“ I never lost my ability to breathe. I never lost completely my ability to swallow. We had to adjust things for a little while. But I am a huge believer that being as fit at that moment as I was going to be all year—I needed that to get through what I got through and to be able to get up and moving again so quickly.” Lynn Rogers had completed one IRONMAN triathlon and was training for another when her hands started to go numb. Next, it was her feet and her tongue. In the end, she’d be paralyzed from the chest down—the consequence of a progressive, chronic autoimmune disease called chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP). Lynn entered rehab at the very hospital where she was working as a brain scientist, and though she regained her ability to walk and eventually to run, that was just the first step along a very long and bumpy road. Through it all—successful treatments and failed ones, daily symptoms like numb and tingling hands and feet interspersed with more serious flares—she’s continued competing. But now, her training is infused with a far greater purpose. She credits the fitness and functionality she had when she got sick for facilitating her recovery, and the joy and community she finds in sport for making each day all the more meaningful. Lynn is an ambassador for Athletic Brewing, which in 2024 released an incredible documentary called Inches to Miles that chronicles her journey (and that of two other amazing athletes) to IRONMAN Lake Placid. In this episode—and the film—you’ll learn the meaning behind Lynn’s powerful mantra, “This is what we’re doing now” and truly understand how, when it comes to chronic illness, there’s always another chapter to the story. Resources/links: Lynn’s website, InstagramInches to Miles trailer and full movieA Runner’s World article Cindy wrote about Lynn in 2018 A huge thank you to LEVER Movement, the exclusive sponsor of season 8 of The Injured Athletes Club podcast! The LEVER system is an innovative way to reduce your body weight, and the impact on your joints, while exercising on a treadmill. Use the code “TIAC20” to get 20% off your purchase. You can subscribe to The Injured Athletes Club on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts, and if you like what you hear, please leave us a rating or a review in Apple podcasts. That helps other injured athletes find the show. To access more resources for injured athletes: Buy Rebound: Train Your Mind to Bounce Back Stronger from Sports Injuries —now available as an audiobook!Buy Injured Athletes Club merchandise, including hoodies, stickers, patches, journals, mugs, hats, and gift cardsAccess webinar videos, mental rehab e-courses, and more great resources for injured athletes while supporting our workJoin The Injured Athletes Club mailing list, for news and updatesJoin The Injured Athletes Club Facebook group, for support and camaraderieLike The Injured Athletes Club Podcast Facebook page, for the latest episodesEmail us at hello@injuredathletesclub.com with questions, guest suggestions, or other feedback DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational & informational use only and & does not constitute medical advice. Do not disregard, avoid or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your health-care professional because of something you may have heard in an episode of this podcast. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult with a qualified medical professional for proper evaluation & treatment. Guests who speak on this podcast express their own opinions, experiences, and conclusions, and The Injured Athletes Club podcast hosts nor any company providing financial support endorses or opposes any particular treatment option discussed in the episodes of this podcast and are not responsible for any actions or inactions of listeners based on the information presented. The use of any information provided is solely at your own risk.
