The Worst Fitness Advice I’ve Ever Received…
…And How It Made Me a Stronger Runner!
2004: I was deep in the trenches of motherhood. My oldest daughter was six, my youngest two, and chaos was the name of the game. Staying fit was a juggling act, with running squeezed in when life allowed. Despite being a tomboy at heart, I liked to pull out the occasional dress and heels. Spoiler alert: That mix of fitness and footwear landed me in a world of pain—literally.
One Sunday morning, I strutted into church in my favorite 3-inch heels. My youngest was crying to be picked up, and as I whipped around to grab her, I felt a pop. Cue immediate back pain so sharp it nearly dropped me. Long story short, I’d torn a disc.
The "Expert" Advice That Almost Ruined Everything
When I hobbled into the doctor’s office, the first thing out of his mouth was:
"Quit running. Let’s schedule surgery."
Not “How are you feeling?” Not “Let’s explore options.” Just a scalpel-happy surgeon excited to add my back to his portfolio.
I wasn’t buying it. I RAN (well, limped) out of his office and straight into the arms of a second opinion—a pair of physical therapists in El Segundo who actually took the time to get to know me.
The Real Fix: Strength, Stretch, and Smarts
The physical therapists, Davis and DeRosa, laid it out: running wasn’t off the table, but I’d need to make some changes. They taught me how to stretch, foam roll, and hit pressure points to ease pain and tension. Most importantly, they gave me exercises to strengthen the muscles that support my back, legs, and knees—because it’s all connected, folks!
Fast forward to today, and I still rely on those same techniques to stay on top of my game as a runner. What started as a frustrating, painful injury turned into a masterclass in how to protect my body while doing what I love.
5 Takeaways for Runners from My Fitness Faux Pas
Always Get a Second Opinion
If someone’s solution is to quit running or jump straight to surgery, run (ironically) to another expert.Strengthen to Run Stronger
Your back, legs, and core are all part of the same team. If one’s weak, the others will suffer. Strength training isn’t optional—it’s essential.Stretch and Foam Roll Like It’s Your Job
Foam rollers aren’t medieval torture devices—they’re lifesavers. Consistent stretching and pressure point work can prevent injury and ease pain.Listen to Your Body, Not Just Experts
No one knows your body better than you. Take expert advice with a grain of salt and trust your instincts.Running Isn’t Just About Running
Staying injury-free means working smarter, not harder. Cross-training, recovery, and proper mechanics are just as important as pounding the pavement.
Final Thoughts
The worst advice I ever got—"Quit running"—taught me that setbacks are opportunities in disguise. Whether you're a new runner or a seasoned marathoner, remember: a little adversity can pave the way for a stronger, smarter, and more resilient you. Run on, friends!
Photographer: Jessica Walton | Helping friends train for Chicago Marathon 2022 - 10 miler
Completing my 20th Duathlon 2022 - 3rd Place Overall
The Culprit Mom & Daughter Day at Mattel ‘04| Always teaching me something new!
