Angela Pohl: The Challenges of Cancer Don't Stop When the Treatment Stops - R4R 252

Bravery. Courage. Strength. Vulnerability. Our guest today is Angela Pohl, one of our own Running for Real community members. She shares with us the story of her breast cancer diagnostic and treatment journey as she gets ready for a double mastectomy surgery on June 11. There’s so much we can all learn from Angela, starting with her admirable mindset. From her, we learn how we can use our runner’s attitude of courage and determination as tools to aid us in some of life’s hardest challenges.    “I had been chronicling my whole running journey for a couple of years now, and just all of the learnings that I've had through that, the mental training and all the progress that I made through that I decided that I was going to be very open about sharing my breast cancer journey as well because it's a chapter of my running journey or my overall journey.” –Angela Pohl   During 2020, Angela ran 55 half marathons, 13 full marathons, and was training for a 100-mile ultra when she got diagnosed with breast cancer. In this episode, she helps us cover…   Importance of self-checks and mammograms- even if you believe yourself to be a healthy runner or athlete.  Don’t put things off. First it was COVID hesitation to not go to the doctor’s office, then it was a marathon training cycle putting off doctor’s visits until she finally went. There’s always something going on, but checkups are important. Don’t put them off.  “Not everybody who goes through a cancer journey wants to be seen as a fighter or battling or warrior. Some people are on a healing journey. They feel that the cancer is part of their body, so they don't want to fight their own body. They might not want to use that kind of metaphor just because has some kind of violence, you know, associated with it. For me it's kind of a journey. I'm a race addict. And so I thought it would be kind of fun if you can call this fun at all to, you know, pretend that this is a whole race that I'm going through, and it's probably more like a multi-leg ultra marathon.” “That is something that I learned from running about how to stay in the mile that you're in, not, look all the way down at the results will start worrying about that because you just need to take it one mile at a time.” Angela learned that exercise is good while you're going through chemotherapy. Even just going on a walk.  Angela co-founded a non-profit, Good Running, in 2016. Each month the group of runners selects a non-profit and donate $20 directly to the organization. They also gather raffle prizes and runners get a raffle ticket for every mile they run or walk. It’s all about runners doing good, together.    Resources: Angela’s Instagram: @goodrunning26.2 (Message her some words of kindness and encouragement)   GoodRunning.org   Sarah Canney’s Rise Run Retreat   Thank you to Momentous, Athletic Greens, and goodr for sponsoring this episode.   Being a tough year with additional stresses on top of an already overwhelming situation means sleep can often be lost...but it is the one thing that we know would help us. Being a former insomniac, I know the frustration going to bed early, yet being unable to switch your brain off can bring. These Momentous Elite Sleep capsules are fantastic and contain Melatonin, Magtein® (Magnesium L-threonate), and Wild Jujube Seed Extract which together will help reduce nighttime anxiety, gently fall asleep and improve circadian rhythm to achieve higher quality sleep.  Go here and use code TINA for 20% off.   Athletic Greens is a simple and easy way to get 75 vitamins, minerals, and whole food source ingredients. Just to help my immune system be stronger and greater! It is so simple to make and it tastes good as well. I used this for my prenatal and I am still using it while breastfeeding. AND for my UK and Canadian friends, you can participate in this deal as well, so take advantage! Now you can get up to a YEAR supply of Vitamin D3 and K2 for free with your first purchase of  Athletic Greens through my podcast. Visit here to learn more!   I have been a fan of goodr for YEARS and I literally have their sunglasses all over my house. I recently had an episode with the Co-Founder Stephen Lease where he talks about the true and real story behind his company and I appreciate him being honest with me about it. The design behind these sunglasses really takes into consideration look and comfort. They are 100% carbon neutral and a part of 1% for the planet and protect many great organizations who care for our planet deeply. Go here to get 15% off of your order as well as free shipping on your first pair.   Thanks for listening! We know there are so many podcasts you could be listening to, but we are honored you have chosen Running For Real. If you appreciate the work that we do, here are a few things you can do to support us: Take a screenshot of the episode, and share it with your friends, family, and community on social media, especially if you feel that topic will relate to them. Be sure to tag us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram If you are struggling through something a guest mentions, chances are, others are too, and you will help them feel less alone  Leave an honest review on iTunes or your favorite podcast player Your ratings and reviews will really help us grow and reach new people Not sure how to leave a review or subscribe, you can find out here. Thank you to Angela, we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the show.