Natomas Cares: Athlete For A Cure

BY TRACY CHATTERS
THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz
Natomas resident Cris Santa Croce has turned her passion for triathlons into a quest to fight cancer.

Just three years ago, Santa Croce was sitting on her couch feeling low on energy, overweight and frustrated with herself. A busy mom with two children, she hadn’t focused much on keeping herself healthy.

In 2008, Santa Croce decided it was time for a change and went for a run. It wasn’t easy at first – she had to stop and catch her breath within the first block. But Santa Croce pushed herself.

“Every night, I tried to go further,” she said.

After five months, Santa Croce had completed her first half marathon and lost 50 pounds. Her next goal was to take on a super sprint triathlon which she completed in early 2009.

“The race was a blast and after that day, I was hooked on the triathlon lifestyle,” she said. 

Santa Croce lost 25 more pounds with triathlon training and challenged herself with longer distance races. She completed a Sprint, Olympic and Half Iron distance races. Her furthest race was the Ironman Arizona in November 2010.

This November, Santa Croce will compete at Ironman Arizona for the second time. The race includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run which all needs to be completed within 17 hours for Santa Croce to be considered an official finisher.

Training for Ironman Arizona 2011 has required eight months of preparation including two workouts a day. But this race isn’t for her own health. This Natomas resident is racing with Athletes for a Cure to raise money for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Prostate cancer has affected many in Santa Croce’s life and the Natomas resident hopes this race will not just raise money for research and treatment, but increase awareness about the disease that currently affects over two million American men and their families.

“I am so excited that I can raise awareness for such a good cause,” Santa Croce said. “My goal is to raise $2,500 by Oct. 10.” 

All proceeds benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation which funds high-impact research to find better treatments and a cure for recurrent prostate cancer. To make a secure donation, click here.

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