A Week and a Day

Just eight more days to “D” day and thanks to all the help from my family, Team Survivor et al, Livestrong, and the YMCA I feel confident that I will enjoy the challenge and finish with a new beginning.

How exciting is that?

I don’t know if I’ve said this before, but I never, in a million years, thought I would ever do anything so physically challenging. Isn’t it amazing what our minds tell our bodies what it can and can’t do? In the last 9 weeks while working out on the treadmill at the YMCA I have read over and over again the words on the placard attached to the wall just a few feet in front of me. “Your body hears everything your mind says.” So I watch the thoughts I use when I am 1.5 into the 3 or half way up the never ending hill or surrounded by water and hearing nothing but the exhale of my breath. “You can do it” -- “don’t stop” -- “REACH” -- “ feel my strength” -- “ You Rock!”

Just little words...

Setting aside the obvious questions, tasks and plans such as type and size of my bike, clothing during the triathlon, diet and supplements, and training schedule, there is much to be said about other “little things” in the training regimen that make a difference in my belief in myself and this commitment I made in March.   Like:

When do I stop and let my body rest?
Yikes, why have a gained 5 pounds?
Wah Hoooooo I have a waist line again!
How can I fit in a workout during my lunch hour?
I’m sooooooo hungry!
Good grief, stop eating!
What other wonders will I get to experience?

Just little things…

I don’t know that I necessarily need any answers to the questions or responses to my statements as much as I am reveling in the fact that I am asking and pondering. Just as I did with my diagnosis, during my surgery, and now as a survivor I ask and ponder. How do I recognize the cancer and it’s affects without lending credit to it? How do I keep it in its place, honor the work that my body has done and with wisdom and respect, keep a watchful eye on this fickle and non respecter of persons?

I do this by watching my sisters that have busted the brush ahead of me. I hold on to their words of wisdom and encouragement. I admire the respect they hold for themselves and the reality of life.

You know the big things…

Today I am ready for June 5th, I am grateful and I am so very thankful.