GEN MATCHETTE has always been active, participating in a multitude of sports from running to gymnastics and soccer as a child, to yoga, aerobics and kickboxing as an adult. At the urging of a friend, she competed in her first sprint triathlon shortly before her thirty-seventh birthday, at a time when her youngest child was not yet out of diapers. While she wasn’t fast, she also wasn’t last. In addition to competing in at least three or four sprint distance triathlons each year, Gen has competed in three half Ironman distance triathlons, 5K races, half-marathons and one full marathon — all while keeping up with three active children and a husband serving in the Air Force.
In 2010, at the age of forty, Gen was diagnosed with an aggressive form of stage III breast cancer. She underwent bilateral mastectomies, more than a year of chemotherapy, and recently finished breast reconstruction. Her doctors and nurses were amazed and amused by her persistence to keep exercising and competing, but exercising was her respite from cancer. She figured, “As long as I can train and compete, I know I’m not letting cancer beat me.” Despite injuries and illness brought on by her treatments, Gen continued to move, even running a half-marathon three days after her third chemo session! Her youngest child ran with her across the finish line, something she does from time to time at races. Holding her little hand as they crossed the finish line reminded Gen why she does what she does — her children need their mom alive and well. She didn’t finish fast, but she didn’t finish last and (as her husband said) she was first in the “people who are getting chemo” category. Gen believes that continuing to exercise throughout her treatments ultimately assisted in her mental, physical, and emotional recovery.
Together with her husband, Joe, a four-time Ironman, Gen started an informal triathlon group in the city where they’re currently stationed. They have both become mentors and role models to many athletes and non-athletes within their community, some of whom have wanted to just get off the couch and do a 5K, some of whom have wanted to compete in a full Ironman distance triathlon. Gen is often sought out to mentor newly diagnosed breast cancer patients as well. She regularly writes a no-holds-barred blog about their “cancer adventure.” Gen says, “Just because you have a diagnosis of cancer doesn’t mean you can’t and shouldn’t try to still do the things you love. You just have to make some adjustments.”
ACCOMPLISHMENTS & CREDENTIALS:
- 2011 Relay member of Crazy J’ettes for Ironman Augusta 70.3
- Three time Museum of Aviation Half Marathon finisher (while undergoing chemotherapy this past year)
- Ironman Racine 70.3 finisher
- Ironman Augusta 70.3 finisher
- Disney Princess Half Marathon finisher
- Disney Marathon finisher
- ING Miami Half Marathon finisher
- Several 2nd and 3rd place finishes in sprint-distance triathlons (three of which while undergoing treatment for breast cancer)
- Overcame fear of open water swimming to successfully complete numerous sprint distance and two half Ironman distance triathlons
- Overcame claustrophobia in the water to earn scuba certification
2012 INTENTIONS:
- Run the 26.2 with Donna Half Marathon/Marathon
- Run a sub-two hour half marathon
- Complete an Olympic distance triathlon
- Complete Half Ironman distance in sub-six hours
WEBSITE: Gen’s Blog »
Genn is an inspiration! What a spectacular person, wife, and mother. You go girl!!
Like:
2
Gen, it is great that you share what you have gone through with others to strengthen them during their time of despair…you are an inspiration to all of us.
Like:
1
Amazing and inspirational beyond measure. Continued good health is wished for you and just keep doing what you are doing!
Like:
1
Gen, You are such an inspiration to everyone who knows you. I’m so proud to share you with the world, as I’m sure all your friends are! You embody all the things a woman can be and balance them with such grace…and ENERGY! I’ve loved following your journal while you were kicking cancer’s butt and now I look forward to following your posts here as you tackle new athletic goals. I am reinspired to put my running shoes back on! At least until the pool warms up again.
Like:
1
Gen you are an amazing woman!
The loving strength mothers embody continually warms my heart and inspires my soul
Thank you for sharing your strength and grace through your life with your heart.
Play hard rest well and enjoy!
Like:
2
Gen,
You are awesome! I applaud your strength and determination. Cancer does not define us. I too am a survivor with stage 3C colon cancer. Have run all my life. Running during my cancer was my sanctuary. Ran my first marathon following cancer, running my second in a few weeks. Starting a running program for young girls in my community this fall. Keep running! Stay happy, stay well and you are always one step closer to accomplishing all you want to do in life. I have no doubt you will do it.
Best,
Deb Aseltine
Like:
3
@ Deb – Congrats on your first marathon & good luck for the second! What an accomplishment!!!!! Good luck w/the running club – such a laudable thing to do. I help out w/the running club at my son’s school and love seeing the kids “get it”. I was like a proud mother hen when many of them ran their first 5K several months later.
Keep me posted and stay strong!
Cheers, Gen =)
Like:
0
Gen,
You are a total inspiration; I got chills reading your story. And about your blog, Sand in my Boobs, what else is there to say, that title is amazing! You strength and willingness to share your story is a special gift and it seems everyone is touched by what you continue to do for your family and the world.
Like:
2
Gen,
What an inspiration you are! I am a recent bc survivor and a runner too.
You are a great example of the power of your attitude and belief in what is possible.
I will be celebrating my 1 year cancer free anniversary with a. 26.2 mile run with friends on 12/23/12.
Like:
2
Gen, wow , you look great! Your boobs look awesome. We can show there IS life after breast cancer! (I am a breast cancer past patient also). Don’t you appreciate everything more now? Maybe that is the gift. I used to bemoan the fact if it were a Sat night and I had no date…. Now, no way!!! Just glad to be here! We did it!
Like:
2
Congratulations on beating breast cancer…your story is quite an inspiration! I personally haven’t had breast cancer but too-many-to-count friends have and I’ve walked or run lots and lots of miles in support of (or memory for) them…ended up motivating me to start a business to promote health & wellness–work on the side of preventing cancer from starting in the first place.
With a husband that has also done multiple Ironmans and a son in the Air Force I look forward to your blog posts.
Look forward to your blog posts! My husband also is a multiple Ironman and my son’s in the Air Force
Like:
2
Gen,
Thank you so much for sharing your fights and victories. I am myself a survivor of sarcoma and I understand how crucial it is to give “hope” to all cancer victims… Although I regularly work out for health benefits, I have never accomplished as much as you have, you are a remarkable woman!
Best wishes of good health!
Like:
1