At the beginning of the pandemic, Spring 2020, the marathon that I had signed up for Fall 2020 was cancelled. I decided to do what any rational runner would do, and train harder, faster, and longer than ever so that when races returned I would be ready to crush them all.
For many years, I suffered with groin and hip pain on my right side. I could not move my hip without experiencing very sharp pain and discomfort.
I saw two different doctors (gynecologist & general surgeon) for my issue, but neither of them could figure out why I was having so much pain.
In early January of 2019, I was getting up from the rug with my kiddos (I teach 2nd grade.) I got up awkwardly and heard a pop. Initially, this wasn’t unusual because I cheered and danced up until college so I was remotely used to hearing pops! Over the next couple of months, I would have random days that hurt more than usual but I didn’t think much about it.
As I was entering my senior year of high school, I started to experience some hip pain. I wasn’t sure what it was. I was never really an active child growing up. I didn’t realize my hip pain until I started working 9 hours shifts on the weekends and participating in gym class so I could graduate. My hip gradually started to click and catch. It would hurt so bad that I could barely walk on it.
I have had hip problems for as long as I can remember. I'm a dancer, so pain and aches were normal and something I often ignored. But, at the beginning of my junior year of high school my left hip was really bothering me.
I am completely humbled and thankful to Dr. Benton Emblom and his team!
I signed up for a half ironman post op and set a goal while patiently awaiting recovery! I did it!!
A little over 6 months post-op I finished a 1.2 mile river swim, 56-mile bike and half marathon in 6 hours and 3 minutes! I had a great race! No hip pain during or after!
Eight months ago I didn't know if I'd ever be back where I was pre-injury but since then I have podiumed a sprint triathlon, ran a 23-minute 5k and finished a half ironman!
All my life, for as long as I can remember, I've played sports. Once I got to high school, I was slowed down in sports by hip pain. With the help of Dr. Benton Emblom, and his staff, I feel the best I've ever felt.