The psychology behind Amber's decision to "tri it."

The Breast Cancer component:
So, basically I have always supported causes that benefit breast cancer awareness and research. Two of my great-grandmothers (my dad's and my mom's maternal grandmothers) had breast cancer and had to have mastectomies as a result. Knowing that I'm at a higher risk for developing breast cancer has led me to support this cause any time I have the chance.

I also saw a vibrant, gorgeous and energetic young woman on The Today show one time who was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was only 27 years old. Her soul had so much life left... in fact, she found out that she had cancer when she went in for an appointment with her Ob/gyn to ask about pre-natal vitamins as she and her husband were trying to conceive their first child. So sad. She wrote a book detailing the trials and tribulations she experienced with the aggressive medical treatments she endured, and I immediately ordered it from Amazon and read it out of curiousity. It was fabulous, highly recommend it: "Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy" by Geralyn Lucas. It really opened my eyes to the degree of physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering that women with breast cancer experience as they fight this disease, which more or less maims the essence of their womanhood. Thus, I'm a big fan of supporting the cause to find a cure. I hope I never have to fight this awful battle.

The Triathlon/athletic component:
I've done the Race for the Cure (5K) for several years, but I've always had my eye on the July and August triathlons (Danskin and Tri for the Cure, both of which benefit breast cancer foundations). I actually heard about the Danskin triathlon first, when I worked at Nordstrom two years ago, because they were a sponsor. That's when my "wheels" started turning. Then, last year I heard about the Tri for the Cure, and read more about it. I also started to run across more and more women who had participated in either or both of these triathlons in recent years. All of the coincidences I was experiencing and signs that I was receiving were pointing me toward participating in one of these triathlons. Thus, my interest in doing so has been growing exponentially over the past couple years.

However, since I started college I've been somewhat of an "off and on" athlete. Working out rather inconsistently for the past five years, I now find it difficult to motivate myself to maintain a suitable fitness level for any considerable amount of time. In high school, I was a member of the JV swim team and Varsity tennis team, and I looked forward to my daily workouts. Mainly because I was a member of a team where I had coaches and teammates who pushed, encouraged, and depended on me. The structured and mandatory practices didn't hurt much, either.

So, although I have been feeling empowered about the idea of competing in a sprint triathlon for several years now, I haven't been able to muster the motivation to do it alone. I've tried to recruit friends to train and compete with me, but hadn't been able to find anybody to rally. Then, last week I saw on Theresa's away message that she was beginning to train for the Tri for the Cure with Genevieve. I was ecstatic that these fellow civic-minded St. Mary's alumns of mine were taking the plunge, so I asked T if I could join them and here I am/we are! : )

On a personal level, I've been dying to get back in shape after putting on 15 lbs last spring/ summer when I had a difficult four-month bout with MONO. My energy has been significantly lower than normal and has been increasing at a dishearteningly slow rate since last summer. I know it will be a rough and demanding journey from the point I'm at now until the finish line of a triathlon, but I'm confident with all of my heart that I can do it. I am so grateful for the opportunity to train for what will be such a significant physical accomplishment, and one that benefits the social cause that is nearest and dearest to my heart. To have an opportunity to join my long-lost and recently re-discovered high school friends throughout this six-month process of mental and physical pain, growth, strength and endurance is just fabulous. I couldn't be more excited for what's to come! (Even if that is a 1/2 mile swim, 12.4 mile bike race, and 3.1 mile run...)
: )