Go, go, go!

While amazed at the upward turn my body has made I am equally amazed at what happens when I skip a work out – our two; not only amazed with my body but with my mind too.  When I get busy with life or just need to kick back, I start to feel a little guilty because I missed the workouts…

Am I really ready for this commitment – now that I see the physical changes I can also see the work it will take to maintain my “new look”.  However, I have a confidence I haven’t felt in a while and a noticeable spring in my step.  This is so very new to me.  Many years have passed since I was a very athletic young girl so how do I listen to my body now?  What is it telling me?  Too much – not enough – keep going – stop and rest?  Then at the end of my day when my apartment is quiet and I am laying in bed with Rufus curled up next to me, I feel the aches and pains from the schedule I kept that day and I begin to ask the harder questions.  Does all of this working out make a difference?  Will this keep me well?  Will this keep me cancer free?  Is it still okay to be scared and feel lonely? …I don’t stay awake long enough to answer.   


But I don’t want to end this blog entry like this. 

I am empowered more than I ever have been in my adult life.  In those moments during my day when I get scared and the “creeps” start creeping in, I remember where I have come from.  I remember where I was just 3 months ago, or even 6 months ago and then I smile and give myself a great hug – then… I grab something to eat and dash onward for the next workout and feel hope with where my future is headed and proud as I listen to my body say go, go, go!   


Beth is a breast cancer survivor and is training for her first triathlon with Capital of Texas Team Survivor. 

Core – What core?

We’re gonna do what with my core?  I don’t think I even have one of those.  I’m going straight to Wal-Mart and buy me one – a strong one.  Ha!  Just kidding.  I know what a core is and it may have been strong some 35 years ago but 4 kids, 2 c-sections later …

Yikes am I ever out of shape.  But now at one week after the start date, I can actually feel a difference in my body and the doubts and hesitations are fading away.  Those probing questions floating around in my head like:  Will I finish?  Heck, will I even start?  Will I get hurt?  Is it going to hurt like this all the time?  are now:  How many classes can I fit in one day?  What do I need to eat to support the changes in my body? Where am I going to find a bike? and  When will I be able to get wet? 

March 4^th was my second stage reconstruction surgery and I still haven’t been given a full release to participate in the swimming.  I am concerned about my upper body strength and if I will be ready for the swimming part of the Triathlon.  Not to be deterred,  I will plug along working on my legs until my surgeon says I’m water tight. 

I am fortunate that I have not suffered many of the awful side effects of the Anastrozole.  Indigestion is a biggy with me with a few headaches and nausea.  No joint aches and pains to speak of and I attribute that to the supplements I am taking.   I go see my primary next month to check my cholesterol and bone density so I feel pretty confident right now that I am responding to the training very well.  I am amazed at the resilience of the human body.   

So last week is over and done with, this week is half way through and I am feeling pretty darn good. The training schedule allows for plenty of planning room and the people at the YMCA have been fantastic.  Tonight I go to Champion for my first Walk, Run, Strength work out. 

Beth

Beth is a breast cancer survivor and is training for her first triathlon with Capital of Texas Team Survivor. 

Wordless Wednesday

Meet Beth

Good morning!  We are in full swing of triathlon training and the Danskin triathlon is only three weeks away!  To give you a some inspiration to get you to the finish line (or the starting line:), we will be publishing Beth's journal as a first-time triathlete.   Meet Beth - in her own words.

I don't really know what the deciding factor was that prompted me to take on the Tri.  I guess that I felt I can do just about anything now and why not this.  I have always been physically strong because I have worked in a male dominated profession and it was important to "keep up"  so to speak.  The cancer showed up just a couple of months after my husband left me for his childhood sweetheart - Ha!  I was a mess withering away to nothing and truthfully I think the cancer saved me.  Is that possible?  
 
I'm 55 and Mother of 4
Single
Spent 15 years in the Water and Waster Treatment Industry
Forever finishing my bachelors
Presently working out of my apartment graphing radio metric data for oil exploration geologists and take on temp employment assignments with several temp agencies.  

I have a Caring Bridge Web site with my story. 

Welcome, Beth! Thank you for sharing your story!

Team Survivor Backyard Tri

What's holding you back?

Ladies!  It's that time of year again, and we are so excited!  Our annual Danskin Triathlon training is starting soon, and we hope that you will join us.  I know what you're thinking -- "A triathlon? Are you kidding me?" Maybe you think that you're not fit enough to do a triathlon, or maybe you have an extreme fear of the water.  You know what? It doesn't matter.  Our group of strong survivors come from all walks of life, all ages and all ability levels.  Our coaches and members have everything you need to be successful on your terms. Triathlon training isn't about crossing that finish line (though, it's a pretty amazing feeling).  It's about putting yourself out there and facing your fears.  It's a way of taking control of your health and your body. It's a way to connect with other survivors. You've already faced cancer and treatment, so what's holding you back?  You can do this!  Please join us.  Our last orientation session is tonight at Bettysport (5916-A W. 12th St) at 6:30 PM.

Quinoa Recipes

Check….check….is this thing on????

First things first, last time Sarah and I ran into each other we laughed like school girls at what bad bloggers we are. But if anyone will understand the saying, “Life got in the way” I think it would be a group of cancer survivors!

I am really going to try to do better at keeping up with the blog but I can’t make any promises!

Oh, a little bit of good news – a lot actually – I was able to make a clean break from the Lexapro and am really starting to feel like myself again.  Now that I don’t have the Lexapro to blame my battle with the bulge on, I am really starting to count calories and actually losing weight. 

I have read a lot of quinoa and what a powerhouse grain this is.  The one time I made it, it was awful but I am determined to try it again and add it to my daily diet.

I found this website that I am ready to try a few recipes from.

Do you have any good quinoa recipes?