Extraordinary Circumstances Can Cause Extraordinary Actions: Part 2

Editor’s note: To read the first half of Elizabeth’s story, you can start here.)

This month I’m sharing my interview with Elizabeth, a runner in the midst of extraordinary circumstances. For her, giving up was not an option but extraordinary actions were at the top of the list. In the midst of coaching and receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, Elizabeth upped her game and placed in her age group at the 5K and 10K distance and most recently, the Navy Mile. As you read below, use this as a point of inspiration to make a change or to continue.

How did you maintain the determination to move forward?

It never occurred to me that there has been anything other to do than “beat this darn cancer.” I’ve got faith, friends, family, places to go, people to see, things to do. I’m not going to let a little cancer get in the way.

What thoughts did you having going through the treatment process?

I’ve been very fortunate to have a wonderful surgeon (Dr. C. Coleman Brown) and he has released me to run between my two surgeries (next surgery is the end of October). By opting for a mastectomy instead of a lumpectomy, I am able to avoid radiation. I will have to take a pill once my second surgery has occurred, but I can handle that. Anything to avoid radiation—that has been my thought process given the additional drain on the body that radiation can cause.

How has your life changed?

I have an amazing employer—Enterprise Management Systems—who has been incredibly supportive and has allowed me to take care of my health while keeping my options open. I intended to take a sabbatical in August, but after the cancer news, I embraced the opportunity to explore additional employment with my company. My neighbors and friends have stepped up, forming a Cancer Circle for me to help me get through this journey; I was used to being headstrong and self-sufficient, but cancer has made me realize that it’s not only okay to accept help, it’s also okay to cry, laugh, hug, and be thankful for the many wonderful friends that I didn’t realize I have.

What advice can you pass along to others?

Give yourself time to be sad if you encounter illness or obstacles, but don’t dwell on it. Dig deep, have faith, let friends help, and if you just remember right foot, left foot, repeat. Get out there and run, and you’ll be surprised how both pain and sadness can be replaced by comfort and happiness with every mile you cover.

What lessons have you learned along the way?

Running has opened doors for me, both socially and professionally. Cancer has opened my eyes to appreciating the good in everything—and to help wade through all of the normal distractions of life to focus on being the best person I can be. Being able to run while battling cancer has made me feel like I’m just out there doing another event—a long training run that has plenty of support along the way.

What fitness goals have you set in the next year?

My goal is to continue the Biltmore Off-Road Series (running from 5K-marathon distances) and to complete a few more open water swims, while coaching for the DCRRC Spring Half-Marathon training program for as long as health and schedule permit.

Do you have any regrets of things that you did not do?

Regrets? I did sign up for a few races that I was unable to do—but that was because of my Aug. 3 surgery. But there are so many things to be grateful for that I don’t regret what I have not done.  So, no, no regrets.

Do you feel you have any limitations?

I don’t think I will be eligible to donate blood again—something I always enjoyed doing.

Who or what is your source of inspiration?

I am inspired by my faith; my parents; my cousin, Christian, who beat breast cancer; by my friends in Army Medicine and the mission they support; by my DC Road Runners family; by my neighbors … and by the many kindnesses shown to me by my doctors, ranging from my dentist (Dr. Bryan Wood), to my breast surgeon (Dr. Colette Magnant), to my plastic surgeon (Dr. C. Coleman Brown).

What do you think about during quiet moments?

I try to figure out how I can show appreciation to those who have been so supportive during my journey and how to continue to make a positive difference in my community.

What do you want readers to know about you?

I’m so fortunate to have an excellent support system that has allowed me to combine running with recovery, and I would love to be a sounding board for anyone needing a pep talk to help them put one foot in front of the other to get out there and be a survivor from whatever is getting in their way.