I stress-fractured both legs while running 8 fitness recovery products Ive used since

Four years ago, I stress-fractured both my shins after completing my first-ever half marathon.It was my fault, really.I started running during the pandemic as a way to alleviate my anxiety, and although the boost in mental wellness was palpable, I completely forgot to take care of my body.I wanted to run hard, fast and far because the more miles I put in, the longer I would be away from anxious thoughts.

What I didn’t realize was that with the number of hours I was spending out on the road, my body was slowly deteriorating.I was sprinting in stylish Adidas sneakers ideal for date nights, not marathons.

I wasn’t drinking water or fueling with electrolytes — even on hot NYC summer days.I didn’t have a running coach or plan, nor was I seeing a physical therapist to keep my muscles limber.

My strength training was limited to 10-minute daily ab workouts.I even abandoned the bare minimum: stretching and foam-rolling before and after my runs.It was only a matter of time before I got injured, and surely enough, I found myself at the orthopedist in December 2022, being diagnosed with bilateral tibial stress fractures.I’ve run two marathons and four half-marathons since the incident — with cushioned shoes, a consistent stretching routine and a running coach to keep me on track with a proper training/recovery balance.So, why am I reflecting on this now? August is National Wellness Month, making it more important than ever to build healthy daily habits.

Whether you’re a runner, a fan of 12-3-30, or dedicated to getting 10,000 steps in every day, your physical well-being is vital.I’m planning to run the Berlin Marathon with Release Recovery Foundation this September.While raising money for mental health resources, I’ve simultaneously given my body the love and care it deserves during this brutal training cycle (the 16-mile runs I’ve done so far in 90% humidity are no joke).Over the past four years, I’ve experimented with lots of recovery tools to maint...