Why did you join Team Phoenix last year?
I've given brief answers to this question previously; "to stay positive, to be awesome, to just do it". Short and sweet, that's me. Thinking now about the experience of Team Phoenix last summer always puts a smile on my face. I knew the instant I heard about Aurora's triathlon team, while meeting with my breast surgeon and founder of Team Phoenix, that I wanted to be on the 2012 team. Never-mind that I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer or that I hadn't even realized what a royal pain in the ass, cancer treatment was going to be.
I immediately refocused my energy and attitude away from being a cancer patient and took on the role of survivor and athlete. My surgery and chemo treatments got scheduled and I did my best to be an upstanding patient (i.e. not pull the IV out of my arm as I once did in my 20s...ouch!). Each doctor visit or infusion room appointment, I was busy on my phone or laptop planning out my recovery days and next workout. I perused Tri websites and blew the budget on cool Tri gear. I kept the triathlon goal in mind, each day, each treatment, each bath, each swim, each bike, each run, each negative thought. Yep, I wasn't going to let cancer get in my way.
I looked forward to the Team Phoenix training nights, not so much for the workout itself, but for the support of being among women that had gone through all the cancer crap themselves. I liked being among women with beautiful hair, an inspiration to me that mine would, at some point, finally grow back. I liked feeling normal, or as normal as possible being bald and having a recent infusion of herceptin running through my body. The Team Phoenix family didn't mind and I was less self conscious among them.
I also really enjoyed watching my team get stronger, more confident with each workout. Some learned to swim or accept the noodle. Others learned that they really are athletes and the triathlon goal was not too large of one. A few may not have realized that they could do it until race day. It was wonderful to see my team cross the finish line with all the camaraderie of family, friends and volunteers in Team Phoenix colors.
It was a spectacular year. I learned a lot about myself and what I am capable of. I am thankful for the point of focus that triathlon training gave me. I am so happy to be able to help the 2013 team get to the finish line at Danskin this August.
