Swimming, Biking and Running 70.3 Miles Away from Cancer

I’ll start tomorrow morning with my oncologist, reviewing my latest blood tests and checking in for our quarterly visit. There’s a certain heaviness to returning to chemo central, but this time around, I’ll be giving Dr. Shusterman a signed copy of my just-published book and showing him the medal I earned at Ironman 70.3 at Jones Beach yesterday.

Races - especially long course races that challenge you - hit differently these days. Sure, the sleepless nights leading into the race remain and there’s that nagging sense that this is just too much too soon. But as I faced yesterday’s choppy 1.2 mile swim, a windy 56 mile bike ride and steamy 13.1 mile run, I knew I could do it, because, well, I survived cancer.

Twice.

When I had cancer, of course, it was just having completed Ironman Florida that reminded me that anything is possible and challenge is where the change happens.

As I started yesterday’s swim, there were some dark moments when I wondered if I’d be able to finish. Same thing on the bike course and again on the run. It was usually when I was about two-thirds of the way in.

“Just keep fucking going,” became my mantra.

I did. And yesterday’s finish line was yet another victory lap.

I didn’t blaze down the red carpet this time.

I walked across it, savoring every moment and thanking my lucky stars that I get to do this.

PS: My Amazon bestseller, Every Mile Matters: Turning Triathlon Training Into Cancer Triumph helps athletes leverage their grit, determination and resilience for success in every area of life!