Powered by Max Banner Ads 

Olympic star no just determained

August 4, 2008 · Filed Under MAIN PAGE, motivation/depression 

With the Olympics near to start and the world looking at the elite performers, the tale of Peggy Allen competing

in a sporting event one of the most grueling disciplines triathlon, nevertheless finishing one, were never in her favor

“I’m stoked I did it,” the 58-year-old Allen gleefully proclaimed”I’m a Stage 4 cancer diagnosis but I did it.

Five years ago she decided to give it a whirl after undergoing successful gastric bypass surgery that downsized

her body some 150 pounds, Allen started training for the 2004 triathlon — a half-mile swim followed by a

12-mile bike ride, then a 3-mile road race to the finish line.

Those plans got waylaid when she was diagnosed with a rare form of intestinal cancer, which had spread through

much of her abdomen.

She needed extensive surgery and chemotherapy, Chemo treatments prevented a try in 2006, too, but she was

healthy enough to contemplate training for the 2007 race.

As the competition approached, though, she was forced to quit training when doctors found the chemo drugs had severely

damaged her colon. But she was determined to continue her quest. Last September, when she was taken off the

cancer drugs, and started training for this year’s race.

NEVER GIVE UP

With the sponsorship of the Regional YMCA, Allen went at the task with the energy of a survivor.

She worked with a personal trainer to build strength and endurance.

“I hate running,” she admitted.

In April she was dealt yet another blow. “The terrorist was back,” she said with a sigh.

Stomach pains signaled a new tumor in her abdomen, along with other pockets of cancer cells.

Chemotherapy would have to resume.

This time, though, Allen was stronger than her toughest foe. With her doctors’ blessings,

she was able to stall aggressive treatment until just after the race.

As long as she felt well enough, they advised her to go ahead.

Two hours and 45 minutes later, Allen did what at one time seemed an impossible dream.

With her husband, David, and triathlon organizers at her side, she finished the three-part course.

“I did it for me,” Peggy said. “I did it to prove I could do it.”

From the start of their workouts, Peggy was driven. Even with the chemotherapy she is about to undergo again,

Peggy plans to do the triathlon again next year. She wants to shave time off her result.

Allen’s sister-in-law said her <strong><span style=”color: #ff0000;”>can-do spirit against loads of adversity</span></strong> has proved contagious.

About a dozen friends and family want to join her next year.

It has not been an easy year for her, but she just focused on crossing that finish line,

“And that’s what life is all about. Helping each other get to the finish line.”

I would also add that it it is as important to support each other to get to the start line

“”I am really proud of myself,” Allen declared. “I wasn’t going for the Olympics.

<strong><span style=”color: #ff0000;”>I was in it for the journey, not the destination. </span></strong>

<strong></strong>And I had a great time.”

Wow what a great story if you have read Lance Armstrong’s books he describes quite graphically the

debilitating effect of chemo, to put all aside is a wonderful indication of the resolve of Peggy to be in

control of the circumstance around her and go for her own personal gold

</span></span>


 Powered by Max Banner Ads 

Comments

Leave a Reply




  • Hey are you like me? find it hard to keep track of the interesting sites you visit. Let me send you an occasional email with some training tips and updates on watzzup in the world of Triathlon, sport,nutrition and how it relates to an overall sense of mental well being and achievement gained by stepping up to the start line no matter what the odds are against you.
    Email:
    Name:
    Add to Technorati Favorites
  • Click here to find different topics

  • Tags

  • Sometimes when you really do want to get started
    BUT

    hypnosis script
    the Motivation is not there try the power of positive therapy to change the way you think CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE
    see where it takes you

  • Ten Tips for Optimum Athletic Recovery

    Ten Tips for Optimum Athletic Recovery

       1. Drink water, all you care for, before during and after engaging in

       strenuous activity


       2. Eat fruit upon completion of activity to bring blood sugar back

      to normal levels and provide sugar for conversion to muscle glycogen.


       3. Consume celery and/or tomatoes to provide necessary

       sodium at least several times per week or as often as you participate

       in strenuous activity.


       4. When possible, rest after meals to foster optimum digestion.


       5. Remember, exercise does not provide energy, it requires energy.

        Sleep as much as you desire.


       6. During long duration activities, drink sports drinks of fruit blended

       with water. This works very well. For "ultra" events, add celery to the mixture.


       7. Monitor your water losses by using a scale to measure your weight before

        and after workouts.


       8. Raw foods provide the maximum nutrients for the minimal calories 


        encouraging the most rapid recovery. Gradually raise the raw percentage

        of your diet until you approach or reach 100%.


       9. Develop the habit of going to bed earlier to obtain a good night's sleep.


      10. Keep meals simple for optimum digestion, and varied to insure optimum nutrition.

  • Archives

  • LOOKING FOR A GIFT IDEA

    Customized Gifts For Coach
    Customize apparel, awards & trophies, clipboards, decals & stickers, engraved baseball bats, mini basketball hoops, mugs, ornaments, plaques, seat cushions, footballs, basketballs, soccer, baseball, polo, golf balls, pens, vinyl banners & more!
  • HEY Join In

  • The pedestrian (lemming) stepped off the curb into the road without looking and gets knocked down by a passing cyclist:"You were lucky" said the cyclist "What are you on about! That really hurt!" said the pedestrian "Usually I drive a bus!" the cyclist replied
  • Grazr
  • SOMETIMES PEACE WHATEVER THAT MEANS TO YOU IS FOUND BY SHARING WITH OTHER PEOPLE If you click on the banner below you will find a great community believing all people all cultures can live together