Four years after a life-altering accident left him paralyzed, Max Krohn is preparing to tackle the Austin Marathon this Sunday. Once a casual runner, Krohn’s journey to the marathon has been anything but ordinary.
Before his accident, Krohn was gearing up for his junior year in college, pursuing a finance degree. However, he felt a pull towards a different lifestyle and decided to take a break from academics to embrace his long-held dream of being a “ski bum” in Breckenridge, Colorado. Despite the skepticism from those around him, Krohn was determined to follow this path.
His routine was simple: he worked at a local Mexican restaurant, then spent his free time skiing and snowboarding. This all changed dramatically on February 14, 2022, when a snowboarding accident led to a devastating injury. Krohn was cruising down the slope when, after losing sight of his friends, he attempted a trick that went horribly wrong. The result was a catastrophic fall, landing him in the hospital with paralysis from the neck down.
Following the accident, Krohn spent eight days in an intensive care unit. Gradually, he began to regain some feeling in his body, but doctors warned him that recovery could be a long and uncertain road. Undeterred, Krohn maintained a positive outlook, adopting a personal mantra focused on control and growth during his rehabilitation.
His recovery process involved extensive physical therapy, starting with basic movements like sitting in a wheelchair and eventually leading to attempts at walking again. The journey was likened to learning to write with his non-dominant hand, requiring patience and perseverance. Three months later, he took his first steps, marking a pivotal moment in his recovery.
Inspired by his progress, Krohn set a new goal: to compete in a triathlon. Just a year and a half post-injury, he completed a sprint triathlon, igniting his passion for endurance sports. Despite concerns from family and friends, he signed up for a marathon in Madison, Wisconsin, despite having never run more than four miles before. His aim was simply to finish, but he soon found himself bitten by the “runner’s bug.”
In preparation for the Austin Marathon, Krohn has focused primarily on strength training, opting for treadmill runs for safety reasons. With his C3 and C4 vertebrae fused, he must be cautious to avoid any falls that could jeopardize his recovery. His longest training run has been 13 miles, and he hopes to break the four-hour barrier during the upcoming race.
As he approaches race day, Krohn is not only focused on the marathon itself but also on finding a community of fellow runners in Austin. His experience has taught him that connection with others can enhance his journey, and he is eager to meet individuals who share his passion for running.
