Mother, wife, athlete and now cancer survivor, this year, Clare Atkinson rebounded from the battle for her life to complete her first half Ironman and defend her over 40 Athena title.Mother, wife, athlete and now cancer survivor, this year, Clare Atkinson rebounded from the battle for her life to complete her first half Ironman and defend her over 40 Athena title.
Originally from South Yorkshire, England, the Markham native was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in November. After having surgery during Christmas, and undergoing radioactive iodine treatments in the spring, Clare has successfully recovered from the deadly disease. However, while she has been given a clean bill of health, her battle with cancer brought on its share of nutritional issues.
“I have to always remember to take my little blue pill in the morning to keep me up. That is the synthetic thyroxine that my body no longer produces because I have no thyroid anymore and I have to stay away from any multi-vitamins, calcium and milk products in the morning which really limits what I can take in pre-race. At this point I am still playing around with what works for me and what does not.
If you get the chance to speak to Clare you will soon realize that the woman is one tough cookie. She was not going to let the cancer slow her down. Just five weeks after surgery, she started getting back into her regular routine. One that entails the balancing act of being mom to two children, a full time job that involves regular travel, serving as President of the Markham Masters Swim Club, and squeezing in her swim, bike and run training.
“Trying to make sure that I set a schedule and stick to it, even if I think I am tired after work I know that once I get in the pool I will actually feel better. Including the family in the training schedule – running after I drop my son at his swim practise, swimming at night so the kids are in bed by then, and watching very little TV.
Clare did her first sprint distance race at Lakeside two years ago, winning her age group and the Athena Under 40 title. She followed that up by winning the Athena Over 40 HSBC Series title in 2007 and easily defended her title again this season. In fact, since 2007, Clare has won her age group in every race she has entered. But don’t assume it was all a piece of cake for her.
“Completing the Bracebridge Half Ironman this year was the longest and hardest thing I have ever done! Yes, the cancer diagnosis was a bit of a blow so it has been a journey to bounce back from that and get back into shape.
With such an inspirational comeback, we asked Clare to provide some words of wisdom and encouragement.
“Just get out there and do it! If someone like me can do it then anyone can. All you have to do is make the mental commitment to take part and to train. Anyone can fit the time into their day if they really want to. Join a masters swim club, find some friends to bike with and go out for a jog a few times a week; have fun getting in shape with your buddies.
Clare believes in leading by example for her children and showing them the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle. It is quite safe to say that she has effectively done that and more. Thanks to a promise she made to her friend, Clare will embark on another test and take that leadership to a new level for 2009 as she has her sights set on competing at Ironman Florida. If this year is any indication, Clare certainly has the mettle to take on that challenge.