Tell us a little about yourself
I’m a vibrant 50-year-old living in Odenville, Alabama, happily married to my incredible wife, Kelli, for 23 wonderful years. We’re proud parents of two amazing boys. Our eldest, JD, is married to our lovely daughter-in-law, Jacklynn, and they’re expecting our first grandson! Our younger son, Dash, is currently a freshman at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
I’m fortunate to work as a Personal Trainer and Pilates Coach at M3 Performance and Physical Therapy. My God-given purpose is to help others, and I’m truly grateful to live out that mission every day in my career. As a below-knee amputee, I also advocate for fellow amputees, striving to make a positive impact in their lives.
We talked with you a few years ago when you were struggling with Lymphedema and you discovered Fluid Running. You were training and racing then. Can you tell us a little about that time?
After undergoing ankle fusion surgery, I was diagnosed with lymphedema in the same leg. As someone who has always been very active, it was disheartening to hear from doctors and therapists that I had to give up my active lifestyle. I was told, “you can’t” do the things I loved, and I wasn’t ready to accept that. Determined to find a way to stay active, I set my sights on running and eventually competing in triathlons.
In 2016, I had my last ankle fusion, and by 2017, I completed my first 5K, despite my orthopedic doctor insisting that running was impossible for someone with my type of fusion. I began training for my first triathlon in 2018, but during a freak accident while doing yard work, I broke my big toe. That’s when I discovered Fluid Running.
For those living with lymphedema, exercising in the pool is one of the best options. The hydrostatic pressure helps move lymphatic fluid out of the limb and into the kidneys for disposal. Most people with lymphedema wear compression garments for 23 to 24 hours a day to manage swelling. However, in the water, we can remove the compression and enjoy unrestricted movement. Running also aids in fluid movement when wearing compression.
When I lost the ability to run due to my broken toe, I was concerned not only about my triathlon training but also about managing the fluid in my leg. Thankfully, Fluid Running allowed me to address both challenges.
Fast forward to realizing that you needed to have a below-the-knee amputation. That must have been really tough. What was that like for you and how did you manage such a difficult surgery and adjustment to life with a prosthetic limb?
After undergoing several surgeries to address issues with my ankle, I developed osteomyelitis, a serious bone infection. I spent nearly six months on IV antibiotics and underwent multiple debridement surgeries to eliminate the infection, but unfortunately, they all failed, and the infection began to spread. By the time my orthopedic doctor recommended below-knee amputation as the most conservative treatment, I was somewhat prepared for the news, as several wound care specialists had hinted that this might be the outcome.
When the doctor suggested amputation, I felt a sense of divine intervention. My first call was to my wife, Kelli, who encouraged me to reach out to my physical therapist, friend, and mentor, Kenny, for his advice. Kenny mentioned a prosthetist in Nashville, TN, and suggested I contact him if I thought amputation was the right path. That evening, I spoke with Aaron, who recommended the ERTL amputation. Unlike a typical transtibial amputation, where the tibia and fibula are left “floating,” the ERTL procedure creates a bone bridge between the two bones, allowing for weight-bearing capability.
Aaron informed me that he would consult with one of the best ERTL surgeons in Nashville about my case and promised to call me the next day. True to his word, I received a call from his office, asking if I could be in Nashville—about a three-hour drive from home—on Tuesday for an appointment with the doctor and then with Aaron. I immediately agreed.
On that Tuesday, Kelli and I traveled to Nashville, uncertain of what to expect. Meeting Dr. Faulk put us both at ease; he took the time to discuss my medical history, goals, and future plans. He confirmed that I was an excellent candidate for the ERTL procedure, and we scheduled the surgery for three weeks later.
My next visit was with my prosthetist, Aaron. Again, Kelli and I felt comfortable and reassured. He explained the prosthetic process and we set some personal goals. He also shared information about a nonprofit he co-founded, Amputee Blade Runners, which provides free running prosthetic legs that aren’t typically covered by insurance. With all this knowledge, God gave Kelli and I a profound sense of peace, knowing we were making the right decision for both my future and our family’s future.
Three weeks after my initial consultation, we returned to Nashville for surgery. This procedure was a bit unconventional due to the infection; the plan was to amputate my foot above the infection site, leave the wound open to ensure the infection was cleared, and then a few days later, place the bone bridge and close the wound. My biggest fear was waking up and seeing that my foot was gone. I had heard that this could be an extremely emotional moment, so Kelli and I agreed that I wouldn’t look until I was back in the room with her.
When I finally did look, I was surprisingly calm—“Oh, it’s gone.” The first thing I noticed was the absence of the ankle pain I had endured for 30 years, which was a huge relief. However, I did experience some phantom sensations; while I’ve been fortunate not to have severe phantom pains, it was definitely strange to feel my toes wiggling when they weren’t there!
My hospital stay was mostly uneventful, but the ride back to Alabama was the toughest part. Once home, I settled into a “normal” routine and began my rehab exercises as soon as possible. After three weeks, my stitches were removed, allowing me to start desensitization exercises in preparation for my first prosthetic leg.
