Running Toward the Truth: The Journey Behind Misdiagnosed for Miles by Tammie Robie

As a competitive runner, I’ve always believed in pushing through challenges. But for 17 years, I

faced a battle I couldn’t outrun—crisis-level hypertension that defied medication, debilitating

migraines, relentless heart palpitations, and massive edema that left my legs and feet swollen and

painful. These symptoms weren’t just frustrating; they were life-altering, making even the simplest

daily tasks a struggle. Despite countless visits to specialists, I was repeatedly told that nothing was

wrong. Over time, I convinced myself this discomfort was normal—that everyone must feel this way.

Resigned to the idea, I pushed forward, attempting to train and compete at a high level despite the

misery, using sheer determination to fight against what felt like an invisible and insurmountable

opponent.

The turning point came nearly 20 years into my health struggles during a trip to the ER for an

unrelated issue. It was there, through sheer chance, that doctors discovered a tumor on my adrenal

gland. The diagnosis—primary hyperaldosteronism, caused by an aldosterone-producing tumor—was

as shocking as it was relieving. For years, this rare condition had caused my adrenal gland to

overproduce aldosterone, wreaking havoc on my body. The surgery to remove the tumor gave me my

life back, but the toll it had taken was undeniable. By that point, I was 49 years old and had spent

nearly all of my 30s and 40s with a quality of life in the toilet—barely managing symptoms that made

even daily living a struggle, let alone pursuing my passion for running. That turning point not only

gave me my health back but also inspired me to share my story in Misdiagnosed for Miles, a memoir

about resilience, determination, and the long road to uncovering the truth.

By the time I began writing, my health struggles had consumed nearly two decades of my life.

Reflecting on that journey, I turned to the journals I had kept during those years. Thankfully, they

allowed me to look back on all the misery I had experienced and align it with my medical records to

tell my story accurately. Revisiting those moments was painful but also deeply therapeutic. The surgery gave me more than just my health—it gave me a fresh perspective on the years I had spent

fighting an invisible battle. Writing Misdiagnosed for Miles allowed me to transform those years of

pain and frustration into something meaningful. This story I hope can inspire others to persevere

through their own challenges.

Today, I’m grateful for the strength that running gave me—not just in training my body, but in

building the mental toughness to endure the unknown. While Misdiagnosed for Miles is told through

the eyes of a marathon runner, it’s a story for anyone who has ever felt “off” but been dismissed by a

doctor or who has faced the frustrations of an unresponsive medical system. Through my journey, I

hope to inspire readers to trust their instincts, ask the hard questions, and fight for their health—even

when the answers feel out of reach. Life, like a marathon, demands persistence and grit, and I hope

my story reminds others that no matter how tough the race is, the finish line is always worth it.

Author Bio:

I am a competitive marathon runner who spent over 16 years struggling with undiagnosed medical issues before discovering I had Primary Aldosteronism, caused by a tumor on my adrenal gland. My memoir, Misdiagnosed for Miles, chronicles this journey and highlights how the mindset I developed through running helped me navigate the health challenges I faced. I hope that by sharing my story, I can raise awareness about the importance of accurate diagnosis and inspire others dealing with similar struggles.