My Story: From Spinal Fusion to Ultramarathons — and Back

In 2008, I had a spinal fusion.

I was told that my active lifestyle was over. No more intense movement. No more sports. No more impact. But deep down, I wasn’t ready to accept that. Something in me knew my story wasn’t finished.

So I laced up my skates and started playing roller derby - a full-contact sport that demanded power, grit, and a high tolerance for bruises. It was everything I needed in that moment. I played hard until 2015, staying active, stubborn, and strong.

But in 2012, something unexpected happened - I started running.

My sister and I decided we wanted to run a Disney half marathon together. It was fun, motivating, and something completely different than derby. In 2014 I really fell in love with running - the simplicity of it, the challenge, and how it let me reconnect with my body in a new way.

From that first half marathon, things started to grow. First it was local road races… then trails… then longer distances.

The Setbacks That Shaped Me

In 2015, I had a minor hip surgery. Another pause. Another recovery. But again, I came back stronger. I started placing in races, even winning overall.

The fire was still there. The joy was real. And I was just getting started.

Eventually, I set my sights on ultramarathons. I didn’t just want to run far, I wanted to see what my body could truly handle.

In 2020, I ran my last ultramarathon, a solo 50K. Not for a medal or a podium, but because I knew it might be my last. My hip was breaking down fast, and I had already scheduled a total hip replacement for the following week.

That 50K was my way of closing a chapter with gratitude and grit.

After surgery, the familiar words came back: “You probably won’t be active again.”

But I’d heard that before, and I still wasn’t done.

Rebuilding, Again

Recovery was slow - but I stayed patient.

I rebuilt from the ground up. Short walks became short runs. Strength work supported every step. And by 2023, despite issues with the hardware (not caused by running), I was racing again.

I entered a 15K trail race and finished 4th overall and 2nd female.

Then, in early 2024, I needed a hip revision surgery. Another detour. Another restart.

Around that time, I was also diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) - a connective tissue disorder that finally explained the joint instability and chronic issues I’d lived with for years.

My journey is over. I am back to the rebuilding phase. I'm getting stronger, faster, and overall healthier with knowledge I have learned over the past decade.

Why I Coach

After everything I’ve been through — spinal fusion, hip surgeries, misdiagnoses, comebacks-I’ve learned how to train smarter, fuel better, and rebuild stronger. And I want to help others do the same.

I became certified in:

• Endurance Coaching

• Strength Training for Runners

• Nutrition Coaching for Performance & Recovery

I coach beginners, comeback runners, and experienced athletes who want a sustainable, intelligent, and compassionate approach to their training. Because I know what it feels like to:

• Start from zero (again)

• Doubt your body

• Push too hard and break down

• Wonder if you're still an athlete

This Isn’t Just a Comeback Story — It’s a Coaching Philosophy

I’ve lived this path. I’ve failed, rebuilt, adapted, and come back stronger.

And now, I’m here to help you write your next chapter - with the tools, perspective, and heart of someone who’s truly been there.

If you’re ready to train smarter, feel stronger, and build something that lasts — let’s talk.