Adjusting to life was different, especially since it was my right leg that was amputated. I had to learn to drive left-footed until I received my prosthetic. At first, the stares from people were a bit unsettling, but then I realized I could use those moments to share my journey and educate others about what it’s like to go through an amputation.
I was fortunate to have an incredible support system. Kelli has always been my biggest fan, standing by me through both the good days and the tough ones. My boys, coworkers, friends, and my new amputee community were all there for me, which made a significant difference. Connecting with fellow amputees was invaluable; I met two amazing guys before my surgery who checked in on me daily.
Getting my first prosthetic was an exciting experience! Aaron had explained the process to me, but finally going through it was something special. Walking on my first test socket just six weeks post-op was incredible—it was the first time in 30 years that I walked completely pain-free. Now, my focus is on moving forward, learning to use my prosthetic, and embracing life again.
You realized you could still Fluid Run. Can you tell us more about that?
One of the highlights of my rehab journey was getting back into the pool to exercise. I’ve always loved swimming; it’s a fantastic workout, though it can sometimes feel a bit monotonous. Luckily, I had Fluid Running in my training arsenal, and since it involves deep water running, I thought it would be a perfect way to start rebuilding my fitness.
Finding dryland exercises that effectively engaged my residual limb before I received my prosthetic was a challenge. However, in the pool, I could harness the resistance of the water to strengthen my limb while having fun. One of my goals was to compete in a 5K in December 2021, just 16 weeks after my amputation. Honestly, I expected to walk it, but I hoped to run.
When I finally got my first running blade, it was both challenging and painful. On days when my limb was sore from running or too much activity, I could jump into the pool for a pain-free run. Thanks to Fluid Running, I was able to prepare myself to actually run the 5K just sixteen weeks and one day post-amputation.
You had done several races including triathlons in your past, both with and without your racing blade. What made you decide to try to run your first marathon?
Deciding to run my first marathon was a spontaneous choice. I received a newsletter from Dare2Tri, the nonprofit organization that helped me get back into triathlon and navigate my journey as a paratriathlete after my amputation. One article caught my eye—it was about their Race2Raise fundraising program. The idea is simple: you commit to raising funds for Dare2Tri, and in return, you can enter various events to compete.
I thought to myself, “I need something to train for, and I could support an incredible organization in the process.” So, why not sign up for the Chicago Marathon?
Can you tell us about your training, and the race? How did Fluid Running help you?
Training for the marathon was a real challenge. I hadn’t anticipated the time commitment required to prepare for such a big event. One of my biggest hurdles was finding a training program specifically designed for amputees, as I was still figuring out how to adapt existing programs to suit my needs. With the mileage I needed to cover, I was uncertain about how my residual limb would hold up. One of my other challenges was training during the hot/humid Alabama summer.
After reading articles about Fluid Running athletes successfully training for marathons, I thought this could alleviate my concerns about injuring my limb and the heat. I reached out to Jennifer for guidance in navigating this new world of long-distance running. During our call, she shared how she and other Fluid Running athletes used the program for marathon training. She also connected me with another coach named Jennifer, which was incredibly helpful.
With their support, I developed a training plan that worked for me. I had nearly a year to prepare, so I focused on base training with Fluid Running, spending 80% of my time in the pool and the remaining 20% on dryland exercises. By the time I reached the 18-week mark, my base was solid. I did encounter some issues with my limb, primarily blisters from sweat management—definitely not pleasant! However, knowing I could take breaks from my prosthetic without losing fitness was a huge relief.
At the 18-week mark, I finally found a program tailored for adaptive athletes, which I could easily modify to fit my Fluid Running routine. For the first nine weeks, I maintained my 80/20 plan, and as I progressed, I gradually increased my dryland running. My recovery day after long runs always included a “Shake It Out” recovery run, which consistently left me feeling refreshed and ready for the next day’s workout.
Completing the Chicago Marathon was one of the most incredible yet challenging experiences of my life. There were moments when I doubted my ability to finish, but I could hear Coach Jen’s voice reminding me, “You can’t or you don’t want to,” which motivated me to keep moving. The strength, running form, and positivity I gained from Fluid Running, combined with my son’s encouragement, helped me cross the finish line.
What’s your favorite thing about Fluid Running and your favorite workout?
Choosing a favorite aspect of Fluid Running is tough, but if I had to pick one, it would definitely be the guided workouts. Having either Coach Jen in my ear, providing guidance, tips, and encouragement throughout the session is truly fantastic.
As for my favorite workout, it has to be Double Time. The combination of running and sprints always kept me challenged while making it a lot of fun!
What are your “words of wisdom” for people reading this article?
Never give up! Life will inevitably present obstacles, and it can be all too easy to stop, quit, or retreat to bed. However, if you can find a way to push through those challenges, you’ll be glad you did. Sometimes, you need to think outside the box to navigate around these hurdles, no matter their size, but there’s always a solution. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. And most importantly, discover your purpose; within that purpose, you’ll find peace.