" When you're injured and beginning to rejoin group rides/workouts, how do you let other riders know you're not at 100%? I'm thinking specifically of gravel and mountain biking. I have trouble clipping out quickly, and am currently overly cautious. I want to ride in the very back, but sometimes there are other people ALSO trying to ride in the back. I know people don't want/need to hear my 'woe is me' injury story, but I also don't want to be a hazard!"

—Whitney

In season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast, mental skills coach Carrie Jackson answers a question every other week about the mental side of overcoming injuries. This week, she addresses returning to sport, and how to do so safely and respectfully when other people are involved.

Coach Carrie applauds Whitney for her courage in getting back out there and her conscientiousness in being aware of others' needs. Balancing it all out might take a little coordination and communication before the ride, either electronically or in person. This can feel uncomfortable at first, she acknowledges—but in the end, it's the best way to clarify expectations and help everyone have the best day possible.

Resources/links:

• Recording of The Injured Athletes Club Recovery Summit: The Athlete's Toolkit

A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code "TIAC20" to get 20% off your purchase. 

You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show.

To access more resources for injured athletes:

• Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!
• Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cards
• Access webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our work
• Join The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updates
• Join The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderie
• Like The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodes
• Email us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback