Hey everyone!
I’m so ready for the dog days of summer to be over with. I always call this my “rut” month. I’m tired of the 99+ degrees weather, the dry grass and it’s too hot to care about pumpkin spice anything or football. I’m overworked from the hot summer workouts and just want to lay around and mope (over exaggerating.) It’s all about getting in the right mindset and finding motivation that will keep you moving forward.
I ran more miles last month than I’ve ever ran in a month before. I had to ease it up a bit this month. I’m taking it a bit slower to give my joints and muscles a break. I have overcome so many injuries in the past five years related to running and (knock on wood) I’ve been injury free for about two years now. I still get aches and pains, but so far I’ve recovered successfully.
There are a lot of little things that play a huge part in recovering and staying healthy.
10 THINGS IVE LEARNED DURING RECOVERY
2. WARM UP BEFORE A WORKOUT
3. STRETCH AFTER A WORKOUT
4. CHANGE UP YOUR WORKOUTS
5. STRENGTH TRAINING
7.EAT HEALTHY
8. DRINK WATER
9. COMPRESSION IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
10. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
I have been running with a knee brace to give my knee extra support and reduce the stress on the joints. I was so excited when CopperJoint reached out to me to try their compression garments because they looked super comfortable and I’ve heard so many good reviews (Check out the testimonials.) I decided to change up my workout today and go for a long 30 mile bike ride using the CopperJoint garments. It’s definitely a performance enhancer!
I usually walk over 20 miles a week on the trails and I have to stop a lot to stretch and rotate my knees and ankles. The CopperJoint compression garments are great for relieving that pain, reducing the time taken for healing muscles and they aid in returning oxygen to the working muscles.
There are CopperJoint garments for your knees, feet, calves, elbows (which I can’t wait to try during my next weight lifting session), hands, ankles, and wrists!
The CopperJoint compression garments are so much better than the ones I was previously using. Mine was super thick and almost reminded me of softball kneepads. The CopperJoint compression garments are super light and include 88% copper infused nylon, which is the highest copper percentage in the market. The great thing about having a high copper percentage is that you can wear them all day long because it’s efficient in killing germs!
I went ahead and ordered a size smaller than I usually wear because I wanted it to be tight and compressing! Even with them being tight, they didn’t limit my movements, or slow me down during my ride or morning run. I actually forgot I was even wearing them.
The compression garments are great for more than just workouts. You can wear them during trips that require a lot of walking, a job that requires a lot of standing, or if you have poor circulation. If you know anyone with arthritis or related health issues, these would be a great gift for them.
Even though I’ve recovered from runner’s knee and Achilles tendonitis, I still get little aches and pains. I wore the knee garment and the ankle garment during my afternoon run. They made me feel like I was running on air! I didn’t feel like I was pounding on my joints and it eased up the small aches and pains I usually fight. I love that they don’t look so obnoxious or bulky. My only suggestions for them is to create some fun colors…like pink 😉
The tops of the garments have little grids to keep them from sliding on the band. I loved that! There is nothing worse than sliding up your compression garments during a workout. They stayed in place the entire time.
CopperJoint is giving the first 50 readers 20% off their order! Use code: TARALYNN20
I can’t wait to use all of the other CopperJoint products during my other workouts! I think you guys will love these.
QUESTIONS FOR YOU!
- Have you ever had a sport injury?
- What do you do to prevent injuries?
- What is one workout you love to do for fun?
This is a sponsored post with CopperJoint & ALL opinions are my own.
Sarah says
This post couldn’t have been timed better. I recently tore a muscle in my thigh spinning. So painful and restrictive. It was my first time, don’t think I’ll be going again. Think I’ll stick to swimming and walking! I’ve been using the RICE- rest, ice, compression and elevation.
