Episode 685: Courtney Frerichs on Rebuilding After ACL & Ankle Surgery, Letting Go of Comparison, and Embracing a New Chapter

Courtney Frerichs returns to the podcast for a conversation that goes far beyond racing. Courtney opens up about the difficult road back from major ankle and ACL surgeries, missing the 2024 Olympic Trials, and what it’s looked like to rebuild both physically and mentally over the past two years. She shares how stepping into a completely new chapter of her career has changed the way she approaches training, racing, and confidence.

We also go all the way back to Courtney’s early days growing up in Missouri, playing multiple sports, doing gymnastics at a high level, and discovering running later than most elite athletes. She reflects on the impact her college coach had on her life and career, what made their relationship so special, and how those lessons still shape her today. Courtney also talks about moving to Park City, joining Ed Eyestone’s group, racing with freedom again, and the mindset shift that helped her run her fastest 5K in over two years at the USATF 5K Championships.

Topics Discussed:

• Returning to racing after ACL and ankle surgeries
• Rebuilding confidence after injury
• Letting go of comparisons to past versions of herself
• Missing the 2024 Olympic Trials
• Joining Ed Eyestone’s training group in Park City
• Learning to race freely again
• Her silver medal race in Tokyo
• Growing up playing multiple sports
• The impact of Coach Butler on her career
• Finding longevity and joy in the sport again

Support our sponsors:

Huug makes high-quality bras and underwear designed to actually fit and support your body through every phase of life. Their pieces are comfortable, functional, and built for movement, making them a go-to for everyday wear and training alike. Use the code “Lindsey” for 15% off at huug.com.

Batch
Batch is a Wisconsin-based wellness brand creating small-batch, science-backed CBD and THC products designed to help with stress, sleep, and overall balance. Their formulas are developed in-house using high-quality hemp and third-party testing for consistency and transparency.

Go to hellobatch.com/another and use code “Another” for 30% off your order!

Previnex — I’ve been using their Muscle Health formula and I love that it combines creatine monohydrate with BCAAs and essential amino acids to support strength, recovery, and muscle maintenance. They just released a new citrus flavor that’s really refreshing, and it’s formulated to improve amino acid absorption and protein synthesis. I also take Previnex Gut & Greens every day and swear by it. Codes you can use: LINDSEYSUPERFOODS when Gut & Green is in cart; otherwise ANOTHER or LINDSEYSTRENGTH for Muscle Health at previnex.com.