If you happen to be thinking to yourself, "Wow. Rainbow couldn't possibly go through any more than that," just remember that you're not alone. I too was pretty flabbergasted the first time that I heard about what transpired next.
If I recall, I even stopped her at one point to ask: "Did you ever think about giving up?"
Her answer still makes me smile whenver I see her today.
She said, "Kid. Life's a race, and just being able to breathe is a prize."
It's taken me a while to understand that, just like it took Rainbow Dash a while to realize what she was struggling for way back when.
But, believe me, when that breath comes... it's like learning that you've been spending your whole life underwater, and all it takes is a simple push to breach the surface.
Rainbow spent many a day in the depths, but soon she would discover the ecstasy that follows... even if there's a lot of agony in the wake.