 18, 2009 at 2:53 pm

    Jenna dear – I know it’s so frustrating. Trust me, I’m there. I spent muchos money (as you know as well) on orthotics, yet my knees still KILL me. I’ve tried so much, and I’m at a loss of what to do now. Everyone’s body is different, everyone can take different amounts of running. Maybe you can try sticking to shorter distances? Were they bothering you as much then? At least you have your yoga – you love it SOOO much. Hopefully you can find peace and joy through other things if this doesn’t work out for you. But stay strong!!

  • JavaChick
    September 18, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    You know, I keep trying to run too. It always starts out feeling great, then eventually it starts hurting and causing me pain and I have to stop. But I still keep trying, even though I’ve been thinking the same thing – maybe I’m just not meant to be a runner.

    Keep taking it slow, with plenty of breaks and see how it goes. Good luck!

  • joelle (The Pancake Girl))
    September 18, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    Hey Jenna- I really wanted to email you but couldn’t find your email address. Basically I am in the exact same boat- I love running more than I can express but for some reason my body does not. I have had injury after injury, including right now an irritated hip flexor that i’m heading out for an MRI of in a few minutes. I understand when you say that you know deep down you’re not meant to be a runner, but it doesn’t make it any easier for your mind or heart to accept. I was actually supposed to run the Nike half that you’re doing, but had to stop running over summer bc of my hip. Sorry for the long comment, but just wanted to say stay strong, you’re not alone!

  • allie
    September 18, 2009 at 3:34 pm

    Just need to chime in with my agreement…
    don’t beat yourself up over something that is causing you so much pain- running may not be for you, but so many other things are, quite obviously!!! it may be frustrating, but think about how many things you are totally great at and enjoy, and focus on those.

  • Holly
    September 18, 2009 at 3:59 pm

    Girl! I will say a prayer for your pain right now! I will lift you up for an effective recovery! I know how you feel though– I jammed my toe a couple weeks back…and as a runner and dancer it was quite upsetting and also scary! I prayed VERY hard… had my mom prayin too… I iced it… I rested when necessary and it healed quicker than I could have ever imagined! God still works miracles today– and He has given us the knowledge and means to take care of ourselves properly (which you do very well… I’ve gathered from reading your blog for the past month)! Have a GREAT time in Orlando!! You are incredible!!

  • Megan
    September 18, 2009 at 5:32 pm

    Hang in there Jenna. I feel you and empathize with you when it come to lingering pain. I have been dealing with a hip issue for a year and a half that has totally altered my lifestyle. I hope that your problems get resolved soon. Hopefully the doctor will give you a new solution to your problem. Just remember to listen to your body and you are not a chicken for not running this morning. If it hurts, don’t do it. It is not worth the pain, anguish, and frustration.

  • Fit Lizzio
    September 18, 2009 at 6:09 pm

    listening to your body is WAY more important than getting a run in on a certain day for a certain distance. If you aren’t feeling it and you are in pain, this is a GOOD decision. Don’t even talk yourself into thinking that you chickened out. you made the right choice and your body will thank you 🙂

  • Angela (Oh She Glows)
    September 18, 2009 at 6:13 pm

    I’m really sorry that your shins are still acting up. 🙁 It is so frustrating when you want to do something so bad and your body just says no. You are so smart for listening to your body though- you can’t go wrong when you honour your body. hope the doctor can give you some useful suggestions!

  • valen
    September 18, 2009 at 10:48 pm

    I have had aching pains in my feet my WHOLE life and received orthotics many years ago. They did absolutely nothing for my feet, but it did help pain in my knees (my knees point inward). And a few years ago I got another pair of orthotics that were different and still no pain relief.

    I also wanted to say a comment about your most recent post. I always thought you looked like a dancer and wondered if you were into it at one time. I also did many, many, years of dance and feel the same way when good music comes on.

    wholefoodgal

  • Morgan (lifeafterbagels)
    September 18, 2009 at 11:14 pm

    Hey Jenna – I’ve had some really stinky injury problems in my day. I totally understand that it’s not just physical pain, it’s an emotional thing too. You’ve got a great attitude and lots of friends to help you. Stick with it, your body will come around, you just have to find the right way to convince it!

  • Madelin @ What is for breakfast?
    September 19, 2009 at 12:58 am

    Hey Jenna, I feel for you, I’ve been sidelined from running for 2 weeks with a foot problem and it’s really frustrating. Don’t give up on running though, especially if you do enjoy it! I totally agree with all the other comments that you did the right thing not running through the pain. I was thinking, have you had an MRI to check you don’t have a stress fracture? My friends shin splints in her left leg became unbearable and it turned out it was a stress fracture. Hope your doctors appointment goes well, Madelin.

  • Sonia
    October 19, 2011 at 3:16 pm

    Hi Jenna,
    wish you best of luck and courage to face this problem. We are all there with you and you can write and share anything with us, take care !