You Gotta Tri
I’ve participated in many amazing things in my shortish life, but I must say, my latest endeavor is probably one of the coolest (and scariest). I’ve decided to document this journey as it is quickly becoming a learning experience that seems too juicy to keep to myself. Follow my blogs for the next few weeks if a hearty laugh and a dose of inspiration is in need.
Upon completion of my last day of radiation…after 5 weeks of the daily visits to the lab, I’m handed a brochure and a handful of encouraging words to register for something called Team Phoenix. Team Phoenix is an innovative 14-week fitness and research program for cancer survivors. A team of multidisciplinary clinicians, triathlon coaches and volunteers create an environment that increases endurance, strength, flexibility, and overall health and wellness after cancer treatments by training for a sprint-distance triathlon. Yes that’s right, a triathlon. Oy.
Back in the day, I could probably hold my own but running 3 kids around the state doesn’t really produce an elevated heart rate and lifting luggage into an airplane’s overhead bin hasn’t really counted as strength training. Thus, I immediately think I’m screwed.
The innovators of the concept are my kind of people: Women who are sick and tired of seeing other women who are sick and tired … from cancer. The concept started in 2011 with an energetic partnership between two dynamos from Advocate Aurora Healthcare Judy A. Tjoe, MD and Leslie J. Waltke, DPT. As I have come to understand well - cancer likes two things: fat and alcohol. I have an intimate relationship with one of those contributing factors and exercise is its kryptonite. Their research thus far is super impressive:
More than 80 percent of the athletes who have participated continue with regular fitness activities whether running, biking, swimming or other exercise activities they’re inspired to join. Less than 8% of cancer survivors who don’t participate in the program exercise regularly. Wow.
More than 50 percent of the athletes continue on with triathlons of varying distances.
Several athletes have gone on to complete half-Ironman distances and one went on to complete her first Ironman in 2014.
I received the nudge to register on Friday and orientation was 3 days later. The program is offered once per year. No time to really think this through. Impulsive gene, don’t fail me now. I spent the weekend wading through the emails, checklists, and forms as prep for the Monday meeting. Then there's telling the family...whose responses will inspire a separate blog, I am sure.
The orientation was a bit intimidating at first. Women of all shapes, sizes, ages, and races (cancer doesn’t discriminate) move through an impeccably curated series of stations to receive what’s needed to begin: name tag, gym bag, binder, Fitbit, bike jersey, profile photo, Facebook community access, app downloads, and medical forms. Many of us signed up for the 5 year study in addition to the triathlon to support the program’s longer term objectives. The data collected feeds higher education institutions seeking to better understand the effects of group-led, goal-oriented exercise and psychological well-being after cancer treatment. I’m all about generating data and eliminating this wretched disease. What is that Abe Lincoln quote… “it is for us the living…”?
Every step I took was greeted by a volunteer; alums of this program. They couldn’t wait to help, guide, and encourage. You need to appreciate the village these two leaders have assembled…it truly makes this 14 week experience possible:
Wheel and Sprocket – a local bike shop chain fits and DONATES new bikes to the women for their 14 week practice and the triathlon. They also offer a substantial discount on the gear and the bike post-event. Their staff will become part of our training team.
Carroll University donates their pool for one night a week for 14 weeks so that we can practice.
Xperience, a fitness chain, offers a free membership to each participant for the entire 14 weeks.
InStep, a shoe store, will test and properly fit you for running shoes; also offering a sizable discount for purchases.
Then there are the volunteers:
2 physicians
1 physical therapist
1 program director
4 triathlon coaches
1 swim instructor
1 nutritionist
3 photographers
And at least 50 alumni…I’ve lost count
… all assembled to support the 60 women who said ‘yes’. About that…It was announced that for every 1 woman who said yes to this experience, 10 said ‘no’. Well, I have that going for me.
The short program began with Dr. Judy explaining the history and rationale of the experience. Coach Leslie and Coach Kim then informed us that we were to be called “athletes” from this point forward. I need to get used to not typing that in “quotes”. They explained that the triathlon required a 5K run, 15 mile bike ride, and ¼ mile swim…in a lake. Oy, Oy. They also walked us through the well-planned 14 week training program that would ensure our readiness. We train at tracks and trails throughout the greater Milwaukee area. One brave woman at the front of the room raised her hand and shared, “I’m not sure about everyone else, but I have a bit of anxiety about this”. Her vulnerability was met with giggles and applause by the rest of us. Yes, I’m in the right place and now need to trust the process.
In my professional life, I help leaders and their teams to be more effective and productive. I often share the quote, “All humans want two things: to feel like they matter and to be a part of something great” and then work with leaders to build an approach that embodies that principle. Dr. Judy and Coach Leslie model this lesson and could teach the class. Well done and thank you.
Read more about Aurora’s breast cancer research program TORQUE, or Translational Oncology Research: Quest for Understanding & Exploration.
