Achilles Surgery For Begley

Reigning U.S. 10,000-meter champion expects a quick recovery.

Written by: David Monti
(c) 2010 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved. Used with permission.

Reigning U.S. 10,000-meter champion Amy Begley is home in Beaverton, Oregon, resting after getting surgery on her right Achilles tendon last Thursday.  It was an in-patient procedure, and Begley was able to go home the same day.
“I have books downloaded on Kindle, movies ready to go, Food Network shows taped, and my scrap book stuff is over flowing into box #2,” Begley, an Olympian, wrote on her Facebook page.  “I think I will use the three days of not moving to work on it.”

Begley, 32, reported that the surgery was “minor stuff.”  She posted: “Just cleaned up the sheath. I am hoping for a fast recovery.”

Part of Alberto Salazar’s Nike training group, which also includes Adam and Kara Goucher, Dathan Ritzenhein, Galen Rupp and Alan Webb, Begley nearly quit the sport in 2007 before Salazar’s coaching and group support helped transform her into a five-time national champion.  She won four national titles in 2009 alone (3000m indoors, 15K and 5K on the road, and 10,000m), and represented the USA at both the IAAF World Championships in Athletics (6th place, 10,000m) and the IAAF World Half Marathon Championships (11th).

Given crutches at the hospital to help her get around, Begley reported yesterday that she has to start putting weight on her right foot, and it’s painful.

“Just got off crutches but wishing I could still use them,” Begley posted.  “Ouch!”