I’m a healthy, active 45-year-old who lives a busy, active life. In December 2025, everything changed when I was suddenly taken down by a massive blood clot in my leg (deep vein thrombosis or DVT).
It started about a month earlier with what I thought were calf cramps. They never went away and slowly crept all the way up the back of my left leg. I assumed it was a muscle strain, even though I hadn’t injured myself.
When weeks passed with no improvement, I finally called my doctor. After explaining my symptoms, the nurse immediately told me to go to the ER, as she was concerned it could be a life-threatening blood clot. An ultrasound confirmed it. My risk factors included estrogen-based contraception and frequent air travel.
By that point, the pain was so intense I could barely walk. I was sent home on blood thinners and warned that the clot could travel to my lungs. I was told to watch closely for chest pain.
Thankfully, that never happened but for two weeks, walking was extremely difficult. Then things slowly started to improve, and I was able to return to work. My doctor cleared me to travel and attempt the 10K I had signed up for, with very clear instructions not to push myself.
So I went to run with one goal: start the race, knowing I might not finish. I told my sisters (who are much faster runners than I am) that I would only be walking and would go as far as my body allowed.
To my absolute amazement, I finished the 10K. It was slow. My leg swelled some. I never had calf pain, so I just kept moving forward. I was firmly in the back of the pack and this was my slowest 10K, but without a doubt, my most earned. It’s a reminder that sometimes the biggest victories aren’t about speed, but simply about showing up.
What made it even more meaningful was my sisters. They stayed with me the entire time, never worrying about their own pace or finish times, just making sure I was okay. My leg actually felt better after the race. All that walking seemed to help my circulation.
I’ve learned that blood clots can happen to anyone, and I’m lucky it wasn’t worse.
