What happens when an Ironman triathlete-someone who has conquered 140.6 miles of swimming, biking, and running-faces an opponent that can't be outpaced, out-trained, or simply willed into submission? In "Every Mile Matters: Turning Triathlon Training Into Cancer Triumph," Dr. Jeffrey L. Reynolds discovers that the grit, endurance, and mental toughness built through years of grueling athletic training become his most powerful weapons in fighting not one, but two life-threatening cancers.
At 55, Jeffrey had just completed Ironman Florida, basking in the glory of achieving what less than one percent of the world's population has accomplished. Months later, a routine medical exam delivered devastating news: prostate cancer. Before he could fully recover, a second diagnosis struck-Stage 3B colorectal cancer, a far deadlier adversary that would test every ounce of his legendary endurance.
This isn't just another cancer memoir. It's a masterclass in applying athletic discipline to life's ultimate test. Jeffrey reveals how the three disciplines of triathlon-swimming, biking, and running-became metaphors for navigating cancer treatment. Swimming taught him to stay afloat during the churning chaos of chemotherapy. Cycling showed him how to endure the repetitive grind of daily radiation treatments. Running prepared him for the long, arduous journey toward recovery and the rest of his life.
With unflinching honesty and surprising humor, Jeffrey chronicles the brutal realities of cancer treatment-from the indignity of colonoscopies performed in public restrooms to the dark moments when he questioned whether he had the strength to continue. He explores how cancer changes you physically, emotionally, spiritually, and socially, transforming not just your body but your entire perspective on what truly matters.
More than a survival story, this book is a practical guide for anyone facing life's inevitable challenges. Jeffrey shares ten "training tips" for building comprehensive fitness-not just physical, but mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience. He tackles tough topics like healthcare disparities, the importance of early screening, and why saying "I love you" shouldn't require a cancer diagnosis to feel comfortable.
The book also serves as an urgent wake-up call about America's healthcare system, revealing how social determinants of health create profound inequities in who gets cancer, when it's discovered, and who survives. Jeffrey's privileged access to excellent care sharply contrasts with the barriers faced by millions of Americans, making this both a personal triumph and a call for systemic change.
Through vivid storytelling that captures the rhythm of an early morning run and the intensity of a chemo infusion, Jeffrey proves that our greatest challenges can become our greatest teachers. His journey from the finish line at Ironman Florida to ringing the bell after his final chemotherapy treatment demonstrates that with the right mindset, support system, and determination, we can transform even our darkest moments into sources of strength and purpose.
"Every Mile Matters" speaks to anyone who has faced adversity, anyone training for life's unexpected races, and anyone seeking inspiration to turn their trials into triumphs. It's for cancer patients and survivors, athletes and non-athletes alike, caregivers and healthcare providers, and anyone curious about the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit.
Jeffrey's message is clear: whether you're running a marathon, fighting cancer, or simply navigating the complexities of modern life, every mile matters.
