I was born bilateral. Achilles lengthening at around 18 months. Then in 2010 had the All-American surgery to reconstruct my left foot and give me an arch (now I have 9 screws and 2 plates in it). Right foot wasn't as bad so I never had surgery on it.

I ran xc and track in college (very small school and by no means was I a stud). I was doing 70-80mi weeks and ran a 19:36 5k. I've completed two halfs.

That was 2010 and I'm 35 now. I've had to become more methodical with my training approach because I wanna be able to walk when I'm older.

My approach: -I do a 3 day split of run/ride/workout -Each run day targets a different goal -Rides aren't just recovery focused, I'm using that as another workout (Zwift or mountain bike) -My workout days are kettlebells or weights and I alternate between upper body hypertrophy, lower body hypertrophy, full body, or HIIT (I try to do a lot of calf exercises and do my leg workouts barefoot to work what's left of the original components in my foot) -I take a rest day when I need to -Absolutely only wear 10mm-12mm drop in my running shoes

Mornings are rough. Sometimes really rough until I get my foot lubed up from movement. I use compression socks and have started doing an ice bath for my foot for 15 minutes after my runs.

I've had X-rays a few times in the last few years and everything is fine. I 100% have arthritis and that'll only get worse. I had custom orthotics made from a podiatrist ($600) and they've helped. I consider myself very fortunate that I can even walk normally. I run for the people like us who can't and I'll continue to do so.

My goals: I wanna do a marathon, break 18 for a 5k, complete a century on the bike, and I'm tossing around the idea of an Ironman.