Austin, Texas
October 26, 2010
This weekend, just over 5,400 people from 10 countries participated in the Lance Armstrong Challenge to fight cancer. Participants chose to walk, run, or cycle distances of 5km, 20 miles, 45 miles, 65 miles or 90 miles and through the generosity of their sponsors raised $3.1 million toward the fight against cancer. Staff reporter, Liv Strong, caught up with two gals, Sifu Claire Finnamore, and Sihing Julie Lilienskold, who travelled all the way from Stony Plain, Alberta, Canada to participate in this amazing event.
Liv: You all gals came all the way from Canada!!! That has to be the farthest anyone's come to ride in Austin.
Julie: I think so. But we flew down. There were 36 riders that cycled down from Vancouver. And we met some cyclists from Toronto and Calgary.
Liv: So how many miles did you all ride?
Claire: We participated in the 65 mile ride, which in Canadian, translates to about 103km.
Liv: A Hundred and three kilometers!! Are you all crazy? There couldn't have been many that were insane enough to go that distance!
Julie: Just under half of the 3100 cyclists did 65 miles or more, actually.
Liv: Well how long did that take you all to finish?
Claire: It took us 7.5 hours, and we definitely finished at the back of the pack. but that's not the point. We were there to spend the day cycling, to enjoy the event and the people, and the feeling of being a part of a worthwhile cause.
Julie: It was great, being a part of a health-care movement and a catalyst for better cancer care and education across the globe. Did you know that this movement has pioneered programs around the world for survivors; worked to unify the fractured cancer community; and instigated a worldwide crusade which includes the United Nations and the Clinton Global Initiative to make the world's No. 1 Killer a health-care priority?
Claire: And being amongst so many people: survivors, activists, supporters, and patients. It was really a great feeling. And so inspiring to be meet people who, after being so sick, or losing husbands, wives, sons, mothers, best friends and heroes - they still had such strength and determination to fight back.
Julie: The teams were really amazing. I met one group of young guys. Every year for the last three years, they ride in memory of their buddy's father. Can you imagine the empowerment that kind of support gives to someone who loses a loved-one to cancer?
Claire: And to cancer patients??? I met a team of about 12 walkers who were pushing a cancer patient in a wheelchair for the 5km walk. Can you imagine the amount of 'fight' that can inject into someone? Being surrounded not only by 12 people who really want you there, and also by thousands of others fighting back too.
Liv: Tell me about the actual route you rode. What did you all like best about it?
Claire: Well, it was all out in the back country roads. Very hilly but incredibly peaceful. I loved the warm humid breeze, the smell of cedar, hearing chickens and roosters as we passed family dwellings. The county sherrifs waiting patiently by his vehicle to direct traffic as the cyclists made their way along the route. The cactus plants and the scenery. That's the thing: this wasn't a race - it was an opportunity to live in the moment.
Julie: I guess that's part of the reason we came in close the back of the pack. We weren't worried about how fast we could speed down the hills, or how hard the next hill was going to be. We just took our time and enjoyed what was right in front of us. Like the armadillo that tried to cross the road. I'm not sure how many of us actually saw that armadillo, but I'm so glad I got the chance to see one up close. He scurried back to the side of the road pretty quick and I was so relieved that he didn't become another Texas speed bump.
Liv: Well I'm so glad it was such a positive experience. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me. And, you all come back next year, you hear?
Claire: Absolutely!!
Julie: Without a doubt.
Liv: LIVESTRONG!
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