On October 7, 2010 at 8:34AM, three words changed my life forever – “YOU HAVE CANCER!”. I had no idea that those three words would set me on a journey to being a cancer survivor and participating in triathlon. How could it? My focus was on getting healthy not on finish lines.
The Diagnosis That Changed Everything
At the age of 38 with a 4-year-old a month away from her 5th birthday and four (4) tumors in my right breast, I began a journey that forever changed the trajectory of my and my family’s life. After multiple surgeries, a year of chemo and 33 days of radiation, I rang the bell in December 2011. That bell ringing was the first step in celebrating the end of my treatment.
Reclaiming Strength: My First Steps Toward Triathlon
After a year of working to overcome the lasting effects of treatment and get active again. I began training for my first sprint triathlon to celebrate my victory over breast cancer. When I started training, I didn’t even know how to swim beyond the swimming you do at the beach. I took a few swim lessons, bought a road bike and some running shoes and started training. In August 2013, I completed my first sprint triathlon. Two weeks later, I completed my 2nd. Since then, I have completed over 50 sprint, Olympic and 70.3 triathlons as well as run races from 5K to half marathon distances domestically and internationally.
Building a Life of Purpose: From Cancer Survivor to Coach
Between 2015 and 2023, I became a personal trainer, certified running coach, certified triathlon coach and registered dietitian nutritionist. I started training active adults in a corporate environment and then, in 2019, I started my own company, Catalyst Performance Lab, where I continue to coach cancer survivors, active adults and youth and adult triathletes.
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Reaching for More: Qualifying for USA Triathlon Nationals
At the beginning of 2024, I set a goal to qualify for USA Triathlon Nationals to celebrate my 14 year Cancerversary. I qualified in May and raced Nationals September 13-15 just three weeks shy of celebrating my 14 year Cancerversary.
Inspiring Others: My Message to Fellow Survivors and Athletes
My own journey fuels my passion for helping other cancer survivors and age group athletes. I want to help them achieve their health and wellness goals through endurance sport. I’ve dedicated the last decade to helping people harness the power of endurance sport and nutrition to overcome adversity and accomplish things they never thought possible. I’ve learned firsthand how to embrace adversity as a catalyst for growth and achievement. I’m passionate about sharing my story and insights to inspire others to embrace resilience and reach their full potential.
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