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.
Great effort, Steve! One day at a time. Enjoy the wind, the sun, the rain! Much more fun than a cube! Hey, live feed from yyour helmetcam would be fun!
Steven, you are a rockstar. Keep on pedaling and keep on posting. We are all cheering you on from the West coast… you are getting closer!
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Great going, Steve! You are an inspiration. I have cut back on my bike riding for fear of irritating my prostate. Is that not a concern?
Hi Michael,
Thnaks for the the kind words. About cycling and irritating a prostate gland, I recommend asking you doctor. I think I asked my oncologist a while back, but the answer is lost in the hundreds of questions I’ve asked since. My vague memory is that my oncologist said that cycling does not affect a prostate gland. Another thought is that if cycling did irritate a prostate gland, all the men who cycle often and far (hundreds of thousands, maybe millions) wouldn’t do it. After all, prostate problems can make it difficult for guys to have sex. If that was a real problem, nearly all men would stop cycling in a heartbeat.
Congratulations Steve! You are inspiration to all of us in this club we have joined. I have found that exercise I can do helps me both physically, mentally, and emotionally as well. No matter how tired I am from the treatments, doing is something and then celebrating that I am and can. I look forward to your next post. -Rick
Your journey is inspirational! It’s a great reminder to all of us with cancer that the more we push ourselves to achieve a new goal, the dwell on the cancer itself. Positive energy is as important as the treatment itself. Good luck on your next 1000 miles! – Jonathan