Scared to Run and Now Running a Half Marathon: Melissa Ann Aldrich
For 14 years, Melissa Ann Aldrich lived with urinary incontinence that kept her from running, jumping, and fully enjoying time with her family. Today, she's preparing to run a half marathon and hopes her story encourages others to discover what's possible through pelvic health physical therapy.
📍 Greenville, SC, USA
My Story
For 14 years, I was scared to run, jump, or chase my children. I knew what would happen if I tried: absolutely embarrassing urinary incontinence. Sneezing or coughing may as well have been Russian Roulette. I was the fun mom, sure, if I could play hide and seek. But ask me to go to the trampoline park and I'd turn a shade of pallor that you'd think required an ER visit.
But then my weightlifting coach suggested pelvic floor physical therapy, and I thought: "What do I have to lose?" I should have thought: "What am I going to gain?" In October of this year, I'm running a half-marathon and I've already run several 5 and 10 kilometer races. I can run. I actually love running. I'm not even scared of wayward sneezes.
My Pelvic Health Physical Therapy Journey
I, like you, didn't think pelvic health physical therapy would work. I didn't like the idea of an internal exam. I didn't think anything would change. But both pelvic health providers I visited were amazing humans. They were empathetic and non-judgmental. They followed my lead on internal exams. They were encouraging and hopeful. They were as excited as I was about every tiny success.
A Final Reflection
Take the risk. Schedule the first pelvic health physical therapy appointment. Ask yourself: "What do I have to gain?" And then walk the path one tiny victory after another. One tiny step at a time.
