Forget the treadmill, Connie Schaef says. 

It’s all about outdoor exercise for this seasoned runner.

Biking, running, hiking, kayaking, and especially trail running— If she CAN connect with nature while she exercises, she DOES. 

Connie started running when her kids moved out of the house, making her and her husband “empty nesters.”

Now, she’s been running for 10 years. 

It’s not just scenic Kansas trails that draw her to outdoor running, though. 

Currently, Connie and her running partner are on a mission to run a half marathon in all 50 states. 

They’ve knocked off 12 already, and have 10 more on the docket before the summer is over.

“I think my proudest fitness accomplishment to date is running the Dopey Challenge in Florida Disneyland,” she said.  

The challenge consisted of 4 consecutive running days: A 5K on day one, a 10K on day 2, a half marathon on day 3, and finally a full marathon on day 4. (That’s 48.6 miles in one long weekend, in case you were counting.)

It hasn’t always been happy trails, though. 

For around 25 years, Connie had “a lot of female issues.” Doctors eventually suggested it could be due to a weak lower back and hips displacing some of her internal organs. 

She started seeing a chiropractor monthly as part of her wellness routine. (Some months, she went more often than that.)

“When I started consistently running I found some relief but still struggled,” she said.  “Eventually, it was suggested that I add massage therapy into my regime as my hip continued to get worse.”

Finally, she saw an ad for Natural Wellness Physiotherapy in December 2022, and, well… You know where this is going, don’t you? 😉

Dr. Allison put Connie right to work with hip-strengthening exercises, like our 7-way hips warmup.

“My first visit was around the first of January and I was very impressed with Allison,” Connie said. “She took the time to really ask questions, evaluate me, and test my mobility.”

Each visit with a Natural Wellness doc involves hands-on, individualized care, with specific exercise recommendations. 

It pays off— Connie has been able to run two half marathons and a 10-mile race since she came to Natural Wellness. 

“The best news is that I am seeing improvement and have not been to the chiropractor since I started working with Allison!” 

She’s grateful to have the natural stress relief from running in her routine again. 

“I find that if I am not active I begin having a negative attitude and unmotivated,” Connie said. “Exercising and sanity for me have always gone hand in hand.”

Ready to run like Connie? (Pain-free, unhindered and crushing those goals!) Set up your free phone consultation today!