Taralynn McNitt says
OUCH. That sounds super painful 🙁 You definitely want to be stretch and go lightly on your first time. I hope you recover soon! The RICE method is everything and I definitely live by that!
xo
Jennifer says
Yes! And it was painful. It was right below my knee on the left side. I had sworn it was a tendon or something, not the bone, but the doctors refused to do an MRI, and did an xray instead…. I couldn’t run for at least a year without it hurting! When I went to the PT, she couldn’t figure out what it was, although the exercises she gave me helped and now it’s pretty much better. I ordered some of these CopperJoint products for my boyfriend to use at work. I’m excited to see what he thinks!
I try to stretch a lot, but I need to figure out different ways to stretch! And for longer periods of time!
I do enjoy going to classes at the gym, whether that be HIIT, strength training, or spinning! It switches up my routine a little bit. I want to get into yoga!
Taralynn McNitt says
I bet! I’m glad it wasn’t a torn tendon or acl & i’m glad it’s getting better! Keep taking care of it. My pain was around that spot, but it was runner’s knee and I’m so glad rested when I did, otherwise I would have had to have surgery. I did swimming and walking instead for almost one year!
Stretching is so great! Yoga is great for that.
LOVE SPIN!
Lorissa Shepstone says
I definitely need to try this out. Playing roller derby I’ve had many sports injuries (torn knees, broken ankle, separated shoulder joint, separated ribs…etc.), but recently a torn knee has been holding me back. I spent most of last month rehabbing things slowly, but twisted it again on Monday so I feel like I am starting from square one again. It’s frustrating.
I do warm up before any exercise, and stretch after workouts. That is a must. RICE is my best friend as well. I tend to do a lot of that. Strength training has been vital in recovery and rehab. We forget how everything is so inter-connected. If I want my knee to heal, I need to ensure I keep my quad, hamstring and calf strong to allow it to heal.
Hiking is a great workout, but never feels like I am “working out”. It’s always a go to for a fun adventure.
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Lorissa!
Roller derby is intense! Sounds like you’ve gone through a rocky road and I know how frustrating injuries can be! I hope you get better soon and keep focussing on the light at the end of the tunnel.
RICE IS MY BEST FRIEND TOO.
I love hiking for that reason as well!
Emily says
What an awesome sounding product! I’ve had multiple injuries between running and horseback riding – mainly knees and ankles. I definitely do not do as much as I should to prevent injuries and I pay the price, but never seem to learn. For fun, I really enjoy Zumba! I’m running a 10 miler at the end of October, so I’m hoping if I order (and use) one of these, I’ll be able to make it through injury free!
Taralynn McNitt says
Those are the two spots that always ache for me and where I had my injuries. I know it’s easier to ignore the things we should do…i’ve done it so many times and always regret it! Zumba is so fun and a great workout! This is great for running that 10 miler!! & good luck!! xo
Melissa says
I’ve never had an “injury” per-say. It didnt prevent me from working out, but I have had some knee problems in the past.
I would usually just ease off once I feel it getting to that point and do a good stretch and try to go further the next time. I think its more an issue of weak knees lol
I love mountain biking!
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s good to ease off when you feel pain. It’s easy to push through when you’re goal orientated, but you have to listen to your body and rest!
I’ve actually never been mountain biking!
Bethany @LuluRuns says
Hey Taralynn! Those compression socks look amazing, I will have to try them out.
I’ve had a couple different injuries (all came from overtraining…) “best” injuries- shin splints and tendinitis. It took me a while to recovery from my shin splints because I kept running on them. Thankfully, I’ve learned from that mistake!
Favorite fun workout? Running, forever and always.
Have a fantastic Wednesday girl! Make today great 🙂
Taralynn McNitt says
They are great. I’m wearing them to spin tonight!
overtraining is definitely the culprit to most injuries! UGH SHIN SPLINTS & TENDINITIS IS THE WORST.
love running too <3 plus your blog name 😉
I hope you have a great day! xo
Bethany @LuluRuns says
Awe, thanks! ❤️ My mom’s nickname for me was/is Lulu and she was one of the reasons why I got into running. I thought it worked out pretty well for a blog title!
Ahh, spinning sounds so fun! Well, post-baby, that is. I can only imagine how “awesome” I would look on a bike at 40 weeks pregnant, ha!
