Ironman Triathlete Overcomes Brain Tumor and Rides Across Country

Ep. 144 Former Ironman competitor Risa August opens up about how a brain tumor dramatically impacted her athletic ability but opened up a new world of adventures as an author and Gestalt practitioner. Get ready to be moved and inspired.  Following the life-altering diagnosis, Risa exhibited extraordinary resilience by transforming her lifestyle and embarking on new adventures, including a remarkable bike ride from Canada to Mexico along the Pacific Trail. A newly published author, Risa is on a mission to live life to the fullest and empowers others with her story of overcoming adversity. Notable Quotes: "It's not a matter of my time that I have to structure and schedule, it's my energy, like, what's going to fit within the parameters of my energetic ability." "I started focusing on what I could do, oh my gosh, my whole world opened up." Resources: Risa August's book: "The Road Unpaved Border to Border With a Brain Tumor and a Bike" available for purchase on bookshop.org and Amazon  Risa’s Website: www.risaaugust.com Movie Mentioned: The Way (2011) Connect with Risa August IG: https://www.instagram.com/risaunleashed/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/risaunleashed Connect with Maryann Website: https://www.maryannriveradannert.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/maryannriveradannert/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/MRDEmpowermentSolutions Linkedin: https://www.bit.ly/maryannriveradannert Chapters: 0:00:00 Introduction to Risa's inspiring story of overcoming adversity 0:02:10 What is a Gestalt practitioner 0:03:21 Risa shares the inspiration behind her book and its title 0:04:51 Decision to embark on a bike ride across the country 0:06:19 Challenges of the bike ride 0:07:17 Current state of health and remaining limitations challenges  0:09:10 Risa talks about the grieving process and rediscovering herself 0:10:15 Process of writing her book and its healing effect 0:10:52 Risa shares the signs that led her to seek medical attention 0:11:47 Importance of advocating for oneself in the medical system 0:13:09 Physical limitations due to the disease. 0:13:48 Living fearlessly by trying new things without judgment. 0:15:07 Resistance from friends and family 0:16:41 Where to buy the book. 0:17:05 Planning to ride her bike across northern Spain. 0:18:25 Don't let anything limit you, shift your perspective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices