There’s no stopping what’s in some people’s hearts
Finding expert heart care, personalized treatment, and the unwavering support she needed, Geri Lynn Arrindell recently crossed her biggest finish line yet—completing her 100th half-marathon.
Geri Lynn, 52, an avid marathon runner who has successfully completed 100 half-marathons—at least one in each state—has overcome tremendous obstacles. In October 2020, the University City attorney was hospitalized at Barnes-Jewish Hospital due to a hypertensive emergency, which means her blood pressure was dangerously high. This condition can cause serious damage to vital organs and can lead to encephalopathy, a disease that affects the function of the brain. For nearly a month, Geri Lynn was in and out of the hospital, struggling with short-term memory loss, diabetes, and physical disability.
With the help of Mustafa Husaini, MD, WashU Medicine sports cardiologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Geri Lynn began a program to resume her goal of running a half marathon in all 50 states and then conquering a goal of 100 half-marathons.
The sports cardiology program at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & Vascular Center is dedicated to improving the cardiovascular care of high school, college, professional, and recreational athletes. As the first and only sports cardiology program in St. Louis, it aims to prevent sudden cardiac arrest, treat cardiovascular symptoms during exercise, and enhance the physical fitness of their patients.
Early years and first half marathon
Geri Lynn always loved running but did not pursue the sport after running in high school. However, after losing both her mother and father, running became a way to cope with her grief. In March 2012, she channeled that energy in completing her first half-marathon, in Louisiana.
While in law school, Geri Lynn was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat and had cardiac ablation surgery. She was monitored by a cardiologist for many years, and there were no concerns after the surgery, so she continued running.
She ran about one race a year until 2019, when she took running more seriously and decided she would run a half-marathon in every state—50 states before the age of 50.
Health setback
In 2020, Geri Lynn was hospitalized with a variety of medical issues and her whole body shut down. With high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, and a presumed heart attack, her heart had to be closely monitored.
Being very weak, unstable, and facing a life-threatening situation, Geri Lynn was determined to take back control of her life, regain her strength, and return to running.
Road to recovery
Referred to the sports cardiology program at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & Vascular Center, Geri Lynn worked closely with Dr. Husaini to reclaim her life and get back to being physically active.
“Dr. Husaini evaluated my stress tests, monitored my blood pressure, provided heart assessments and a personalized treatment plan, and ensured my heart was strong enough to return to running,” says Geri Lynn. “I also worked closely with the clinic dietitian to manage my nutrition, as I had diabetes and high cholesterol.”
“Dr. Husaini understood how important staying active was for both my physical and mental health,” Geri Lynn shares. “He was incredibly supportive throughout the process, asking about my races, providing helpful medical resources, and connecting me with the right specialists.”
“He took a genuine interest in me as a patient, always asking about my life and showing that he genuinely cares,” adds Geri Lynn. “He has been the most consistent physician I’ve ever had, and his encouragement and support have been amazing.”
“With hard work, the right medical guidance, and assessments, I received the clearance I needed,” Geri Lynn says. “Thanks to Dr. Husaini’s expertise and approval, I was able to resume running and it felt good to feel my feet hit the pavement again. I was able to finish the 25 states that were remaining from my goal of 50 states before the age of 50.”
A heart full of new ambitions
Geri Lynn completed her 100th race in March in the same place where she started, Louisiana. She feels that when she crossed the finish line, she didn’t just finish a race—she became a symbol of perseverance.
Having completed her goal of running in 50 states before the age of 50, and completing her 100th half-marathon, Geri Lynn has a new goal to work toward. She's incorporating strength training into her wellness routine to get stronger, build endurance, and help her continue running. Now on the lowest dose of blood pressure and cholesterol medication, she's also working with a personal trainer, cooking more, and carefully monitoring her nutrition.
Geri Lynn’s heart tried to slow her down, but she kept moving forward, one step at a time. With 100 half marathons behind her, she’s proof that taking care of your health means you don’t just get back in the race, you keep winning it.
To learn more about the sports cardiology program at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & Vascular Center or to make an appointment, call 314-362-1291.
Photo credit: Amari Arrindell