We crossed the 1,000 mile mark today, on our trip across the US. It’s an exciting moment, but for me, it’s a sort of “relaxed excitement.” One reason is that we still have over 3,000 miles to go. Another reason is that cycling 1,000 miles isn’t a singular event. It’s been a 3 week routine. Each day, we wake up, get food ready, have breakfast, and get on the road for 50-75 miles. At night we get groceries, have a meal, and settle in for the night. Wake up, repeat.

Other people in my group show 1,000 with their arms.

A lot of life involves some kind of routine, so maybe I should have more appreciation for important events along the way. Considering that, I’m happy about cycling 1,000 miles. But there is one more reason that makes it feel like a “relaxed excitement.” The trip is about 4,200 miles, so crossing 1,000 miles means it’s already ¼ over. This trip is already going so fast.

My friends at the Prostate Cancer Foundation have told me that they’re following this blog. There’s a chance some prostate cancer survivors might read this as well. At this 1,000 mile mark, I want to share some thoughts from one cancer survivor to others. I hate the fact that I have cancer. It’s pulled me down many times and in many ways, but that makes it even more fulfilling to have made it this far, with no sign of stopping. This trip was my next challenge, since I gone on several bike tours.

I hope you try something that will give you satisfaction that’s similar to mine today. That may be walking 5 blocks instead of 3, swimming a few laps more, running a bit more, or whatever works for you. It’s even better in a group with some goal in mind, maybe walking or running a 5k, 10k, or more.

Training to go further takes your mind off health stuff, and when you walk, run, swim, or cycle further than before, you feel like an accomplished athlete, instead of a cancer survivor. I hope my unsolicited advice is alright. My hope is that exercise can be another way to make life more about living than thinking about cancer.