espnW - Hot Off The Presses

My video from espnW is out and I can't say enough good things.  I hope it goes viral so the message of early detection can be spread.  If you haven't made a contribution to my campaign, now might be a good time. 

Quick Update

From the hotel computer, I just want to give a quick update on today's race.  Representing state #33, NM was a backwards event that proved to be a hoot.  I guess my body REALLY liked the reverse event (run, bike, swim) because I took 1st.  But moreover, I felt invincible.  My run was a PR and although there was a fair amount of congestion in the swim, I had so much energy, so much power, so much FUN.  Altitude did not play a role and the weather was pristine.  Thanks to my cousins Janette and Butch for flying in from San Diego to support me and thanks to my mom, well, for just being the best mom ever.  Big shout out to the guys at BikeSmith for a solid rental and good support.  More after I get home and can share photos.

A Party In New Mexico

This week I leave for state #33, New Mexico.  Especially exciting is the fact that my mom, my cousins from San Diego and my good friend from Texas will be be joining me there.  #33 is turning into a sort of party.
The other interesting fact about this race is that it is a backwards triathlon.  The usual order of events is swim, bike, run.  But for some reason this Coyote Carrera Triathlon is run the opposite way.  So instead on Saturday, I will run, bike and swim.  I have no idea how that will feel or how I will do; I am excited to try something different.  Having done so many races, it is easy for me to fall into a routine and get kind of bored.  This will stretch me, take me out of my comfort zone and provide me with a new challenge.  How fun is that?  Stay tuned.



Motivation

If ever I needed motivation, these books are perfect.  I just finished Lynne Cox's Swimming To Antartica and marveled at her ability, tenacity and courage.  At age 14 she accomplished feats most people can't even dream about.  This book is about swimming, family, challenges, politics, one woman's ability to make a difference... and I encourage anyone and everyone to read it.  After finishing her book, I rolled right into Iron War by Matt Fitzgerald.  More than a story about one event, this book includes the history of triathlon as well as the history of a lot of athletes.  I am desperate to go to bed at night so I can continue reading. 
Last night's chapter was on the sociology of the sport and what "makes" an endurance athlete.  Why do we challenge ourselves like this?  Why do we endure the pain?  Why are we constantly seeking a greater challenge?  All good questions and ones I have asked myself.  Here is my favorite quote of the day.
"The magnitude of satisfaction that a triathlete experiences upon crossing the finish line is directly proportional to the amount of suffering he/she has to overcome to get there."  Hmmm?  Something to think about.

ESPNw

Last week was pretty exciting.  I returned home from Tennessee, representing state #32.  My results were much better than expected, with a PR in the water and my fastest run split since before I was diagnosed.  I owe the water success to my triathlon club, Team Total Training and my running success to my early morning running friends.  Biking used to be my "ace in the hole" but this year may be different.
More exciting was the email I received last Monday.  ESPNw picked up my story and came to interview me for 6 hours on Wednesday.  Swimming, biking and running, they followed me around and wanted to learn about my diagnosis, my treatment, beating cancer and the 50x50x100 campaign.  The story will be on the website (hopefully by the end of the month) and may be picked up by the network at some point.  This represents the largest platform I've been able to spread the message to.  Thanks to the folks at ESPNw for helping to bring this vital information to women.