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Inspiring Journey: From Cancer to Running an Ultramarathon

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Chapter 1: The Start of a New Journey

Lace up your shoes and let’s dive in!

Running shoes ready for a new adventure

Photo by Bruno Nascimento on Unsplash

A Note for My Medium Readers:

As mentioned in my previous posts, I've transitioned to Substack. This inaugural piece outlines what my upcoming newsletter will encompass. All my writing on this topic will be published on Substack, while other content will remain on Medium. Apart from this introductory article, I won't be cross-posting here. I’ll keep you updated on my journey, showcasing how it feels to start a Substack from scratch!

Have you ever pondered what genuinely motivates you in life? That unique spark that infuses your existence with purpose and significance?

Finding the answer can often be more challenging than it seems. Many of us go through life without uncovering our true purpose, merely existing in a cycle of routine. Life can feel more about just “getting through” than truly savoring each moment.

Does this resonate with you? If it does, you’re not alone.

This describes my life for a long time. I often felt like a hamster on a wheel, running endlessly without direction. I lacked a passion that would propel me forward.

In reality, the only time I truly felt that “fire in my belly” was while I was running. This pursuit has been a significant part of my life for many years. The rhythmic thud of my feet on the pavement acted as a calming melody, clearing my mind and sharpening my focus. It became a journey of self-discovery, pushing my boundaries to new extremes.

So you can imagine how I felt a few years ago when this passion was abruptly taken from me.

On a lovely summer afternoon, I received the fateful call: my recent health check-up revealed I had cancer—specifically, Renal Cell Carcinoma.

This marked the beginning of a transformative journey that altered me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It also necessitated open surgery and a lengthy six-month recovery.

Naturally, my running shoes were left collecting dust.

Yet, as I started to heal, I longed for a sense of normalcy. At the top of my list was returning to my running routine. I began cautiously with walking, ensuring not to exacerbate my condition. Gradually, I progressed to slow jogs and felt that spark reigniting within me.

Then, the cancer returned, this time spreading to my lungs. My running shoes once again retreated into the shadows.

After undergoing a rigorous regimen of invasive treatments and medications, I felt ready to face the challenge and hit the trails. Starting slowly again, I built up my mileage and endurance, and recently I completed a 12-mile run!

While my cancer remains a part of my life, I hold onto hope for a future when I will be declared “cancer-free.” For now, it lingers like a heavy weight, but that won’t deter me. I’m determined to challenge myself and overcome the hurdles in my path, as this is what makes me feel alive.

That’s why I’m embarking on the journey to complete a 100-mile ultramarathon.

Make no mistake: I’m not seeking trophies or accolades. The significance lies in the journey itself, where I aim to explore the depths of the human spirit.

I understand this could be my final race, but until that day arrives, I will keep running.

If any of this strikes a chord with you, intrigues you, or sparks your curiosity, I invite you to join me on this journey. I’ll be sharing my experiences weekly, exclusively on Substack.

Hope to see you on the trail!

Previously published on Substack.

Chapter 2: Facing Challenges Head-On

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