The final countdown begins. One week to the Subaru Women's Triathlon! I'll be training light this week in preparation. Also, I'll be working on the transitions (from swim to bike and bike to run). I'll need to do well on those to make up for the slow time in the swim! I've come to a decision to redefine my goal. Forget about the time (this is hard) and just concentrate on finishing the race. A person's first triathlon can get away with this goal at this time. Every time after that, she'll want to beat her previous time. Why make it so hard to beat? Give me room to beat!
The organizers of the race wanted stories of why we are doing the triathlon and/or any connections to ovarian cancer we would like to share. At first I wasn't going to bother. But then they requested such stories again, one week into the event. So I sent my story. Here is what I sent:
RUNNING FOR AND FROM OVARIAN CANCER
My mother died from ovarian cancer in October 2001 at the age of 67. She was taken too soon as was my father from pancreatic cancer at age 61. Both cancers are known as silent killers since symptoms aren't usually noticed until the cancer is well advanced.
In May of 2005, I needed a partial hysterectomy at the age of 49 (for a non-cancerous medical condition). Due to the nature of my condition, I needed to have this surgically done. With much consideration of my family history, I decided to have a complete hysterectomy with both ovaries removed instead of just a partial. I fared the surgery and sudden menopause well but have been concerned about potential health issues that come with menopause and a strong family history of cancer. At the same time of my surgery, I also was suffering some joint issues and a badly sprained wrist. My exercise regime had come to a complete standstill. Over the next couple of years, I tried different exercise classes but would end up with tendinitis. How tempting to just give up!
Last fall, I started with a weight lifting class and water aerobics in hopes to conquer my body woes. Eventually the tendinitis went away and I became strong. Around Thanksgiving 2007, a friend of a friend talked about the Subaru Triathlon in Naperville and a triathlon training class at the local YMCA. She said the class was very fun and supportive and the race even more supportive and fun. I thought this would be a great way to get back into physical fitness and began to make plans to participate. I attended the triathlon class and continued the weight lifting class as well. No tendinitis! I've been faithful with the training and have had a blast challenging myself. I feel great and ready to go. I'm a bit fearful, but optimistic thanks to Coach Mary from our Tri class!
My mother would have been so proud of me. Not many of us start being triathletes at the age of 52! And it is such an honor to run in a race that raises awareness and funds for the very thing that took my mother's life prematurely. I dedicate my first ever triathlon to my dear, sweet mother...my best friend! And...to my wonderful, supportive husband, my other best friend!
Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience.
My mother died from ovarian cancer in October 2001 at the age of 67. She was taken too soon as was my father from pancreatic cancer at age 61. Both cancers are known as silent killers since symptoms aren't usually noticed until the cancer is well advanced.
In May of 2005, I needed a partial hysterectomy at the age of 49 (for a non-cancerous medical condition). Due to the nature of my condition, I needed to have this surgically done. With much consideration of my family history, I decided to have a complete hysterectomy with both ovaries removed instead of just a partial. I fared the surgery and sudden menopause well but have been concerned about potential health issues that come with menopause and a strong family history of cancer. At the same time of my surgery, I also was suffering some joint issues and a badly sprained wrist. My exercise regime had come to a complete standstill. Over the next couple of years, I tried different exercise classes but would end up with tendinitis. How tempting to just give up!
Last fall, I started with a weight lifting class and water aerobics in hopes to conquer my body woes. Eventually the tendinitis went away and I became strong. Around Thanksgiving 2007, a friend of a friend talked about the Subaru Triathlon in Naperville and a triathlon training class at the local YMCA. She said the class was very fun and supportive and the race even more supportive and fun. I thought this would be a great way to get back into physical fitness and began to make plans to participate. I attended the triathlon class and continued the weight lifting class as well. No tendinitis! I've been faithful with the training and have had a blast challenging myself. I feel great and ready to go. I'm a bit fearful, but optimistic thanks to Coach Mary from our Tri class!
My mother would have been so proud of me. Not many of us start being triathletes at the age of 52! And it is such an honor to run in a race that raises awareness and funds for the very thing that took my mother's life prematurely. I dedicate my first ever triathlon to my dear, sweet mother...my best friend! And...to my wonderful, supportive husband, my other best friend!
Thank you for the opportunity to share my experience.
Later....
P.S. Here's a picture of me at my first ever 5K race! It was in May 2008...The Jeanine Nicarico Run for Literacy 5K race. I did it in 31:28 tying my Personal Best.
P.S. Here's a picture of me at my first ever 5K race! It was in May 2008...The Jeanine Nicarico Run for Literacy 5K race. I did it in 31:28 tying my Personal Best.Not bad for an old bag who only began running last January!