Taralynn McNitt says
My dad calls me Lulu and has called me that since I was a little girl (because of the cartoon) so I think of that every time I see your blog name! 🙂
lol 40 weeks pregnant would take talent, but I bet you could do it! You’re a rockstar!
I bet you’re so excited for the baby to get here!
xo
Bethany @LuluRuns says
Awe, that’s so cute! Well, I think we have pretty great nicknames then 😉
Haha, well thanks! It would defintley be quite an adventure!
We are excited/ dying to meet our little one! And I can’t wait to be that “jogger stroller mom.” 😉
Taralynn McNitt says
I think so too 😉
so much respect for all the JSM out there! You’ll kill it 😉
xo
Brittany M. says
Hi Taralynn. I’ve been reading your posts and your blog for a couple of years now. I just want to say that I admire your hard work and dedication. I started a blog last August to try and keep track of my transformation and stay motivated. However, I have failed miserably. Between grad school, working full time as nurse supervisor and having a four year old daughter (and most likely a pending divorce) I have continued bad habits and have probably developed some worse ones. Where do you get your strength? How do you make your new lifestyle stick? Do you have any faith based advice? I love your posts and I would love to be as healthy and energetic as you. I used to run, teach aerobics and spinning, participated in Zumba and body pump! It’s so hard to get back in it! Any words of encouragement? Thank you for what you do! You are an inspiration!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Brittany!
Don’t look at it as “failing” look at it as a detour or a roadblock. You can go around it and always move forward. I have definitely gone through ups and downs and it’s not always easy. There are days where I’m frustrated and I’ve been in a HUGE rut this month mentally and physically. I blame it on the dog days of summer.
You have a BUSY LIFE and have been going through a lot of things. Don’t beat yourself up for it and don’t get down on yourself. This lifestyle has been the only thing that keeps me positive. I turned it into something that I enjoy. Eating healthy food, cooking, workout out…it’s all my NEW HOBBIES. I use it as an outlet when I’m mad or upset. I tossed the bad habits for these ones. I think when you’re frustrated or having a bad day, go for a walk, a run, do a spin class anything to give you those endorphins and make you feel better. Look at healthy food as a medicine for healing and happiness. You just have to use the lifestyle as an outlet. Whenever I fall of the wagon, I get down and that’s how I know the healthy lifestyle is where I’m meant to be.
You can do it, stay motivated, don’t make excuses, and find a schedule that works! There is ALWAYS time.
Kelli says
Wow, thanks so much for suggesting this product line! I have knee soreness every now and then from heavy squats. Definitely going to try these out soon.
I’m also thinking of buying a few for my mom. She suffers from arthritis and fibromyalgia, and I’m I wondering if this would help ease the pain in some of the trigger spots.
Taralynn McNitt says
Of course! Make sure you’re careful doing those heavy squats! X
I bet your mom would appreciate them. I just gave my dad one for his elbow!
Mackenzie says
Luckily I’ve been injury free for a while *knocks on wood* but I had to take an entire month of last December because I was injured and it was terrible. I got antsy and all I wanted was to get back to the gym!
Taralynn McNitt says
I know how that is girl! I had to find alternative workouts, but it’s not the same as running! Glad you’re doing ok!
Linda @ The Fitty says
I LOVE dancing, but I’ve never had the time nor energy to make it a priority. Perhaps when Christmas season hits and school is out!
Taralynn McNitt says
It’s all about finding time for the things we love <3
Jen H. says
1. YES! Last year I fractured my ankle by running…..’over use’ injury they called it. It was terrible. I was on crutches for a month and a half and in a boot for FIVE long dreadful awful terrible months. I hope that never happens again!
2. I am a religious stretcher before and after working out. It’s vital!!!!! I feel that stretching keeps me from getting injured.
3. I love to do my old Tae-Bo workout VHSs for fun! Call me ‘old school’ but they are actually a really great workout and fun to do!! Plus Billy Blanks…come on! AWESOME!!
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh my goodness that’s scary! I bet those were the longest months of your life! So glad that’s over with for you! Keep staying healthy.
YES! I love warming up before a run and ending it in a long stretch session.
