I didn't set out to become a competitive weightlifter. While I've always enjoyed working out and being fit, I never dreamed of competing as a weightlifter. I may never have researched my unique health needs if I hadn't been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I was just 33 years old.
A Dark Beginning
My prognosis was grim from a traditional medical practitioner's perspective. But I read everything I could find — magazine articles, NIH studies (National Institutes of Health, a US Government Agency), and fellow survivor stories. I was my oncologist's youngest patient, and when we had our regular meetings, I talked to him as a peer. There were days that he did not like that I challenged his protocols, but I was determined to advocate for myself. He was treating me like a stage 4 cancer patient, BUT I was in stage 1 substage b&c. in two organs.
Moving Towards the Light
My research and self-advocacy paid off, and I made a full recovery. I continued working out and moving. Fast forward to 2020, I joined a cheap commercial gym for $10 per month. It was a start, but my results (like weight loss and flat stomach) were unimpressive. I tried an expensive workout program and diligently worked the program for a long time, with disappointing results (no flat stomach). But I wanted better results. So, I joined a personal training gym and experienced better results. While there, I read a City of Alexandria newsletter advertising the Northern Virginia Senior Olympics. I entered the weight lifting competition, practiced the lifts, planned the workout, and resolved to just complete my plan. And I WON!!!
Stepping Up
I continued to research fitness, especially weight training. I joined yet another gym that specialized in Olympic weightlifting and achieved noticeable results. Through practice, my technique started to improve, and I qualified for the master's National in March 2023. I won my weight class in my age group! I'm now in my mid-60s, and I've just completed chapter ONE of my fitness story.
So, there is always time to start. Contact »
