South Dakota Public Broadcasting

 



In anticipation for state #49, I was interviewed by South Dakota Public Broadcasting and the story aired today. Click here for the link to listen to the segment.  Part of the NPR digital network, SDPB is local to their geographic region.  But what I really need is to get this story national in an attempt to save the lives of more women!  Anyone have any connections at NPR? 

40s and 50s

Yesterday I raced in Clarkston, Michigan, representing state #47. It was a pristine village and a banner event company that hosted the 9th Annual Village Tri. If you know anything about the sport, you know your age gets written on your calf.  It helps to know who you are competing against and who matters in your age group. It seemed like EVERYONE was in their 40s yesterday.  I know it's the largest growing demographic but really?  It felt like it was me against everyone!
As for the 50s, well, that was the temperature.  Threatening rain, overcast skies and a gentle breeze made for a chilly event. Luckily the rain held off until the event was over and then it poured.  I stayed at a local B&B, The Millpond Inn, and was close enough to the event to not bring a car.  As a result I got soaked and chilled to the bone.  But a hot soak and cup of tea greeted me upon my return "home" and all was right with the world.  Thanks to Joan and Buck!
A big thanks to Andrea and the folks at Kinetic Systems for loaning me a bike.  The money I saved will be donated to OCRF in the name of the store. Everyone working together for this great cause.
State #47 is in the books.  Three to go.. all of which will be attended by my husband.  This final stretch is very special and I am excited he is going to be sharing it with me.  Next up, Wyoming.

Survivors Teaching Students

This morning my campaign took a twist.  I was a presenter for Survivors Teaching Students, a program through the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.  Survivors Teaching Students^® brings ovarian cancer survivors into health professionals’ classrooms to share their stories and key information about the disease. The program has grown to include 92 medical schools around the country as well as 45 nurse practitioner, nursing and physician assistant training programs and schools.  Today I was at Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn and spoke to a class of 30 eager, third year medical students.  It was incredibly rewarding and the possibilities excite me.  Just think if we can put ovarian cancer on the radar of medical students, how early diagnosis' can be affected.  It gives me goose bumps to think about it.

An Early Morning Swim

What a beautiful morning for a swim.   I swim with Excel, a Masters Club, at a local pool and this morning the pool was closed for some reason.  Rather than miss a workout, the coach offered us a rare opportunity for a kayak-assisted open water swim in the ocean at sunrise.  It was such a picture perfect morning and with the recent heat wave, the water temperature was downright comfortable.  About 20 of us showed up, each pairing off with a buddy who roughly swam the same speed and a course was mapped out.  We did about a mile in relatively calm waters, exiting with smiles and kudos all around.  With few people on the beach at that hour, it felt like we owned the world.  What a great way to start the day!

Becoming a Party

As you know by now, Hawaii has been chosen as my last state.  This is not an accident.  After all, why wouldn't I chose an awesome destination and combine it with a vacation for this milestone?  The exciting news is that I've got some friends and family who have decided to join me and make the event even more special.  Just this weekend, one of my dear friends who I actually met as a result of this campaign pulled the trigger and booked her tickets.  So at this point the total stands at 12.  But if everyone who says they are coming actually comes, the party total will stand close to, if not over, 20!  Sounds like a party to me.  I've got some ground to cover before then with three more states before Hawaii yet I can't help but start to get a little excited as more and more of my loved ones make their travel arrangements.  Aloha!

 

The Fact of the Matter

I really can't expect to use my body in the way I have for the last five years and come out without some minor injury.  I have postponed the inevitable too long and physical therapy starts next week. Not that I am complaining; if you know me you know that's not my style. I am going to someone I (unfortunately) have been to before and he worked wonders with me last time.  I am hoping Mike and I can have similar results this round.  You see...it's my shoulder.  And it started with that ridiculous 5 am wipeout I took a couple of months ago with my running club.  Silly me, I thought it would get better on its own.  But last week's race showed me that it's time to call in the support troops and rehab this the right way.  So there you have it.  Just a matter of fact. 

Über Fit Pacific Northwest

They breed 'em pretty healthy in Oregon. It was all I could do to hang in. Hills that went on forever both on the bike and run but a gorgeous weather day and a great event. State #46, check! Unfortunately the press outreach that was planned fell through but I was able to connect with the locals. Thanks to my friend Ann for meeting me, carting me around and the non-stop laughter. Nothing like reconnecting with an old friend...a bonus to the campaign for sure. Next up, Michigan.