Jacki Donaldson (center) runs with her dad (left) and sister (right) in the October 2009 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K in Gainesville, Fla.
Jacki Donaldson, Writer and Editor JustEdits.org & CancerSpot.org 42, Gainesville, Fla.
Why do you exercise? I once exercised simply to stay fit. Now, I exercise to stay fit and keep cancer away. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 at the age of 34, and shortly after my diagnosis, I learned that vigorous exercise at least 5 days per week could cut my chance of recurrence by something like 50%. It seemed silly to ignore such a powerful prescription for good health, so I jumped on board and kicked up my efforts a notch. I try to work out every day, and my line-up includes running, walking hills, push-ups, and planks. Sometimes, cycling and swimming make it into the mix, and I have run a handful of 5Ks and one half marathon.
How long have you been at it? I started exercising nearly 25 years ago (yikes!) while in college, and my routines have ebbed and flowed over the years. There was an aerobics phase, a period when I walked and ran while pushing a double jog stroller loaded with two heavy boys, and there have been blocks of time when I slacked and did nothing at all. My hard-core mentality kicked in 8 years ago. A life-threatening disease inspired me to fight hard for my health and well-being, and exercise seemed a sure-fire way to keep all my parts in shape.
Do you ever enter competitions? I do not compete. I mean, I guess races are competitions, but in my mind, I have never competed with anyone but myself. For the half marathon, for example, it was my goal to finish strong, and I crossed the finish line after 2 hours and 12 minutes. I was happy with that.
Most challenging aspect of it: Running is my favorite activity, and sometimes, my body tells me it just does not want to go. You know what, though? I have never regretted a workout — I have never said, “Man, I wish I hadn’t run 3 miles today” — so pushing myself to pound the pavement always delivers a sense of accomplishment.
Most fun part of it: While I love running solo, it’s always fun to run with a friend by my side. The chit-chat makes the time melt away, and I push myself harder when someone is with me; it’s easy to talk myself into stopping when I’m alone, but with a buddy, I never want to appear like a quitter. My mind-over-matter abilities are much stronger when someone is watching
Most rewarding aspect: The most rewarding aspect of running for me is the results I get from my hard work — my body stays lean, my heart rate stays low, and my state of mind is peaceful.
Jacki Donaldson takes in the sights at San Felasco Park in Gainesville, Fla. in February 2013. She plans to tackle one of the park’s running trails in the near future.
Who/what inspires you when you’re felling weak? I am mostly inspired by the fact that I know I will feel super after my workout. Conversely, I know I will regret not working out if I ditch. Also, I am thankful that I am able to run. As long as I am alive and well, I promise to take advantage of my abilities. If I can run, I will run.
Advice for others who’d like to get started: Start slow and keep at it. Fitz told me when I was in the midst of cancer treatment and thought I could not even jog around the block that I should run on my treadmill for 20 minutes. She told me to go slow, but to finish in 20 minutes. I did it, and I kept doing it, and along the way, I increased my speed and my time, I ran a few 5Ks, and then I crossed the half-marathon finish line.
Your must-have equipment: I love good (and cute) running shoes, and I must have music with me. I have run a few times in complete silence, and that’s nice, too, but uplifting songs really keep me going. I especially love how my pace changes with each song; this allows me to go the distance because I get to enjoy slow paces mixed with faster paces.
Favorite training song: Right now, it’s “Adorn” by Miguel. I also love Pink’s “Try.”
Favorite healthy food: My favorite healthy food is a fruit smoothie I make every day — it includes liquid egg whites (don’t worry; they are pasteurized and safe), a Tablespoon of almond butter, frozen blueberries, frozen cherries, ice, and water. I crave this protein-filled concoction.
Favorite not-so-healthy food: I do not have one. I have spent most of my life caving to favorite not-so-healthy foods, but I have just accomplished 3 months of Paleo eating, and there really is nothing unhealthy on my menu. Perhaps I eat too many almonds now and then, but I figure that beats going overboard on crackers and cookies and candy.
Funniest/weirdest/most awkward experience exercising: My weirdest/most awkward moment was when I first exercised while wearing a wig after my hair fell out during chemotherapy. I was afraid the wig would slip or fall off; it never did.
**Jacki is one of the most inspirational people I’ve ever met and it was an honor to train her throughout her cancer treatment. She’s an elite role model for healthy living as she truly does exercise often and eat wisely to live. Fitz
