MIND-BODY CONNECTION
NEED MOTIVATION? Look to events that support cancer advocacy for inspiration.
they find motivation during these physi- cally and emotionally challenging times? "I always felt better after I worked out," says Sarah, even though the only "work- out" she could manage on some days dur- ing treatment involved a "walk to the next park bench" before she needed to rest. "I needed the sun on my face and the sweat dripping down my forehead to feel that all would be well again," she explains.
EVERY LITTLE BIT COUNTS
Though physical activity for Sarah and Bruce sometimes includes half marathons and long-distance bike rides, you can de- fine exercise to meet your own needs and abilities. "We are not asking ourselves to do the impossible," Gilbert says, explain- ing that any extra physical effort in our day is reason to be proud and will serve us well—mind and body. The first rule for newcomers to exercise as well as for those returning to activity
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Runs, walks, and other sporting occasions—both competitive and just for fun—that support a cancer cause can supply motivation to get mov- ing, help you set and reach personal goals, provide camaraderie, and, most importantly, add great fun to your fitness routine. Sarah and Bruce Cooper have each participated in cancer advocacy
races, namely Komen Race for the Cure® events. Bruce says that, ini- tially, the 5K run/walks motivated him to improve his performance. "The races helped me focus my training to improve my times," he ex- plains; but afer 15 years of participation, he's now more caught up in the spirit of the gatherings. "I do them to support the cause and to sup- port other friends who have had breast cancer," he says. Sarah explains that though the 5K events did get her out and mov- ing—ofen with friends and family—the fun is what's kept her partici- pating. "There is great food, music, happy people, plenty of giveaways, and a great cause," she explains. And even if a Komen Race for the Cure is mostly about a good time, winning, Sarah admits, is an added bonus. "The awards are fantastic!" she says.
FINDING AN EVENT You can contact local cancer advocacy groups or treatment centers to
learn about races and events. The following national organizations are dedicated to exercise for a cause: pÐ2FCÐ KCPGA?LÐ!?LACPÐ1MAGCRWÐ0CJ?WÐDMPÐ*GDC Ðrelayforlife.org pÐ1SQ?LÐ% Ð)MKCLÐDMPÐRFCÐ!SPC Ðww5.komen.org pÐ*CSICKG?Ð Ð*WKNFMK?Ð1MAGCRWÐ2C?KÐGLÐ2P?GLGLE Ðteamintraining.org
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