Why getting fit again after cancer means stepping out of your comfort zone

I don't always love exercising after cancer. Who does? But I love feeling progress and seeing my fitness coming back

Today, I did something I really don’t love.

I sat on the turbo trainer in the cold and pedaled for nearly 2 hours. At a heart rate and resistance slightly out of my comfort zone. So boring. And a little bit uncomfortable. By the end of it, I was hungry, tired and my hands were cold, so I couldn’t open the door to get back inside.

So why did I do it?

Because it was in my training programme.

I’d already blocked off the time in my diary.

And I know my coach is watching me.

I also know that this is what I need to do if I seriously want to improve my fitness after cancer - to do the exciting things I’m planning for next year.

Next year is a big birthday and, rightly or wrongly, I want to prove to myself I’ve still got it.

So what’s my point?

I often do exercise-y things that I don’t love or are slightly uncomfortable. I love sport but I don’t always love training.

I don’t love swimming but I know it’s so good for my body. And so good for preventing lymphedema.

I don’t love core strength exercises or doing physio for my feet. But I know if I neglect them, my back hurts and I can’t run.

And I don’t love lifting big weights. It’s hard. But I also don’t love osteoporosis and balance issues. And the more weight I lift, the more I feel I’m protecting myself for the future.

I really love running in the mountains. I love whizzing down hills on my road bike. I love rock climbing. But I can’t do those things at the level I want - and stay injury free - if I don’t train.

Especially after cancer. Especially after menopause.

It’s been a bitter pill to swallow that I’m not the athlete that I used to be. Which is why I’ve got more serious and smart about how I exercise in the last few months.

Am I always motivated?

No.

Especially not in winter.

Which is why I am also loving having a new coach, who is holding me accountable. All coaches need a coach!

For me, as a cancer coach, my style is all about empathy. Taking time to understand you, your cancer treatment, your lifestyle, your body, your fitness level. And sometimes supply a little dose of tough love - to make you do the things you don’t love but that are good for you ! 💕