Few names resonate in the world of running like Kara Goucher. A three-time NCAA champion, Olympian, and World Championship silver medalist, Kara has stood on some of the sport’s biggest stages, from the podiums of the Boston and New York Marathons to the start lines of global championships.
But today, Kara’s journey looks different. Living with dystonia, a rare neurological condition that affects her left leg, she has had to rethink what running means to her and how to do it sustainably. Enter the LEVER system, a tool that has allowed her to keep moving, keep training, and keep loving the sport that has shaped her life.
Rediscovering the Joy of Running
For Kara, running has always been a constant. But when dystonia began to limit her ability to run safely outdoors, frustration set in until she found LEVER.
“When I’m tired or stressed, my dystonia gets worse. I’m hard headed and just want to go out and run, but that makes it worse and can even spread it to my other leg. On the LEVER, I feel super safe. I know I’m not going to fall. It keeps me stable and guides me. Even on days when I can’t run outside, I can run on the LEVER. Honestly, it’s been a lifesaver for my mental health.”
For an athlete who has spent her life in motion, having that outlet back has been transformative helping her maintain not just fitness, but balance.
A Tool She Wishes She’d Had Earlier
Looking back on her competitive days, Kara sees how the LEVER could have elevated her training during her peak years.
“I loved high mileage, but as I got older, I couldn’t handle those 130-mile weeks anymore. If I’d had the LEVER, I could’ve done some of my doubles on it. They would have been higher-quality runs without all the pounding. I wish I could go back in time because I would have used it a lot.”
Now, she sees the same potential in the athletes around her her son carefully building mileage, her husband balancing his return to running, and even her podcast co-host incorporating LEVER into double sessions.
“It’s so helpful for so many situations. There’s no way my husband could be doing what he’s doing without the LEVER.”
Simple, Effective, and Versatile
Over her career, Kara has had access to some of the best recovery tools available, but LEVER stands out for its simplicity.
“It’s easy to set up, easy to take down, easy to travel with. You can put it on any treadmill that has arms. That simplicity is huge for me—it means I can actually use it consistently.”
That accessibility has made LEVER part of her weekly routine four days a week, in fact helping her manage symptoms, train safely, and stay connected to the sport she loves.
Changing the Mindset Around Recovery
Like many runners, Kara admits she was skeptical at first.
“Honestly, I didn’t think it would work. Then I tried it, and it blew my mind. Now, I can’t imagine training without it. It’s been crucial for my health and my ability to keep running.”
Her advice to runners? Don’t wait until you’re injured to start running smarter.
“There are so many uses for LEVER. Maybe you’re building mileage but don’t want to do it too aggressively. Maybe you’ve got a sore calf and need a few lighter days. Or maybe you just want to protect your body for the long haul. It’s not just about recovery it’s about sustainable, smarter training.”
Running Strong, Running Smart
For Kara Goucher, running has never been just about winning. It’s about freedom, joy, and the ability to keep moving—no matter the challenges.
With LEVER, she’s found a way to keep that connection alive and, in the process, discovered a smarter, more balanced way to run. And whether you’re chasing a PR, building back after injury, or simply wanting to run healthier for years to come, Kara’s story is a reminder that with the right tools, every runner can find a way forward.
Running is more than just putting one foot in front of the other it’s about resilience, adaptability, and finding ways to keep doing what you love. Kara’s story proves that with the right tools, you can keep chasing your goals, no matter what obstacles you face. With LEVER, smarter, stronger, and healthier running isn’t just possible it’s within reach for every runner.
Inspired by Kara's story? Learn how LEVER can transform your running. 👉 [Shop Now]
