Journey Back to Running After Injury

"Will I be able to run again?"

That was the question on Michelle Gapinski's mind after a routine walk with her dog turned into a life-changing injury. Now, with the help of CentraCare M Physicians Orthopedics, Michelle is back to doing the activity she loves.

In March 2023, Michelle tripped while walking outside in the dark. She felt a snap in her ankle, then another, and fell to the ground. Without her phone and unable to move, she lay there until she was able to flag down a passing car. The driver helped her reach her son, who brought her to the emergency room.

"It was about 9 at night," she said. "I remember thinking … 'something is really wrong.'"

At the hospital, Michelle learned she had a bimalleolar ankle fracture, meaning her ankle was broken in two places.

She was referred to Orthopedic Surgeon Stephen Jacobsen, MD, with CentraCare M Physicians Orthopedics, where she underwent surgery, adding plates and screws to help heal her injury.

But long before her injury, running had become a meaningful part of Michelle's life.

"I started running with encouragement from my three younger siblings, who are in the military," she said.

When they visited home, running became a way to connect. What started with a 5K quickly progressed to a 10K, then a half-marathon, and eventually full marathons. Michelle didn't just run. She became a runner.

"When I'm out there, I'm taking it all in—the sunshine, the wind. Your thoughts just go everywhere."

Setting goals kept her moving forward. By 2023, she had already completed multiple races and built a routine around staying active. Then everything changed.

In October 2023, Michelle underwent a second surgery to remove the hardware. Recovery came in phases, starting with weeks of non-weight bearing, followed by gradual movement and physical therapy.

Throughout it all, her focus remained the same.

"Will I be able to run again?"

Dr. Jacobsen reassured her that she could.

"Bones heal reliably, especially in someone who was active and healthy beforehand," he said. "Her mindset and commitment to recovery played a big role."

"That was the seed of hope I needed," Michelle said. "From that point on, I was all in."

She committed fully to physical therapy, determined to get back to doing what she loved.

Michelle missed the Earth Day Run in 2023, but that absence only fueled her comeback.

The following spring, she stood at the starting line of the 2024 Earth Day Half Marathon, her first race back after injury.

She ran the race again in 2025. Now, she's preparing to run it once more, marking her 20th half-marathon, while setting her sights on returning to a full marathon.

People often ask how long she plans to keep running.

"I always tell them, I'll keep running until I can't."

For Michelle, it's about more than just running.

"I have two kids. I want to stay healthy so I can do things with them and show them that you can overcome obstacles."

Looking back, she's grateful for the care and support she received along the way.

"I never felt rushed. I had a lot of questions, and my doctor would take the time to walk through everything with me."

She also remembers the environment of the clinic.

"Every visit, the staff was kind and positive. It made a hard situation a lot easier."

Dr. Jacobsen says Michelle's outcome is a reflection of her dedication.

"At the end of the day, she put in the work," he said. "She had clear goals and stayed committed to them and that's what made the difference."

Now back on the road, Michelle is doing what she loves again … one mile at a time.

"I'll keep running until I can't."