At 54, an Amputee Athlete Keeps Chasing Smarter Training
After ending an ultramarathon at 91 miles, she says coaching and recovery shaped her next steps.
At 54, a below-knee amputee athlete continues to combine running and strength work while refining how she trains. She lost her left leg after a motorcycle crash at 21, then taught herself to walk and run with a prosthesis. Over time, she moved from daily runs to half-marathons, marathons, triathlons and ultramarathons, including record-setting performances in two 2006 races.
For an attempted Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, she worked with coach Evan Amendola at OG Training Academy in Lindenhurst, New York. Her preparation paired endurance and resistance sessions with stretching, weekly myofascial release and meals centered on protein and carbohydrates. She reached 91 miles in 39 hours before a prosthetic problem ended the race. Although she had hoped to finish, the effort showed her that the training was working and clarified what she wants to address before returning next year. Her larger lesson is that progress can come from repeating manageable efforts, accepting setbacks and relying on a supportive team.
- She began working with coach Evan Amendola at OG Training Academy.
- The UTMB attempt ended after 91 miles and 39 hours.
- She set below-knee amputee records at the 2006 Columbus and Chicago Marathons.
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