where women celebrate their ageless authenticity
We can all agree that anyone who completes an Ironman race is a “bad ass.” Then there’s Susan Corti, who’s next level. Over the course of one year, despite the loss of her father to cancer and two cancer diagnoses of her own, she cultivated a belief in herself that powered her the 140.6 miles across the finish line of the grueling 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2-mile run. We met a few years ago when I was just starting IF and fell into a friendship sharing our mutual passions for nature hikes. I confess, it’s taken me years to pen her story. It sat tucked away in a neat file on my computer because a part of me felt as though I just couldn’t measure up to my own expectations. How does one give justice to hero status, especially a humble hero? Then I realized that if Susan has the courage to leap into the unknown despite what’s before her, it’s an invitation for me and you to do the same. By example, Susan shows us how powerful we can be when our mind, body and spirit are in alignment and focused on making it happen no matter what. May her story give you permission to find that thing within you that needs to express itself simply because it needs air. So that you too, can surprise yourself by what you become.
What brings you the most joy at this point in your life?
I think it’s that I’ve never felt like I had to be a certain way. I’ve followed my own path. The lifestyle that my husband and I created for our family has really empowered me over the years because I can always do the things I want to do. I haven’t worked in traditional settings, but I’ve always kept myself busy and involved in things that matter to me. It’s a privilege. I think you find your own happiness and you make your own success in life. Right now, we’re at the age where we’re taking care of our elderly parents and I’m able to do that, which is amazing because a lot of people can’t.
You’ve raced in four Ironmans, including the World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. In a Self Magazine interview, you said ‘Cancer inspired me to run toward the future. Without it, I wouldn’t have known how strong I was.’ Can you expand on that for us?
When it comes to cancer, there’s so much linked to the word survivor. It’s a heavy label to wear. You don’t necessarily feel like you’re a survivor of anything. My dad lost his fight in less than six months. I was just lucky. It wasn’t like I fought harder. With early detection, I had the ability to make the choices I needed to make for myself.
When the doctors found a lump on my thyroid, I heard the word cancer, and I literally felt the fear go all the way through my body. They said the great thing is it’s a cut to cure. I’d never had a surgery before, and didn’t like taking medication, so I immediately went to “oh, poor me.” So I switched my perspective. I think it all goes back to being open. Open to the process of making decisions. They affect others around you.
When they found my breast cancer, it was the second time within a year, so it just felt like cancer was everywhere. I had always exercised and been aware of my diet. It made me realize that I didn’t have much control over my life. I started questioning everything. I realized that I can only control how I react to things.
I think that’s what changed my life.
At that moment, my outlook shifted. I realized that it’s a gift you can’t take for granted. It sounds cheesy and cliche, but as soon as you really live that, it does transform everything.
We were raising three kids. I stopped getting upset over the little things, stressing about the mess. Everything. When we thought about moving, I said, “why not?”
What sparked your interest in Ironmans?
I was at a track meet for my little kids when I came across a flyer for a group called Mom’s in Motion. It was all about moms taking on challenges, so me and my friend joined. The first event was the Santa Barbara Sprint Triathlon, so I signed up. I was on my son’s mountain bike, and had no idea what I was getting into.
The event started super early in the morning. I remember being in the lineup thinking wow, everyone looks so serious. It made me remember my early days as a competitive swimmer, and I thought, ‘I’m gonna dig this.’ Turns out, I absolutely loved it!
I started training in earnest. When my husband saw the change in me, he got into it also, and we trained together. Our kids thought we were nuts.
Doing a full Ironman was always a distance goal, but it just seemed over the top crazy at 140.6 miles. Until my friend did it, and said it changed her life.
I thought, wow, I kind of want to try this. You need to commit close to a year in advance, so I signed up. Just when I was ramping up my training, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Which in my mind meant I’m going anyway, so I might as well try. I didn’t want cancer to take away my Ironman.
Recovering from a double mastectomy shortened my training time to only seven weeks. Now there were new challenges. The expanders implanted in my chest to prepare me for reconstructive surgery burned while I ran. My upper body ached when I bent over my bike. I’d lost range of motion in my pec muscles, and suddenly my advantage as a competitive swimmer was reduced to my weakest link. A dear friend and former coach reminded me to ‘just enjoy that moment when you’re back in the water. Don’t put any pressure on yourself. You can do this. Reverse it and say I’m lucky to be out here suffering. You need to suffer.’ It cracked me up because I was suffering at my expense. I was the one who paid the entrance fee.
Turns out each physical pain helped me heal. I realized I wouldn’t be in my best physical shape, but if I failed, so what. I’d already survived cancer, twice. I’d already faced my fear of the unknown. I had more mental strength than I ever thought possible. Suddenly the thought of a 12-hour race that had once seemed impossible, somehow seemed peaceful and fun.
Looking back, it’s wild to see how far my journey took me. Qualifying and then competing in the Ironman World Championship earned me a place among the elite athletes in the sport. It was ultimately a personal quest that changed my thinking and my life. (These days Susan is a triathlon coach, having successfully coached athletes to their first triathlons and even Ironmans. Changing lives and building confidence every step of the way!)
