EPISODE · Nov 6, 2025 · 56 MIN
From Olympic Trials to Open Surgery: Cait Keen Harris on 7 Years to Diagnosis
from DFW Running Talk · host Chris Detzel
In this powerful and candid conversation recorded just weeks before her wedding, Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier Cait Keen Harris opens up about a journey that goes far beyond the finish line. Fresh off major surgery for an 11-centimeter fibroid—a condition that took seven years and four doctors to diagnose—Cait shares her story of advocacy, resilience, and what it means to be sidelined from the sport you love.From her early days running cross country in high school (always the bridesmaid, never the bride at Texas state championships) to qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials, Cait traces her evolution as a competitive runner. But this conversation goes deeper than PRs and race strategy. She discusses the physical and mental toll of undiagnosed health issues, the frustration of being dismissed by medical professionals, and how symptoms like extreme fatigue and low iron were too often chalked up to "just being a female runner."Three weeks post-surgery and juggling wedding preparations, Cait reflects on canceling the Berlin Marathon, navigating recovery without her running community, and learning to slow down for the first time in her life. She shares insights on the psychological effects of major surgery, the importance of finding doctors who listen, and why 2026 might be her year of rebirth—focusing on health, stress management, and running without the gas pedal to the floor.Whether you're dealing with your own health challenges, training for your next race, or simply love stories of perseverance, this episode offers hope, humor, and a reminder that sometimes the strongest thing you can do is rest.
What this episode covers
In this powerful and candid conversation recorded just weeks before her wedding, Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier Cait Keen Harris opens up about a journey that goes far beyond the finish line. Fresh off major surgery for an 11-centimeter fibroid—a condition that took seven years and four doctors to diagnose—Cait shares her story of advocacy, resilience, and what it means to be sidelined from the sport you love.From her early days running cross country in high school (always the bridesmaid, never the bride at Texas state championships) to qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials, Cait traces her evolution as a competitive runner. But this conversation goes deeper than PRs and race strategy. She discusses the physical and mental toll of undiagnosed health issues, the frustration of being dismissed by medical professionals, and how symptoms like extreme fatigue and low iron were too often chalked up to "just being a female runner."Three weeks post-surgery and juggling wedding preparations, Cait reflects on canceling the Berlin Marathon, navigating recovery without her running community, and learning to slow down for the first time in her life. She shares insights on the psychological effects of major surgery, the importance of finding doctors who listen, and why 2026 might be her year of rebirth—focusing on health, stress management, and running without the gas pedal to the floor.Whether you're dealing with your own health challenges, training for your next race, or simply love stories of perseverance, this episode offers hope, humor, and a reminder that sometimes the strongest thing you can do is rest.
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From Olympic Trials to Open Surgery: Cait Keen Harris on 7 Years to Diagnosis
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