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| The Riviera Select-my SUP training partner |
It's hard to believe that April is here! Spring break is over, and training for upcoming SUP adventures and races is on the horizon. Yesterday I did a killer hill workout, quickly did a wardrobe change, and made my way to the rowing dock. I am 5 months away from Lake Tahoe and 2 months away from Tyler's Dam That Cancer 21 mile stand-up paddle. It was great to be on the water! It was a little windy and choppy, and my legs were wobbly from the track workout, but it's always good to train in not so ideal conditions.
I had my first local business donate to The Flatwater Foundation Lake Tahoe Challenge, and I was thrilled to get their support! As I watched all those in excitement at yesterday's TDC Paddle Kick-off, I am reminded as to why I do this. Personally, I've learned to live (and still learning!) a new normal, but I don't know that one is ever quite healed from the cancer journey. Survivorship is a work in progress and takes time.
In additon to the new normal after this whole cancer thing, I am inspired by others' survivorship stories. My friend Nikki, who I also refer to as my spirit/warrior sister, recently went into remission from colon cancer. Nikki is an avid runner, a former coach/teacher, a high school assistant principal, and one who actively lives a healthy lifestyle. After being diagnosed with cancer, she didn't let it slow her down, and she handled it ALL with an indescribable strength! She started a running group called "Nikki's Tribe" to help cope with her cancer diagnosis. She also did this to keep her inner running spirit alive since running had to be put off temporarily. She sent out weekly workouts, set up water for the running routes, and kept us all motivated to keep up with our training. Wow...talk about just an amazing support group! I was inspired by her tribe which was no surprise given Nikki's spirit and just downright awesome personality!
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| Nikki's Tribe |
I looked out for my girl because I know the hardship of being in our role, and to battle this darn disease while doing both, is by no means an easy task. You would have never known Nikki had been through 16 rounds of chemo after surgery and many procedures. Nikki's kindred spirit helped me grow in ways I was lost or lost sight of, and for that, I am so thankful.
Cancer surviors learn so much from each other for the mere fact that we just "get it." More importantly, as I learn from Nikki's journey, I am reminded about the importance of maintaining a renewed and rejuvanated soul.
Nikki will also be tackling the 21 mile stand-up paddle for Tyler's Dam That Cancer! I'm THRILLED to share such an amazing experience with my spirit/warrior sister. Nikki's story is one of many, and I am honored to have her as my friend.
After treatment is complete, the support network for cancer survivors is minimal. The Flatwater Foundation provides a means to help us navigate what I refer to as "unchartered waters." I hope you can support my efforts in donating to an organization that understands the hardship cancer survivors and co-survivors encounter with a cancer diagnosis. Together we can heal many!
Peace, love, y pura vida~
Clarissa, Kona June, and Porter
"All women can do wonders if they're put to the test." ~Wonder Woman
https://www.crowdrise.com/the-flatwater-challenge-lake-tahoe
I am a breast cancer survior, Flatwater Foundation Program Participant, and I fundraise to help spread healing to cancer survivors and their families.
