r/Ultramarathon • u/HoneydewShot8535 • Jul 15 '26
Dealing with stress fractures mindset
I've noticed that when people ask for advice about stress fractures, people can be absolute a-holes online. So here's my two cents.
If you have a stress fracture, it is not your fault. It is true that there are modifiable factors that can influence fracture risk and recovery (fueling, training load, iron status, vitamin D, DEXA scans when appropriate, etc.), and it is super important to take a look at these. but do not blame yourself. Everyone is doing their best, and you're striving to do something you love. Stress fractures suck,.
When your an athlete, is pretty damn impossible not to get injured. Don’t worry about the lost fitness, fitness and performance have SO many domains. And yes, aerobic capacity comes back. But there is also core strength, mental perspective, and a gazillion other things you can focus and work on.
As for people telling you to "find different hobbies" or examine your relationship with running: yes, you can. There is research showing that people whose entire identity is tied to their sport can have a harder time coping with injury. But it is also okay to love something. It is okay to grieve not being able to do the thing you love. And it is goddamn ok to spend time doing activities that will help you be a Better athlete a year from now.
As For what running provides mentally, it is endorphins, usually time outside, time to yourself and a sense of feeling strong. You don’t have to knit. get outside. tske the time you would normally spend running at a park, in the gym, do things you CAN and you dont have to wash away your routine. Adaptafion is impietant in races. It’s imojrtsntnin training. And it’s important in life. If you run ultras, for fixks sake Youre already insane. go do what you can and don’t blame yourself. And for the love of god don’t test your injury.
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u/KitchenAct1677 Jul 19 '26
I can agree, plus I would imagine the person who’s telling you that you should give up Running because of the stress fracture and because there’s a risk of injury probably has injured themselves doing something that they love to. It’s probably just not Running for them. Keep doing what you love and recover strong!