Fitz Koehler: Overcoming Breast Cancer While Inspiring Others Through Fitness
Introduction
On this episode of The Extraordinary Podcast, Fitz Koehler shares her incredible journey of battling breast cancer while maintaining her passion for fitness. As a fitness expert, motivational speaker, and professional race announcer, Fitz has made a lasting impact on countless lives. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to inspiring others to stay active, no matter the challenges they face.
Fitz Background in Fitness and Race Announcing
Fitz Koehler holds a Master’s Degree in Exercise and Sport Sciences from the University of Florida. She has dedicated her career to making fitness accessible and enjoyable through various platforms, including TV, radio, books, and corporate wellness programs. Additionally, Fitz is a professional race announcer, bringing high energy to major marathons, including the Los Angeles Marathon, Big Sur Marathon, and the DC Wonder Woman Run Series. Her goal is to make every runner feel like a champion, whether they finish first or last.
Fitz Discovering Breast Cancer and the Initial Diagnosis
In December 2018, Fitz received a clean mammogram. However, less than seven weeks later, she discovered a lump during a self-exam. Recognizing the urgency, she immediately scheduled an appointment, leading to further tests that confirmed she had breast cancer. The diagnosis was aggressive: ductal carcinoma, stage 2, with several affected lymph nodes. Within a week and a half, Fitz began chemotherapy.
Fitz Battling Cancer While Staying Active
Despite undergoing intense treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple surgeries, Fitz refused to let cancer derail her life. She made a public declaration that she would continue to announce races and not miss important moments with her children. Her commitment meant enduring grueling travel, arranging IV fluid treatments on the road, and pushing through extreme exhaustion to maintain her work. Fitz credits the running community for providing her with the motivation and support needed to keep going.
Facing Hair Loss and Embracing the Journey
One of the most visible challenges Fitz faced was chemotherapy-induced hair loss. Rather than hiding it, she decided to embrace her new look and publicly shared her journey. She shaved her head and continued appearing on stage, proving that strength isn’t defined by appearance. Fitz’s openness about the realities of cancer resonated deeply with her audience and further cemented her role as an inspiration.
The Morning Mile Program: Encouraging Kids to Stay Active
Beyond her work in race announcing and fitness education, Fitz founded the Morning Mile program, a school-based initiative encouraging children to start their day with physical activity. The program allows students to run or walk before school, promoting fitness in a fun, rewarding way. With over 400 participating schools worldwide, the program has helped millions of children develop a love for exercise, proving that small daily efforts can lead to big results.
Corporate Wellness and Fitness Advocacy
Fitz is also a sought-after corporate speaker, delivering presentations on how fitness enhances workplace performance, energy levels, and overall well-being. She partners with major corporations to promote health and wellness, encouraging employees to take control of their fitness journeys. Her approach is simple but effective: small, consistent changes lead to long-term success.
Life After Cancer: The Noisy Comeback
Fitz’s book, My Noisy Cancer Comeback, chronicles her journey through cancer treatment while maintaining her career. The book is an unfiltered look at the realities of cancer, filled with moments of struggle, humor, and triumph. Fitz hopes her story will inspire others facing adversity to keep pushing forward, no matter how difficult the road may seem.
Conclusion
Fitz Koehler’s story is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication to fitness. From battling cancer to energizing thousands of runners at the start line, she continues to prove that challenges can be overcome with the right mindset. Whether through her Morning Mile program, corporate wellness initiatives, or race announcing, Fitz is a beacon of motivation, reminding us all that we can do hard things.
For more on Fitz Koehler and to purchase My Noisy Cancer Comeback, visit Fitzness.com. Follow her journey on social media @Fitzness for fitness tips, motivation, and updates on her latest projects.
