Follow Your Sport With Passion

Whatever your sport of choice is, enjoy it with passion.  On this, the day of the Superbowl, most folks know where my loyalty lies.  I am a Patriots fan.  Originally born in the Bronx, I should be a Giants fan.  My dad was and I grew up one.  In fact, my mother even asked me who I was cheering for today.  Really?  Having spent the better part of my adult life in the Boston area, my sports and my allegiance is with Boston. 
This post isn't really about football though.  It's about being in the moment and enjoying whatever it is that truly makes you happy.  For many today, it will be about football.  Come spring time, it'll be baseball.  Come April 1st, it'll be triathlon for me.  The point is to immerse yourself in the sport or activity that brings you happiness.  Life is unpredictable.  Your inbox will never be empty.  There is always more time to work.  There is never enough time for family and the things that feed your soul.  
Be safe today.  And may the best team win.


For Tali

 

This is a photo of Tali.  A bright, 26 year old woman with her whole life ahead of her... until last Thursday night.  While jogging on the Washington Mall, steps away from the White House, Tali was fatally injured after being hit by a car.  She was my husband's cousin and a dear part of our family.  Life isn't fair sometimes.

On a daily basis, I am reminded how precious life is.  Unfortunately because I surround myself with ovarian cancer, I experience death regularly.  It always hurts and it never gets easier.  Somehow though, with a diagnosis, it makes more sense.  There is (at least) direct cause and effect. This death was senseless and I struggle to comprehend it. 

Tali was going to change the world.  Just back from the Sudan, Tali worked to bring relief to a struggling country.  She was passionate about helping others, often putting her own needs behind.  She lived large, loved deeply and smiled brightly.  I hope she knew how much she was loved.

It's Time To Shout

I stumbled on this blog this week.  It's Time To Shout is committed to creating a collective voice of people affected by ovarian cancer.  Even though ovarian cancer whispers, you don't have to.  This site was developed as a forum for anyone who wants to say something... even shout something.  I fell in love with the concept and the site immediately.  Check it out.  It is very inspiring.

10 States Signed On

First of all...thanks to all for the concern over my feet.  I certainly didn't mean to burden anyone with the aches and pains of my campaign. It is what it is and I am trying not to focus on it too much.  Bottom line... I am alive and well and able to participate in an awesome sport AND hopefully make a difference in the lives of others.  What's to complain about?  Really.  On a side note, I have just passed the FIVE year mark of being in remission.  So what's a little foot pain????
That being said, I have 10 of my 11 states planned for 2012.  It is all so exciting.  Every single one of the race directors has agreed to offer a complimentary race entry.  To further my commitment, I have agreed to donate the amount I save to OCRF in the name of the race.  All of the entry fees go directly to the cause.  Woo hoo. You'll be reading more about each race as it gets closer.  For now, there are a lot more logistics to work out but the ground work is set.  Stay tuned.

The Agony of De-feet

So frustrating with the 2012 creeping up on me.  I am once again side-lined by my heel spur and plantar fascitis.  I was doing very well until yesterday. I was diagnosed in November, babied it, did exactly what the doctor recommended and started training again.  It was going very well and I was able to run 5 miles again.  Added to that was the excitement of planning my 2012 calendar.  Dates filling in, responses back from race directors, opportunities to speak to women about early detection.... all good.  And then, BAM!  Limping, hobbling, crippling heel pain again yesterday. 
Back to the doctor today for another cortisone injection...gosh, I hate those things.  Holding the assistant's hand like a baby, I might have uttered a curse word or two.  And now, more rest, more ice, more time away from training.  Maddening, really. 
I have to stay humble, rest my body and take it as it comes.  All I can do is what is recommended but it is frustrating for me.  In the meantime, lots more planning to do.  My goal is 11 new states this season so plenty of logistics to focus on, even if I can't physically prepare.  That's the update.  Send me lots of healing thoughts please.