On May 27, 2017, I stood on the top of the podium at the NCAA DII Outdoor Track and Field National Championships after winning the 1500 meters in record setting fashion. I worked so hard for that moment. I was on top of the mountain. The climb was extremely difficult and painful, however, every moment of it was worth it. Little did I know that the next two years would be the ultimate test of my physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual strength. In July 2018, I joined
Team USA Minnesota, a professional running team located in the Twin Cities. I started training for my dream of making the Olympic Team in the 1500 meters in 2020. A series of lower let injures had hindered my senior year cross-country and track seasons and I was eager to put them behind me and train under an amazing coach and with talented teammates. I also received care from TCO physicians and physical therapists to keep me at my optimum health. Unfortunately, the lower leg injuries prevailed. I was diagnosed with a variety of lower leg injuries that plagued me on and off throughout the fall.
Finally, around mid December, after ruling out stress fracture, stress reaction, tendonitis and compartment syndrome diagnoses, my podiatrist from TCO,
Dr. Langer, did not give up on me. He mentioned the possibility of a condition called, Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome. It is an extremely rare vascular condition for women my age where muscles behind the knee compress the main artery and vein. This results in limited blood flow to the lower legs and a variety of painful symptoms. Langer referred me to a vascular surgeon who confirmed his diagnosis.
On February 27th, I underwent surgery on both legs. The surgeon removed both my plantaris muscles, opened up the soleus fascia and created more space for the blood vessels. Since surgery, I feel incredible relief in my lower legs. Dr. Langer is my TCO champion because without him I never would have been tested for this rare condition or had the opportunity to get surgery to fix the problem. Under the care of Dr. Langer and my physical therapist,
Mike Shirilla, I am excited to have the opportunity to continue my road to recovery, train and compete pain-free and pursue my Olympic dreams.