NO! I LOVE THAT!
Tara @ Run and Live Happy says
I’ve had several injuries due to dance in high school and college, and now those old injuries cause me aches and pains when running. I tore up my knee in college and sometimes it really bothers me when running, especially if I’m running long distances. I would love to try these compression sleeves. I’m with you – the other ones that I have tried on my knee felt like knee pads and were uncomfortable. In order to prevent injuries now, I basically do all of your tips. I’m not very good about listening to my body, but I’m working on that!
Taralynn McNitt says
That is such a bummer but it’s good you’re taking care of yourself! Work on listening to the body and you’ll be set! xo
luyee says
1.Have you ever had a sport injury? ———–OH ,yes i have ,but not too much, i always control myself and give a break,but still, my kneels are sometimes aches and pain ,especially after hiking or running, i always wear a pair of kneelet,so , i am OK about that,
2.What do you do to prevent injuries?—–definitely take a break ,
3.What is one workout you love to do for fun?——-Yoga!! so calm ,peaceful and comfortable, actuallt i do Yoga everyday in August! sometimes just 10 minutes ,but still finished it! and guess what? i am learing upside down these days! its not easy , and i can do it! still keep learning it!
Taralynn McNitt says
Glad you give yourself a break! That is SO SO important!
10 minutes of yoga a day is so great! I do about 15-20 minutes of stretching but it makes a huge difference in your mood and body.
Keep going strong! xo
Allie S. says
I dislocated my knee in February and caused major soft tissue damage to the area around it. I had to wear an immobilizer for eight weeks and then a brace for another eight weeks. I finally finished physical therapy in June and am just starting to get back to my routine. I have to incorporate all of the new exercises I learned into my work outs. It includes stretching and then muscle strengthening to support my patella. I have a new respect for squats and deep knee bends.
The scariest part is that once you dislocate you knee you are more susceptible to repeat injuries. I have felt it start to give out on my a few times and I am so afraid to push myself out of fear of another injury.
I am a huge fan of stretching before and after workouts and kinesiology tape.
Taralynn McNitt says
Oh no! You’re a champ for sticking through the physically therapy and taking care of yourself. I just started doing more squats this past year and I agree with you on that last statement!
I am terrified of getting runner’s knee and tendonitis all the time. You’re so right about that fear. Any small ache, I start to freak out and just stop.
KT TAPE is amazing.
Carly says
I love that you partner with brand that truly fit with your lifestyle! No more of the little aches and pains from the pounding of running sound like a dream… looks like I’ll be ordering at least a few of these!
I have been fairly lucky without too many chronic sports injuries. But when I get hurt I seem to really go for it… crushed arch in my foot from gymnastics when I was young, and a broken wrist from snowboarding last year. I’m lucky that early on someone told me how important recovery, strengthening, and truly listening to doctors order were so that I was able to recover to nearly 100%!
I always warm up and stretch a bit before workouts, and be sure to stretch and cool down after workouts to prevent injuries. I also am very aware about listening to my body and resting, icing, or heating when I feel that I could benefit from it.
I love to hike with my dog for fun. It doesn’t seem like a workout at the time, but after a long difficult hike I can always feel it the next day!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Carly!
It really is a dream and these have been working really well. I used the ones for my elbow while lifting weights yesterday and it seemed to help a lot!
That is so good that you were able to recovery. Sounds like you’re super dedicated and really listened to your body!
Those are great ways to prevent injuries for sure. I need to ice more!
I love to hike and I cannot wait to bring grumples this winter! It’s too hot for him now.
I hope you have a great weekend!
xo
Taralynn
Jess says
Hi Taralynn! 🙂
I’m going to buy the Compression Knee Sleeve but I don’t know which size will you fit me better.
Can you tell me which size do you have?
Thank you so much!
Taralynn McNitt says
Hi Jess!
I just did the small.
xo
Taralynn!
Lorissa says
I purchased a sleeve for me knee and WHAT a difference. Thanks for the recommendation.
Taralynn McNitt says
So glad it helped!! No problem girl! xo