There is no stopping what’s in some people’s hearts. With expert care and a fierce commitment to her own healing, Geri Lynn Arrindell turned a health crisis into fuel — and recently crossed her 100th half-marathon finish line.
Arrindell, 53, is an avid runner who has completed at least one half-marathon in every state. In October 2020, the University City attorney was hospitalized at Barnes-Jewish Hospital with a hypertensive emergency, meaning her blood pressure was dangerously high. The condition can severely damage vital organs and lead to encephalopathy, a disease that affects brain function. For nearly a month, Arrindell was in and out of the hospital. She struggled with short-term memory loss, diabetes, and physical disability.
With the help of Mustafa Husaini, MD, a WashU Medicine sports cardiologist at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Arrindell began a program to resume her goal of running a half-marathon in all 50 states—and ultimately reaching 100 races.
“He took a genuine interest in me as a patient,” Arrindell said. “He has been the most consistent physician I’ve ever had, and his encouragement and support have been amazing.”
Arrindell’s heart tried to slow her down, but she kept moving—one step at a time. With 100 half-marathons behind her, she’s proof that taking care of your health doesn’t just get you back in the race—it helps you keep winning it.
The sports cardiology program at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & Vascular Center is dedicated to improving cardiovascular care for high school, college, professional, and recreational athletes. As the first and only sports cardiology program in St. Louis, it aims to prevent sudden cardiac arrest, treat cardiovascular symptoms during exercise, and enhance the physical fitness of its patients.
Arrindell always loved running but didn’t pursue the sport after high school. After losing both her mother and father, running became a way to cope with her grief. In March 2012, she channeled that energy into completing her first half-marathon in Louisiana.
While in law school, she was diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat and underwent cardiac ablation surgery. She continued to be monitored by a cardiologist for years, and with no concerns after the procedure, she kept running.
She ran about one race a year until 2019, when she committed to running a half-marathon in every state—50 states before turning 50.
In 2020, Arrindell was hospitalized with multiple medical issues, and her whole body began to shut down. With high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma, and a presumed heart attack, her heart required close monitoring.
Weak, unstable, and facing a life-threatening situation, Arrindell was determined to regain control of her life, rebuild her strength, and return to running.
Referred to the sports cardiology program, she worked closely with Dr. Husaini to reclaim her health and resume physical activity.
“Dr. Husaini evaluated my stress tests, monitored my blood pressure, provided heart assessments and a personalized treatment plan, and ensured my heart was strong enough to return to running,” Arrindell said. “I also worked closely with the clinic dietitian to manage my nutrition, as I had diabetes and high cholesterol.”
Dr. Husaini understood how important staying active was for both her physical and mental health. He was also incredibly supportive. He asked about her races, provided helpful resources and connected her with the right specialists.
With hard work, the right medical guidance, and assessments— and Dr. Husaini’s expert care —she received the clearance she needed to resume her running.
“It felt good to feel my feet hit the pavement again,” Arrindell said. “I finished the 25 states remaining from my goal of 50 before 50.”
Arrindell completed her 100th race in March 2025 in the same place she started—Louisiana. Crossing that finish line, she felt she hadn’t just completed a race; she had become a symbol of perseverance.
Now, with her 50-state goal and 100 half-marathons behind her, she’s setting new ambitions. She’s incorporating strength training to build endurance, cooking more, and carefully monitoring her nutrition. She’s also on the lowest dose of blood pressure and cholesterol medication she’s ever taken.
Arrindell’s heart tried to slow her down, but she kept moving—one step at a time. With 100 half-marathons behind her, she’s proof that taking care of your health doesn’t just get you back in the race—it helps you keep winning it. Next up: the Abbott World Marathon Majors, seven marathons across the globe. She’s scheduled to run the Sydney Marathon in August 2026.
To learn more about the sports cardiology program at the Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & Vascular Center or to make an appointment, call 314-362-1291.
To follow Geri Lynn Arrindell’s running journey to Sydney, visit her Instagram profile at @geri_lynn_arrindell.
This story was published courtesy of BJC HealthCare and has been updated since its original publication.