BENDY Series: N is for Nutrition | Fueling hEDS, Hydration & Recovery

In this episode of the BENDY Series, we're tackling the N: Nutrition side of living and training with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). While nutrition won't cure EDS, proper fueling can help support energy, recovery, and overall health.

In this episode, we discuss:

🥯 Why carbohydrates are not the enemy and are essential for energy
💪 The importance of protein for muscle support and recovery
💧 Staying hydrated with a goal of around 8 Poland Spring bottles of water per day (adjust based on your needs and healthcare team recommendations)
⚡ Why electrolytes matter, especially for active and bendy bodies
☀️ The role of vitamin D and emerging research showing vitamin D deficiency may be common in people with hEDS
🦓 Why every body is different and how learning what works for YOUR body matters most

Vitamin D and hEDS research:
https://www.endocrine-abstracts.org/ea/0099/ea0099ep545

📧 Email: runnahpod@gmail.com
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Disclaimer: This episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your physician, registered dietitian, or other qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual healthcare, nutrition, and treatment needs.

Resources MentionedConnect with Runnah

The wait is over! In this special episode of Runnah, we're officially unveiling the 2026 Cape Cod Marathon race shirts and finisher medals! 🏅👕 Whether you're already registered or thinking about joining us on Cape Cod this fall, this is your first look at the swag you'll earn on race day.

This year's participant shirts were designed and produced by USA Racing, and the stunning finisher medals were crafted by Stride Awards, bringing together the spirit, beauty, and tradition of one of New England's most iconic marathon weekends.

Join me as I share the inspiration behind this year's designs, my thoughts on why these might be some of the best Cape Cod Marathon race items yet, and everything you need to know before race weekend.

Ready to earn yours? Registration is open now!

🏃 Register for the 2026 Cape Cod Marathon Weekend:
https://capecodmarathon.com/

📸 Follow Cape Cod Marathon:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/capecodmarathon/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeCodMarathon

🎙️ Connect with Runnah:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runnahpod/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jellyanna_runs/Email: runnahpod@gmail.com

Whether you're chasing a PR, tackling your first marathon, or soaking in the incredible Cape Cod community atmosphere, the 2026 Cape Cod Marathon Weekend has something for everyone. See you at the starting line!

#CapeCodMarathon #CapeCodMarathon2026 #MarathonMedalReveal #MarathonShirtReveal #RunnahPodcast #MarathonTraining #CapeCodRunning #RunningCommunity #BostonRunners #NewEnglandRunning #RaceSwag #MarathonWeekend #HalfMarathon #RunningMotivation #USA Racing #StrideAwards

In this episode of the Runnah BENDY Series, we explore what it really means to move with intention in a body that doesn’t always follow the “standard rules.”

E stands for Educated Movement — understanding physical therapy, mobility aids, posture, body positioning, and most importantly, learning how your own body communicates.

As someone navigating EDS, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and other connective tissue challenges while training as a marathon and trail runner, I’ve learned that movement isn’t just about pushing harder. It’s about moving smarter, adapting, and respecting the signals your body gives you.

We talk about:

• The role of physical therapy in long-term movement health
• Mobility aids and braces as tools, not limitations
• Ring splints and hand support for hypermobility
• Posture and positioning for daily life and running
• Financial and emotional realities of managing chronic conditions
• Why “educated movement” is a form of self-advocacy

This episode is about removing shame from support tools and replacing it with knowledge, agency, and curiosity about what your body needs.

Helpful Resources Mentioned:

https://www.eds.clinic/articles/splints-braces-mobility-devices-for-ehler-danlos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UU4VvklQ44
https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/ring-splints-for-ehlers-danlos-syndrome-hypermobility-spectrum-disorders/#1655293563531-381f20e9-f9ca
https://www.chronicpainpartners.com/bend-but-dont-break-the-bank-financial-resources-for-eds-patients/

Connect with Runnah:

📧 runnahpod@gmail.com📱 Instagram: @runnahpod📸 Personal: @jellyanna_runs

If this episode helps you rethink how you move in your own body, share it with someone who needs a reminder that adaptation is strength, not limitation.

#RunnahPodcast #BENDYSeries #EhlersDanlos #EDS #ChronicIllness #AdaptiveAthlete #MobilityAids #PhysicalTherapy #EducatedMovement #RunningPodcast