An Athlete's Story: Turning Tragedy into Hope with Riley Duzenack

Today’s podcast is truly a story of tragedy, brokenness, and challenges emerging into a journey of healing and grace. Riley Duzenack was a D1 college athlete with a promising athletic career ahead of her when a health disaster struck. Numerous surgeries, complications and infections ended her promising athletic career. A story that had a vastly different ending than what was planned or anticipated. Her story will inspire you and remind you to embrace hope for the future even when all seems bleak.

If you have a child navigating the complexities of mental health within sports, you’re personally an athlete overcoming an injury that has put you on the sidelines, or you simply are looking for encouragement, you’ll love this podcast!  On today’s episode of Healthy Harmony, we discuss how a D1 female-athlete navigates mental health, performance-driven pressures, autoimmune disease, healing from injury, and how she practiced resting and restoring her body after several medical procedures.

We discuss the process of becoming your own best health advocate in a healthcare system that is looking for the quick fix. We talk about how important it is to take care of your own body, by looking to create healthy lifestyle changes instead of following a check-list.

You are going to want to listen to this podcast to be inspired in the empowerment of a young athlete through an unprecedented health situation.

Navigating an illness or injury is never easy.  Riley decided she needed the support of a Health Coach, I was honored to work with her.  Here is what Riley said about her experience with me as her coach..."Jennifer not only has so much knowledge when it comes to health & nutrition, but she truly empowers you to be your own best health advocate. She listens, empathizes, and helps you create a plan that truly leads you to success, NOT burn out. Immediately upon talking to her you feel comfortable sharing your struggles, frustrations, and needs for overcoming barriers in your health journey. She helped me overcome digestion issues, brain fog, and chronic fatigue through small changes in my nutrition and lifestyle. I would recommend Jennifer for ANYONE seeking to improve their life through a holistic approach to health!"  If this resonates with you, consider booking a coaching session at https://www.inspirehealthyharmony.com/coaching.html#/

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Today's Guest:  Riley Duzenack

Riley Duzenack is a former D1 volleyball player who endured a career ending knee injury. While navigating the four surgeries, and more health issues because of the surgeries, she had an awakened passion for the true meaning of health. Her greatest desire is to empower others to see physical fitness from a holistic approach. Riley is currently a fitness coach who seeks to encourage her clients to see how movement is medicine and the amazing benefits it has for the mind, body, and spirit.  You can find Riley at @faithfruitfitness.

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I'm Jennifer Pickett, your host, your health coach and your friend. If you are done with feeling tired and uninspired. Frustrated because your health and your life feels out of control. Defeated from the diet culture. Resentful from the unrealistic expectations. If you are limited on time, resources and overwhelmed with an already too full schedule; then you have come to the right place!

As a Dietitian turned Functional Medicine Health Coach, I provide women with a strategic framework to transform their health….body, mind and soul! Are you ready for something different? Armor up, warrior!! Your health and happiness is on the line. It’s time to live confidently in intentional harmony! Check out www.inspirehealthyharmony.com