One Word: Prevention

Tanning beds now join the top cancer-causing risk category, keeping company with asbestos, arsenic and cigarettes as a known carcinogen. One word: PREVENTION.

I drew the short straw of genetics when it came to my cancer. If there had been a known cause (there isn't), I would have done everything in my power to prevent it. So, I have to ask -- if you wouldn't work in a building with asbestos or smoke cigarettes -- you have to ask yourself why are you still tanning when you know it is a high-risk for causing cancer?

1 in 2 men, and 1 in 3 women will have cancer in their lifetime. Think of how much better those statistics could be if we all worked to prevent it through our actions. 30% of cancers are preventable. Are you doing your part?

Click here to read the latest news on this topic.

Cures Rock! (Cancer does not.)

Game On.

Here is the thing that makes life so interesting:

The theory of evolution claims only the strong shall survive.

Maybe so, maybe so,

but the theory of competition says

just because they are the strong doesn't mean they can't get their asses kicked.

That's right.

See, what every long-shot-come-from-behind-underdog will tell you is this:

The other guy may, in fact, be the favorite, the odds may be stacked against you.

Fair enough, but what the odds don't know is this isn't a math test.

This is a completely different kind of test.

One where passion has a funny way of trumping logic.

So, before you step up to the starting line,

before the whistle blows and the clock starts ticking,

just remember:

Out here,

the results don't always add up.

No matter what the stats may say,

and the experts may think,

and the commentators may have predicted,

when the race is on all bets are off.

Don't be surprised if somebody decides to flip the script, take a pass on yelling uncle,

and then suddenly, as the old saying goes,

we got ourselves a game.

- Versus Exclusive Coverage Video (click here to watch)

Shoshin

Shoshin is a concept in Buddhism meaning, Beginner's Mind. It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject. Even at a mastery level, like Lance on his bike, you have this same openness and spirit, just as a novice would in that particular area.

And, although it traditionally is applied to Zen Buddhism and the Martial Arts, I believe it applies to anyone with a genuine heart in any subject area, for example, running, cycling and professional work. To this day, I feel there is so much I can learn from this concept, and I strive to keep it in all my endeavors, whether I'm consulting on a project, going for a run (ok, I guess that's easy since I'm a newbie runner), meditating, advocating in the fight against cancer, or playing my oboe.

One of my favorite sayings of Shunryu Suzuki (author of "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind) is: "In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, in the expert's mind there are few."

It's why I was honestly struck silent when I saw a picture of the design on the Livestrong TT bike for Lance Armstrong at the 2009 Tour de France (TDF). It was created by Japanese artist, Nara. The text on the top tube of Armstrong's bike reads, "Never forget your beginner's spirit!"

Well said, Lance & Nara! Lance, don't forget to keep your beginner's spirit and passion as you race through the TDF! We are all behind you 100%. LIVESTRONG! (If you'd like to see the photo of the TT bike, click here. )

Lance's "Stage 9 TDF" Dedication: To the San Jose Challenge Participants

To all of the runners and riders of today's San Jose LIVESTRONG Challenge -- Lance dedicated today's Stage 9 at the Tour de France. Click the following link to view the LIVESTRONG Blog post & Video:

LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » Today’s Dedication: San Jose Challenge Participants

Thanks to all of your efforts, and the generosity of 17,000 donors, we raised $1.3million for the San Jose LIVESTRONG Challenge!!!

There are still two more LS Challenges this year -- Philly & Austin! To find out more, go to the LIVESTRONG Challenge web site.

Pictures:

#1: Livestrong Links are added at each Challenge and travel to the next one, representing those that live strong. Veteran's Memorial in background.

#2: LAF "Mission" and Inspiration Wall with notes from participants and families.

#3: Team Spike cycling jersey - the team runs to help find a cure for all beings.

#4: Participants in the SJ Livestrong Challenge

Suck it, Cancer!

That's right -- you heard me. :) Game on, Cancer!

This weekend is the San Jose LIVESTRONG Challenge, and I'm throwing my running shoes in my bag and heading up for it. The Lance Armstrong Foundation posted a new blog today regarding the challenge, and a few the reasons why some of us are participating. To read it, and to follow the Challenge throughout the weekend, go to the LIVESTRONG Blog at:

LIVESTRONG Blog » Blog Archive » Adios, Cancer. Hola San Jose!

Pic: Team LIVESTRONG at the Boston Marathon 2009. (Front row LtoR: Sarah Appolito, Colleen Wilson & Cyndy Martin)

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Tour de France 101

I've been receiving a lot of questions about the Tour de France (TdF) -- and for good reason! Team Astana and Lance Armstrong are doing a remarkable job. Even more impressive is the fact that Lance is out there and "it's not about the bike." He's racing the TdF to raise awareness about the global epidemic of cancer. It's not about the press -- it's about YOU.

There are two great places to go if you're looking for TdF 101 *hints*, along with exclusive videos/twitter/blogs/pictures of Lance and team.

1. Livestrong: Tour de France- http://www.livestrong.com/lance-armstrong/

2. Livestrong Global Cancer Campaign: http://www.livestrong.org/global

LIVESTRONG!

Happy Freedom Day!

"The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage."
-Thucydides (460-404 b.c.)

Why I Ride: An Open Letter

Ever wonder what drives Lance Armstrong?

He wrote a great blog on the LIVESTRONG web site. Click to read: Why I Ride: An Open Letter and learn more about how he's riding for the global prioritzation of cancer and the upcoming Global Summit on Cancer in Dublin, Ireland.

WHAT'S YOUR BIKE?

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