By: Amy Begley, Coach- Atlanta Track Club
We’ve all done it – made excuses for skipping a scheduled run or felt like giving up on a goal that seemed too tough. Sometimes you can find inspiration in another runner’s story. Nicole Lock’s story is certainly one that can motivate just about anyone to get off of the couch.
Nicole ran cross country in high school, took some time off from running and then eventually started doing 5Ks, 10Ks and half marathons. Then in 2005, she was diagnosed with basal cell skin cancer. Over the next few years she had dozens of tumors removed, and each surgery meant 6-8 weeks of time off from running. But each time she returned to running as soon as the doctor gave her the okay.
Nicole’s doctors eventually figured out she had a rare genetic skin cancer syndrome – even if she stayed inside every moment of the day, she could still get skin cancer. The surgeries continued for years until finally in 2012, Nicole was admitted into a drug study to treat the reoccurring cancer with an oral low-dose chemotherapy.
While the drug has been effective, the side effects of Nicole’s chemo include fatigue, leg muscle cramps and a slower running pace. However, she never complains or lets her medical issues serve as an excuse. She is always looking for a way to adapt and get back on the road as quickly as possible.
Since starting chemo, Nicole has gone on to run a marathon and will run her second next month – the TCS New York City Marathon. She serves as a volunteer coach for Atlanta Track Club’s training programs. She even set a new personal best in a recent 10K. Nicole has some big goals ahead of her, and I am excited to do what I can to help her achieve them.
Nicole is incredibly upbeat and wants to run and enjoy life. She has said, “If there’s anything I’ve learned through this cancer journey, it’s amazing what our bodies, minds and spirits are capable of when we set our minds on reaching a goal!” Just remember Nicole the next time you have trouble dragging yourself out of bed for a long run.
Amy Begley is the head coach of Atlanta Track Club, the second largest running organization in the United States. She competed in the 2008 Olympic Games in the 10,000M and placed sixth in the 2009 IAAF World Championships in the same distance with a personal best 31:13, making her the eighth-fastest American woman in history. Her 5,000M personal best is 14:56. Begley finished her professional career with six national titles.