When you’re going through those miles what is your mind and body saying? What tools did you use for motivation?
My first Ironman I raised funds for Stand Up To Cancer by inviting friends to donate based on the miles.
Then I asked those closest to me to sponsor me for one mile. I literally wrote their names on my arm so I could carry them with me. It’s a great way to break it down, because even in the toughest times, you can always go one more mile. Each mile I would spend those minutes with that person in my mind, and they fueled my heart. I use it often. I’ve had some great moments even sharing my thoughts with people who are no longer here. It’s helped me through lots of crazy miles.
With long distances it is also helpful to look back. When you know you’re 130 miles into 140-mile day, it’s a little less daunting with only 10 miles to the finish line.
What is your process of return? You are very aware of what you can control and letting go of what you can’t. But in a situation where something comes at you from left field how do you bring yourself back home to yourself?
I think it’s just really trying to picture how you are receiving what is happening at this moment. Are you in a rush when that person cuts you off on the freeway? Humm… It’s okay to be a few minutes late. Everyone’s got a story. We’re all coming from somewhere different. Don’t take it personally.
I think what I’ve gained from my experience is knowing you can control things up to a point. Sometimes you need to pivot. A lot of people are afraid to pivot. To be able to say ‘You know, this might not be the right time for this or that, but maybe we can revisit it at some point.’ The skill set is to be malleable, a lifetime learner.
Is there something that you placed a lot of value in your younger self, but now you no longer do?
Probably what people think about me. I cut all my hair off and went gray. Probably a lot younger than most people do. It still shocks certain people. Some friends considered it an act of bravery. I just did it out of curiosity. I was lazy in a way. But I’ll let them put their own spin on it.
What do you like best about yourself?
I feel like I’m a good friend. I bring some good out of people. And I love that. I treasure my friendships, and I don’t need so many of them. I’ve lived in four different countries. Many places. Over the years I always keep my little crew close. It takes energy, but I put a high priority on that.
If you had a warning label about you, what would it say?
<Laugh> I’m a lot sometimes, handle with caution. I’m not for everyone.
What do you need to never forget?
Something I say out loud to myself every time I cross a finish line… It’s from Confucius. ‘You are given two lives, the second of which begins the day you realize that you only have one.’
A reminder that it’s a gift to be here. To be alive and well. And happy.
THREE TAKEAWAY TIPS TO BECOMING
Recognize the one thing within you that you must do, regardless of how you get there. What is calling you? Exploring the unknown doesn’t come with directions from a downloadable app, just be clear on what you wish to bring into the world. Then open your mind to the belief that there is a future you within, that already exists from that place. Embody it. Play with it, give it space and imagine what it feels like in your body, in your heart.
Own your desire as an expression of who you are. Take responsibility. From an understanding that where you are today is the sum of the choices you’ve made thus far, are you ready to make some new ones? Stepping from the known to the unknown is going to feel uncomfortable, especially when obstacles arise (like cancer did for Susan), but they are often the teachers we need to reinforce our resolve, to discover something new about ourselves we never thought possible.
Open a conversation with your soul, that deep knowing intuitive part of you that’s there just waiting for your attention. Love yourself as the original one and only. Opening your heart to your authenticity, can you see how you are always in company with the Oneness of all things, never alone? The Universe, the Universal spirit, the Quantum Field, or the God you pray to, the sun, sky, ocean and all creation is limitless, and in intimate relationship with you, as you. Think about your younger self who took her first steps without worrying about what would happen if she fell. Commune with the ancestors who came before you, they’re holding you, saying “you’ve got this.” Now speak the truth of your desire to your dearest friends, give it voice so they can support you too. Susan literally carried her friends with her, embodying their compassion by writing their names on her skin as reminders. She understood how energy amplifies when it unites and used it to power her through the impossible. The only additional effort required was seeing it and feeling it. Wear what you desire like the latest fashion that makes you feel good about yourself.
BTW: Know that your negative self-talk is not you. It’s your ego trying to protect you, a spillover from our survival as early humans. Be aware of who you’re listening to. Trust yourself instead. Dr. Joe Despenza’s advice to “believe, behave, become” offers us a way in, using the power of our minds to shape our experience. We have 60,000 to 70,000 thoughts a day, and we operate from a place of familiar patterns. When we recognize that our default, our reactions, are automated with 95% of unconscious programs, we can take the wheel and start driving the car instead of using cruise control. To become something new, we need to disrupt those patterns, rewiring and reprogramming our brains with an updated curriculum. Susan tapped into her mind to open her heart to the unknown, without ever doubting herself. That’s where the magic happens. It’s scary and exciting and just what’s needed to get us out of our comfort zone. No one is going to choose you. So why not believe in yourself as the starting place… No matter what.
Follow Susan on Instagram @susancorti
In 2016, SELF MAGAZINE featured Susan’s memoir entitled “Cancer Made Me Stronger.” For more inspiration check it out here.
