Running (and Swimming) for My Life: Why Fitness Matters After Cancerost

People often ask me why I’m working so hard on my fitness—why I’m running 3 to 5 miles a day, swimming laps for an hour, or training like someone half my age.

The answer is simple:
I want to live.

But it’s not just about general health. Exercise—especially vigorous exercise—has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of cancer spreading or returning. One major study found that it can lower the risk of metastatic cancer by more than 70%.

Yes—seventy-two percent.

That’s what I call running for your life.

Why the Pool Matters

Here’s something my longtime friends know—but you may not: I didn’t know how to swim until earlier this year. At 68 years old, I taught myself by watching YouTube videos. I started in April, determined to get stronger and prove to myself that healing could mean growth.

In May, I swam five miles as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. And now? I’m working with an online swim coach to improve my freestyle technique and keep building strength.

So when you see a photo of me in the pool—it’s more than a workout. It’s a symbol of reclaiming my life.

The Science of Movement and Cancer

A 2022 study from Israel followed men and women for 20 years, comparing those who ran at high intensity with those who didn’t. Among participants who developed cancer, the high-intensity runners were 72% less likely to develop metastatic disease. (Read the study here.)

Researchers believe vigorous activity helps by:

• Lowering blood sugar and insulin resistance, depriving fast-growing cancer cells of the glucose they crave

• Reducing inflammation, which can damage DNA and raise cancer risk

• Balancing hormones, including those that stimulate breast cancer

• Activating muscle-based hormones that suppress tumor growth

A Resource Worth Knowing: Survivor Fitness Foundation

If you’re a cancer survivor looking to get started with fitness, I highly recommend Survivor Fitness Foundation. They offer free, one-on-one fitness and nutrition coaching, virtually and in person.

This isn’t about beach bodies or competition.
This is about living with power, prevention, and purpose.

I don’t run or swim because it’s easy. I do it because I remember the days I could barely walk to the mailbox.
I do it because I faced cancer—and I want to do everything I can to keep it behind me.

So if you see me at the pool or out on the trail, just know:
I’m not chasing a medal. I’m chasing life.