“When I’m out there running, even though it can be stressful, I feel like I’m staying ahead of the cancer,” said Fields, who shared his story recently on the Cancering Show podcast.
In episode 23, Fields talks with Cancering Show host Jennifer Young Pierce, M.D., M.P.H., about his cancer journey and about his memoir, “The Long Road Back to Boston: Marathon Running with Leukemia.”
“An important aspect of the book is having that passion and allowing that passion to help you through difficult times,” Fields said.
Following his diagnosis, Fields decided to run a marathon in every state and the District of Columbia between 2009 and December 2012, he told Pierce. Once that goal of 51 marathons in 47 months was accomplished, he set other goals – races in all Canadian provinces and then back to the U.S. to do the states a second time.
On the podcast, he relates how he refused to allow chronic lymphocytic leukemia to dictate his life and tells the story of his triumphant return to the Boston Marathon.
Fields also offers words of advice for other cancer survivors. “A cancer diagnosis is not the end of life. It’s only the beginning,” he said. “Find what your passion is that can help you through your hard times. It may be gardening. It could be reading or watching a sunset or sunrise – whatever you find that is enjoyable.”
Fields is donating all royalties from the sale of his book to pediatric oncology, including at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital. His book can be found on Amazon and BookBaby.
