Finding Her Stride Again: A Runner’s Return After Injury

Nine years ago, running wasn’t exactly fun. Like many people, Pearl Pangkey had tried running on her own: lacing up, heading out the door, and wondering what all the fuss was about. It felt lonely and intimidating, especially when she didn’t see herself as a “real” runner. But one day Pearl walked into Fleet Feet Chattanooga and joined the store's group run. That was the start of a running journey that would last through races, friendships, setbacks, and remarkable resilience. Today, she counts the Fleet Feet Running Club as more than just a training group—it’s her tribe. The miles are better shared, the early mornings more easily endured, and finish lines more meaningful when you’re surrounded by people who cheer just as loudly for effort as for speed.

A Love for the Hard Stuff

Ask Pearl about racing, and she won’t hesitate. Her favorite distance is the 10K. It's long enough to be a challenge, short enough to still feel exciting. But her favorite race of all time might surprise some. The Chattanooga Track Club Signal Mountain Pie Run is hard. Relentless climbs, aching legs, and a course that doesn’t give much back. And yet, it’s her favorite. “The views are incredible,” she says, especially on a sunny morning. It’s the kind of race that reminds you why you run in the first place — not just to compete, but to experience something beautiful and demanding at the same time.

When Everything Changes in an Instant

In June 2021, during a triathlon, everything changed. While riding the bike portion, Pearl passed out and crashed—hard. Volunteers rushed to help her off the road and urged her to call an ambulance, but she insisted she was okay. Determined and tough, she got back on her bike and rode another 12 miles, finishing the 24 mile course. It wasn’t until she attempted to start the run that reality set in. She couldn’t put weight on her leg. She was transported to the hospital, where doctors discovered two pelvic fractures. The injuries didn’t heal on their own. In December, she underwent surgery, receiving a plate and six screws. Recovery meant patience, humility, and long months away from the sport she loved. With the help of Pablo Alvarez at C4 Sports Therapy, she slowly rebuilt her strength. However, running was off the table for five to six months.

Another Setback—and a Lesson Learned

Just when it seemed Pearl had weathered her worst injury, another appeared. Her most recent setback, a second metatarsal fracture, wasn’t caused by running. In an effort to stay active, she had added pickleball to her routine. “Pickleball is fun,” she laughs. “But I’m competitive and that's my downfall.” This injury sidelined her for  eight weeks, reminding her that even cross training choices matter.

Swimming, Survival, and FOMO

When running was off-limits, Pearl found another lifeline: swimming. “Swimming saved me,” she says simply. But even with a physical outlet, the biggest challenge wasn’t fitness—it was FOMO. Watching her Fleet Feet friends train, race, and celebrate without her was hard. “I missed my tribe,” she admits. The absence of shared miles was the hardest part of recovery.

Starting Over—Again

Returning to running hasn’t been easy. Pearl's quick to joke about her pace: she was slow before, and now she’s slower. But her perspective has changed. Speed doesn’t matter the way it once might have. Progress does. Health does. Showing up does.

Her first race back will be the Chattanooga Track Club Chickamauga Chase. “I use the term race very loosely,” she says. “My only goal is to finish.”

And that’s exactly what makes this moment powerful. After fractures, surgery, months away from the sport, and more than a little frustration, she’s returning — not to chase a time, but to reclaim joy. To stand on a start line with friends. To move forward under her own power.

Because for Pearl, running was never about speed. It’s about community. Perseverance. And finding your way back — one careful, grateful step at a time