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Introduction Text It's been a while since I updated this, so since I was chosen as a Motivator August 11, I think I need to add some updates. My half marathon count went up to 52 from the 29 last reported -- along with my one full. I completed #52 in March 2018, though not pretty, I finished. Even with physical issues and fluctuating weight I am proof that anyone can do this type of race. In 2010 I did 16 half marathons throughout the United States. Since then my number of halves has gone down each year, but that is because of health issues. I do continue to go to the gym a couple times each week. During 2011 I found out I had Lymphoma, but continued to train and race during my 6 rounds of chemo, and completed my 50th half marathon. I posted a couple blogs about it. I also had a breast cancer scare which turned out as just that. No breast cancer found. I'm now just waiting for a clear PET scan so I can say I'm in total remission. My breast cancer scare turned to diagnosis 6 months later. I had a lumpectomy and radiation and was declared "in remission" for that cancer as well. And I celebrated with at trip to Costa Rica. 2013 I started training for half #51 which was in August. At the time, it was my slowest finish ever, but I finished better than I had expected. Then 4 days later I promptly fell and broke my ankle and ???. I did my required time in the boot, then went out and did a 4 mile race, which aggravated the ??? part of the fall. In January of 2014 I found out I had a torn tendon and had surgery to repair it. The tendon and surgery put me on the sideline for a long time as it didn't heal well. I finally ended up seeing a chiropractor who got me back on track with walking, and lost almost all the weight I wanted to with the help of a health coach and the full body approach - mind, body & spirit. Late 2016, I had just started training again, when the universe decided that I needed another test. I was diagnosed with a new breast cancer, which made 3 distinct cancers in 5 years. This brought the decision for a bilateral mastectomy. My 52nd race was put on hold as 2017 was to be used for healing. At the end of the year I resumed training with a renewed energy. In January 2018, I rolled my ankle once again. It was sore, but didn't seem to bad. But as I continued to train it didn't get better. However, I decided I was going to get in #52 and in March completed it. I then cut back on my walking, in hopes the foot/ankle would get better, but it didn't. One good thing finally happened... In July 2018, I was finally told I was cured with regards to all 3 cancers. So here it is August, 2018 and I have just had another surgery on my ankle/foot to repair a lot of damage. I'm healing and hoping. Will I ever do another half marathon? I don't know, and I really am fine with that now. So for the time being, when I'm healed I plan on getting back out and walking - just walking. So as I have always said... No matter what life gives you, just keep going.

My main goal is to stay healthy. In order to maintain my health and improve upon it I am working to loose more than 50 pounds.

I am doing strength and resistance training 2 times each week and walk between 4 and 8 miles 3 to 4 time a week. The walking is in conjunction with training for 1/2 marathons which I do on a regular basis.

I'm a Colorado native and raised in Westminster. Have been married for more than 35 years and have 2 wonderful sons. I am retired, but volunteer my time as a photographer.

I love painting and crafting and have sold many items via craft fairs and through personal referals. After completeing a full marathon in January 2004, I turned to doing 1/2 marathons after a year break. Training for 1/2 marathons has became almost an obsession. I was always looking for a new race in a new place and loved to travel to my races. I have completed 52 1/2 marathons. I feel that doing a 1/2 marathon is a completely do-able feat no matter your athletic ability (or lack of it). With the right training and support anyone can do it.

Add a Link Thornton Sparkers Team Leader SparkPeople's Official 5K Your Way Walking Program Co-Leader I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker. - Helen Keller Don't look at life as "you have to," view it as "you get to." It puts the fun back in things.
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