Episode #1006: Mental Rehab for Recovering Runners with Mental Skills Coach Carrie Jackson

It may sound dramatic, but in reference to doctors casually telling runners they just cannot run a race (when maybe the runner could run), or worse…they may never run again, Carrie says, “These doctors have no idea the trauma they are causing to the runner by saying that.”

Carrie co-authored “Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries.” So, she is not just empathetic toward runners, she is 100% qualified to help runners get your mojo back after a serious injury sets you back physically, and the pain of recovery sets you back mentally.

Not only is she a Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, but Carrie is also the host of the Injured Athlete’s Club Podcast.

If you have an injury, and you feel down. There is a solution. Listen in and you will find it.

Today on the Doc On The Run Podcast we are talking about Mental Rehab for Recovering Runners with Mental Skills Coach Carrie Jackson.

Some of the topics we discuss during the show:

1. Defining Mental Rehab

Carrie, in your work with injured athletes, how do you define “mental rehab,” and why do you believe it’s as crucial as physical rehabilitation?

2. Common Psychological Challenges During Recovery

What are some of the most common psychological hurdles injured runners face, and how can they address feelings of isolation, identity loss, or fear of re-injury?

3. Visualization Techniques for Recovery

You emphasize the power of visualization in recovery. Could you walk us through how injured runners can use imagery to enhance healing and regain confidence?

4. The Role of Goal Setting in Mental Rehab

How can setting both short-term and long-term goals aid in maintaining motivation and focus during the rehabilitation process?

5. Addressing Self-Doubt and Negative Self-Talk

In your experience, how can injured athletes combat negative self-talk and rebuild trust in their bodies?

6. The Importance of Social Support

How does connecting with others, such as through The Injured Athletes Club, contribute to an athlete’s mental recovery?

7. Incorporating Mental Skills into Physical Rehab

What are some practical ways runners can integrate mental skills training into their physical rehabilitation routines?

8. Overcoming Setbacks During Recovery

How can athletes maintain resilience and a positive mindset when faced with setbacks or slow progress in their recovery journey?

9. Long-Term Benefits of Mental Rehab

Beyond returning to sport, what long-term benefits do athletes gain from engaging in mental rehab during their recovery?

10. Advice for Coaches and Support Networks

What advice would you give to coaches, family members, and teammates on how they can support injured runners in their mental and emotional recovery?

Carrie, that you so much for taking the time to come on the show and share your thoughts and expertise with all of the runners today. If anyone listening right now want to reach out to you directly for coaching or help, where should they go?

Helpful links and resources mentioned in the show:

Wanna learn more…connect with Carrie on social media:

Carrie’s Website links:

injuredathletesclub.com

carriejackson.com

https://linktr.ee/carriejackson

Listen to the Injured Athletes Podcast:

https://injuredathletesclub.com/podcast/

check out Carrie on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbt9BpBM730

Follow Carrie on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/injuredathletesclub/