by Lisa Lynam

This feature is a continuation of the Front of the Pack article on Sharon Rector in the August 2002 issue of Runner Triathlete News. To get the "rest of the story" on Rector, please read the Front of the Pack article in that issue.

Sharon Rector has played an important role in developing Capital of Texas Team Survivor. The Austin non-profit organization brings together a special group of women who face a bigger challenge than even the triathlon itself - the fight against breast cancer. Through running and cycling programs, including the Danskin training team, these women as well as cancer survivors support each other not to just survive, but to thrive.

The Austin chapter started out with four women in 1995. In 2001, with the support of coach Melanie Barnes and director Melanie Tucker, 75 team members demonstrated their courage and will to live through participation in the Danskin Triathlon. Tucker, a survivor herself who was struck with cancer at age 21, has completed as a relay team member being eight months pregnant. The Danskin Triathlon is an integral part of the Team Survivor program, given that the annual Austin women's only triathlon donates a

Team Survivor supports all women who have had cancer as well as those who are in treatment by offering educational exercise programs for all fitness levels in every stage of cancer treatment and recovery. Women are inspired to run, cycle, swim, or do yoga with the purpose of allowing them to regain control of their bodies, their health and their lives. Even those who may be recovering from recent surgery can still participate, as there is a water program of gentle, mainly upper-body exercise in a heated pool.

"Some of the women start totally from nothing," said Barnes who led weekly workouts for Team Survivor members at The Hills Fitness Center. "It's such a rich experience to see them get through it. They learn that everyday is precious. Having the unfortunate circumstance of cancer helps them realize this."

Capital of Texas Team Survivor plans a number of yearly events such as Saddle-Up, the Backyard Tri at the Hills Fitness Center and the Danskin pre-race pasta dinner with Sally Edwards as guest speaker. The Saddle Up is Capital of Texas Team Survivor's annual fundraiser to be held at Powerhouse Gym in Austin on September 21 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event allows participants to ride for up to five hours and build a team of riders and share the fun.

Capital of Texas Team Survivor also offers training and education to prepare members for the Race for the Cure(R) to take place in Austin on November 3.

Their latest program is called Motion Promotion which aims to get Team Survivor members to keep up their exercise programs after the Danskin and Race for the Cure by refunding members $10 from the registration fee of various races.

For more information on Capital of Texas Team Survivor, or to make a donation or to fill out a membership form, visit http://www.teamsurvivoraustin.org or e-mail: info@teamsurvivoraustin .org