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[rachelsearscasanta]

Celebrate the uniqueness of how you are made! ❤ While running this morning I found my thoughts drifting to my displeasure with my body. 😣 Effects of chemotherapy and hormone therapy, while presumably life preserving, are not kind. ☣ While I'm most certainly grateful to be here, to be moving my body in athletic pursuits, like other survivors (and women experiencing menopause!), it is hard to not have one's self-esteem take a hit. 🔨 Later in this morning I set to work crocheting "Henri" from @thewoobles. 🐸 I'm new to crocheting, a beginner with a few amigarumis completed. With each project I finish my skills improve. Alas, I'm finding that my inexperience really shows when executing the finishing details. 👀 Henri was coming along nicely until I sewed on his second eye. 🤪 It is rather wonky. That I realized, Henri is perfect because of his imperfections. His existence should be celebrated as well as his uniqueness. 😍 The same goes for you, dear friend! Celebrate and embrace your perfect, imperfections! 👏 Celebrate how YOU are made! #thewoobles #gratitude #survivor #crochet #amigarumi #runnerthoughts (at Ventura, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/ChN07oTPOJ9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[rachelsearscasanta]

Keep after it, friends! 💪 No matter what your struggle, problem solve, have faith, stay the course. ❤ Nobody says it will be easy. You will be stronger for having pursued and overcome what ever challenges or obstacles cross your path. 👍 #survivor #beatbreastcancer #triathlon #triathlete #triathloncoach #ironmancoach #cycling #cyclingcoach #runningcoach #viewsfromthebike #ojai #hypercatracing #gohypercat (at Ojai, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg-SE5jPxhx/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[rachelsearscasanta]

Be thankful for this day! 🌞 When you wake up each morning, take a deep breath and smile. 😀 Give thanks for more opportunities to share your talents and do good in this world. 🌎 Then lace up your kicks, get out the door and use that body of yours! 🏃‍♀️ . . . #gratitude #thankful #positivity #running #runningcoach #triathloncoach #triathlon #triathlete #ironman #ironmancoach #hypercatracing #teamhypercat #gohypercat #runner #marathoner #marathoncoach #runhappy #brooks (at Ventura, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSPGH6KnqON/?utm_medium=tumblr

[rachelsearscasanta]

I'd rather be sharing a racing photo, but this is the "race" I'm in right now. 🏃‍♀️ Today I'm completing the final chemotherapy infusion phase of treatment! 💪 After recovery over the next 3-4 weeks, I'll start with radiation. I'm so fortunate to have wonderful medical care, a strong body, support of many caring people and the grace of God. If you are in your own personal medical adventure (or know someone who is) I have found that meditation, prayer, eliminating (as much as possible) stress, forgiving everyone and anything that has happened in my whole life (through prayer) and choosing to see the most positive in every situation is making all the difference. I am starting to miss my hair. Truly. However, I just keep looking at the caterpillar in our backyard that has gone into chrysalis. She will soon emerge a butterfly. Eventually so will I. Forever changed. Gifted an opportunity to see the world and life through new eyes. #gratitude #grace #survivor #breastcancer (at Kaiser) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPqxg5gBdhc/?utm_medium=tumblr

[rachelsearscasanta]

A different "race" but so many similar metaphors in the journey. I've been approaching my treatments with much the same approach as training. 1) First, I am maintaining as much as possible, an athlete routine.🏃‍♀️ I run nearly every morning and walk with purpose in the afternoon. Yes, it is labored (drug effects), often uncomfortable and slow. However, this routine helps mitigate / reduce side effects...and there are many. 2) I keep a log. 📒 In addition to my normal log in Training Peaks, I keep a written log related to sleep patterns, energy, mood, how I'm eating/drinking, naps in the pm and the myriad of side effects. This has been helping me to prepare and adjust my expectations and coping mechanisms. 3) One day at a time. Just like in training, we have great (workout) days and then there's the more challenging variety. I am an observer in each moment of each day. I note how things are, am grateful for any positive and let that moment "just be". I try not to label it "bad" (no matter how much it sucks) but rather, find something that is positive in that rough spot. ➕ There are moments when I do ask myself, "why me?" Doesn't everyone with some kind of scary diagnosis? I wonder how did this happen with a lifetime of living a healthy lifestyle and being an athlete?🤔 Well, it is what it is. An opportunity for growth. An opportunity to be a better person, a better wife, better mom, better daughter, sister, friend and coach...to give more, to love more and to truly spend each moment mindfully, cut out the time wasting, energy-eating stuff and live life fully. No matter what life is bringing to you now...you CAN do hard stuff. There is always something to learn and ways to grow. 🌻 #breastcancer #fightcancer #ironmancoach #ironman #triathlete #triathloncoach #runner #marathoncoach #marathoner #cyclingcoach #cycling #mom #smallbusinessowner (at Kaiser) https://www.instagram.com/p/COtCaTTBA5K/?igshid=7dec035xkrdc

[rachelsearscasanta]

A picture speaks a thousand words. 🖼 Here we see snow topped mountains, the remnants of earlier wild fires, water that brings life and gorgeous colors of the landscape combined. 🏞 Slowing down to really "see" and breathe in the beauty around us is rejuvenating. 🙂 #nature #rosevalley #playoutside #gratitude #hiking #landscapes (at Rose Valley Campground) https://www.instagram.com/p/CKuC3noB1jq/?igshid=66mklywv7i8h

[rachelsearscasanta]

Mother Ocean. Her tides cleanse.🌊 Her soothing waves calm and refresh.♥️ A place of peaceful bliss in times of uncertainty. 🕊 . . . #gratitude #MotherOcean #beach #justbreathe (at Ventura, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CHgvlatBa43/?igshid=16of3tadc2auc

[rachelsearscasanta]

Ran 6 miles...then exercised my right to vote! 🇺🇸 Some lively discussion with my spouse about various propositions but we got it done! ♥️ Exercise your right to vote! . . . #vote #vote2020 #exerciseyourrighttovote #election2020 #election (at Ventura, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGNUGtVhWB8/?igshid=zyjwmrqjzrg4

[rachelsearscasanta]

Thank goodness for bicycles! 🚲♥️ Gear up and get your happy on! 🌞 You don't have to go long or go far, just go where your wheels and heart take you! 😀 . . . #bicycling #triathlon #triathlete #hypercatracing #teamhypercat #gohypercat #cyclingcoach #ironmancoach #ironman #triathloncoach #epixgear (at Ventura, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CErl7-qhdnz/?igshid=jokwnwmbowk6

[rachelsearscasanta]

Our latest batch of painted rocks! 🖌🎨 When the kids and I hide (or find) painted rocks, we post pictures to the Painted Rocks of Ventura County Facebook group.💻 Chances are there is a similar group near you, too! . . . #paintedrock #paintedrocks #art #crafts #kidactivities #ventura #venturacounty (at Ventura, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDo0kzrht4i/?igshid=1eiguldg08nrm

[rachelsearscasanta]

Let them eat cake! 🎂 Quite possibly one of the best cakes I have *ever* enjoyed.😃 It is a chocoflan from @dulce_amor11819 - I found Maria and her amazing creations on Facebook and took a chance. I ordered this cake for @philipcasanta's birthday. 🎈So happy I did. If you live in the #ventura, #oxnard or Ventura County area, you must try this chocoflan! Rich, moist chocolate and perfect flan! Follow @dulce_amor11819 . . . #smallbusiness #womanownedbusiness #cake #shoplocal #yummy #chocoflan #celebrate #supportsmallbusiness #eatcake (at Oxnard, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDSVvodB1nt/?igshid=d272gnovh1cv

[rachelsearscasanta]

Oh, the places you will go...🚲 Enjoy the ride, friends! ♥️ . . . #viewsfromthebike #vistas #bicycling #bicycle #bhbikes #ojai #hypercatracing #gohypercat #teamhypercat #hypercatcycleworks #triathlon #triathlete #ironman #ironmancoach #triathloncoach #cyclingcoach (at Ojai, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDJsEneBuMT/?igshid=rgoei9y5ui6s

[rachelsearscasanta]

I had lamented to husband & professional bike mechanic @philipcasanta that my @bh_bikes_usa rig was running rough. 😮 Noisy drivetrain and clunking every few pedal strokes. 🚲 I went to bed late & got up early to ride. Before I went to bed, my bike was still sad. This morning? Festooned with a fancy, new, gold @kmcchain. 💥 Phil has been working endless hours at @hypercatcycleworks. The fact that he still did maintenance on my ride in the overnight hours is pure ♥️. There was no way I could bail on the "long" ride I said I was planning for today! 72+ miles done and dusted! ✔ . . . #kmcchain #bhbikes #hypercatracing #hypercatcycleworks #pbmamechanic #bicycling #cycling #coasttocoastchallenge #allthemiles #longride #supportyourlocalbikeshop #ventura #teamhypercat #triathlete #triathlon #ironman #ironmancoach #triathloncoach #cyclingcoach (at Ventura, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CB_jEUphIMV/?igshid=1r18jrokyws9k

[rachelsearscasanta]

Friends share good eats with friends! 🥕 Balance out those COVID-19 comfort foods with some good, crunchy veggies.😀 You'll feel better...and if you don't find a squiggly squirrel and he'll eat it for you AND bring a smile to your face...then you'll feel better!🐿 . . . #squirrelsofinstagram #carrots #nature #wildlife #nutrition (at Ventura, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CB1VJExBzUk/?igshid=igbnunn1114k

[rachelsearscasanta]

An outstanding opportunity!💥 Take part in this free class on Facebook Live from @pilatesforsports TODAY! 👍I've been following Pilates for Sports programming since the beginning of the year. It has made a measurable, positive impact on my training. 🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️💪It is the preferred online provider of Pilates instruction for @hypercatracing, too! . . . #pilatesforsport #hypercatracing #teamhypercat #gohypercat #triathlon #triathlete #running #runningcoach #runner #ironman #ironmancoach #ironmantraining #ultramarathon #ultrarunner https://www.instagram.com/p/CBi73dah4FA/?igshid=ttnhggpg12mm

[rachelsearscasanta]

I spend a lot of time thinking while pedaling along. 🚲 One thing I know for certain - I'm here to help serve my community through cycling, through running, through triathlon, through sport! 🏊‍♀️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️ Exercise promotes mental, physical and psychological well being. The best "medicine" you can get! ⚕ . . . #hypercatracing #hypercatcycleworks #teamhypercat #gohypercat #triathlon #triathlete #triathloncoaching #cyclingcoach #cycling #ironman #ironmancoach #usatcoach #bicycling #cycling #ventura #bikeviews #healthylifestyle #rideforfun #rideforfitness #rideforfun (at Rincon Beach) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBgcH1vBXbi/?igshid=1dilzr280gplx

[rachelsearscasanta]

The surf is strong within this one! 🏄‍♀️ Fearless and full of adventure. We are probably a year or two away from surf lessons, but I can't wait. 🌊 I think I'll learn right along side her. 🏄‍♀️🏄‍♀️♥️ . . . #ventura #beachlife #boogieboarding #motherocean #surfing #playoutside #parentlife (at Ventura, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CBG4-jUBE4V/?igshid=1jxwv1voofcs7