Things To Ponder

I'm reading this hysterical book called Trizophrenia. It's written by a triathlete, comic, artist, writer guy who (I swear) has me blowing in his ear. His sentiments and take on the sport of triathlon is so accurate, I find myself chuckling out loud as I read it. My husband bought me the book for Christmas and I have been saving it for the race "season". I had no idea I would enjoy it so much.
Last night, the author posed a serious question. Do I train to race or do I race to train? Without a race, isn't it just exercise? I found myself questioning my efforts as I drifted off to sleep.
This morning the answer is clear. I train and I race to find a method of early detection for ovarian cancer. I don't have to think any further.
Someone asked me the other day, "What will you do when you finish all 50 states?" "Probably sleep a lot", I told her. Seriously, I am not sure what I will do or if it will include this sport. But honestly, can I cross that bridge when it gets a little closer?

My Long Locks (Sort of)

While I was undergoing chemotherapy, I lost my hair. I really didn't mind. I actually liked being bald; it was very free-ing. Women (and some men) spend too much time and too much money on their hair. I wore a cap for warmth and can count on one hand how many times I wore a wig. This is one of the only photos of me right after chemo. My hair was long before I got sick and I cut it in anticipation of losing it and then had my husband shave my head just as it started falling out. I remember having to catch my breath for a moment when the hair "buzzer" turned on but then I felt like Demi Moore in G.I.Jane.

I have kept it short since it has grown back. It was fun to have a different look. There are so many perks to short hair; the best one being not wearing a swim cap. Well about 2 months ago, I decided it was time for a change and I am growing my hair again. For anyone who has ever had short hair and decided to grow it, it is torture and I am in the "awkward" stages. So be it. There might actually be the hint of a ponytail by the end of the summer... at least that's the goal. But in the meantime, it is long enough in the pool to be getting in the way of my goggles. I guess it's a good problem to have. It means it is actually growing. So now I need to buy a swim cap. I haven't owned one for over 3 years.

Not sure why this feels like a big deal to me. I can only guess it is another level of being "well" and putting my cancer behind me. Look at me... giving all this energy and time to my hair. Wasn't I just complaining about that?

Super Saturday Preview

What an exciting day! QVC, you know... the home shopping network?.... came and shot me today for an upcoming segment for Super Saturday. It will air in July and I will make sure everyone knows the date. They wanted a survivor and a face for ovarian cancer that has "beat" it and is living a full life. Well they came to the right place. Full life is an understatement and they got a taste of it today.
It was totally cool and I want to thank Mike and the guys for all their hard work today. They came from PA and sat in rain and traffic for about 4 hours to come to my home. They shot for about 6 hours, only to turn around in rush hour traffic to do it all over again. They rock!
The best part was this tricked out camera that was attached to the back of the truck The cameraman was actually strapped in (I asked) and he was able to film me while riding my bike. I got a sneak peek at the footage and it looks awesome. My little streets of Freeport look like the open road and I look like I am going 50 mph. I can't wait to see the finished product.
The viewing audience for Super Saturday and QVC is pretty huge. If everyone who watches donates $1, I will reach my goal in no time. I hope that message gets across. But I also hope that I provided a message to women who are fighting this battle and women who have yet to be diagnosed.
Thanks guys for a great day and a great start to my season.

A Big Shout Out To My Girls

Today is the Long Island Half and Full Marathon and I have at least 8 girlfriends running in it, not to mention countless members of my training team. I hosted a pre-race dinner last night for them and it made me feel "part of" the race, even though I chose not to race it. With my aggressive race schedule this season, I didn't think it was necessary to add a half marathon... even though it is one of my favorite events. Call it being cautious, call it wimpy, I change my mind depending on the day. But alas the day of the event is here and I ran an 8 miler this morning in honor of the event. But solo, not with 20,000 others. So hats off to Joanne, Pamm, Cyndi, Glo, Cath, Regina, Kim and Ali for participating in today's race.

T Minus 3

So in a little less than 3 weeks, I am going to attempt to do something I have not done before... compete in 2 triathlons back to back in 2 days. On May 15, I will race in New Jersey and on May 16, I will race in Maryland. Of course, in between will be the driving. So I have a feeling on Monday, May 17, I might be a little tired. Both are sprint distances so I am pretty sure I will complete them. But I know me... I am a little competitive. And even though I may say that I am just going out for the training and I hope to finish and not be injured in any way... something strange happens when the gun goes off. And I have to race as hard as possible and do as well as possible. Competition brain takes over and it's all about the finish line.
That being said, the main goal is to finish well but finish healthy. I have a long season ahead of me and I need to preserve my body. So I will attempt to treat these 2 races like training days and go out and enjoy myself. I will be the ambassador for ovarian cancer and hope to raise awareness along the way. That's really what this is about.
But I know me... today I am concerned about racing back to back. But when the gun goes off, I will be concerned about passing the next woman in front of me.