Winter Garden couple doesn't slow down much, even for cancer
This is an Article about Jeff's Sister and Brother-in-law from the Orlando Sentinel.
Marty Gaal Special to the Sentinel Posted December 2, 2005
Karen Trainor and Greg Trainor like to sweat.
The Winter Garden couple, both triathletes and runners, frequently train together. They're currently getting ready for the Jacksonville Marathon on Dec. 18 and the Miami Marathon in late January.
A mutual friend introduced them at a group run in Winter Park in 2001, but it wasn't until a few months later that they started dating.
"Greg and I hit it off immediately," Karen said. "He asked me out for Valentine's Day about a week ahead of time, I accepted, and we had so much fun together!"
The Trainors' joy was interrupted, though, when soon after they began dating, Karen discovered she had an aggressive form of basal cell skin cancer. Morphea, or sclerosing basal cell carcinoma, appears as a scarlike, firm plaque. What Karen thought was a routine checkup was just the beginning of a long ordeal.
"That same month, I was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo extensive surgery followed by six weeks of radiation treatments,'' Karen said.
"Greg met my parents for the first time in the hospital waiting room. He showed up with balloons and a big smile."They knew they had found someone special.
"We were married on July 24, 2004," Karen said.
Said Mara Frazier of Mount Dora, who has known Karen for 13 years: "I am so proud to have Karen for a friend. Whether it's logging 20-plus hours of training per week for a race or working full time as a speech pathologist and helping others conquer their own challenges, she is determined, focused and always accomplishes her goals with grace and gratitude."
Greg Trainor, a logistics manager for an air cargo company, said he tries to run with his wife once or twice a week.
"More than that is tough because of our work schedules,'' Greg said. "During the triathlon season, we'll do a lot of biking with our bike club in Windermere. She knows I'm her biggest fan."
Said Karen: "Greg encourages and supports me in all facets of my life, especially by helping me achieve balance with work, racing, family and friendships and our marriage. Most importantly, he makes me laugh and graciously lets me tease him."
Greg has completed five Ironman races since taking up the sport in 1996, the most recent one being the Ironman Coeur d'Alene in 2004. "Triathlon became addicting and, more importantly, a way of life. Karen and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Karen's best moment in sports came in 2002 while preparing for her first half-Ironman.
She still was undergoing radiation treatment.
"Training for hours on my bike and running in the summer heat while going through radiation was grueling,'' said Karen, 33. "Ironically, the goal empowered me and lifted my spirits.
"Seeing that finish line was never sweeter!"
Said Orlando triathlete Carey Kosson: "Karen always has a positive attitude in all that she does, professionally, personally, and athletically, and that positive attitude is genuine and contagious.
''On a typical weekday, Karen and Greg are up at 5 a.m. for training, put in a full day of work, then often get in another workout before dinner.
The weekends may include a three-hour run and an even longer bike ride during the summer. They also swim, lift weights and still find time to meet up with friends.
"If everything was easy, it wouldn't be much fun," said Karen.
And the best part? Karen is cancer free.
Marty Gaal Special to the Sentinel Posted December 2, 2005
Karen Trainor and Greg Trainor like to sweat.
The Winter Garden couple, both triathletes and runners, frequently train together. They're currently getting ready for the Jacksonville Marathon on Dec. 18 and the Miami Marathon in late January.
A mutual friend introduced them at a group run in Winter Park in 2001, but it wasn't until a few months later that they started dating.
"Greg and I hit it off immediately," Karen said. "He asked me out for Valentine's Day about a week ahead of time, I accepted, and we had so much fun together!"
The Trainors' joy was interrupted, though, when soon after they began dating, Karen discovered she had an aggressive form of basal cell skin cancer. Morphea, or sclerosing basal cell carcinoma, appears as a scarlike, firm plaque. What Karen thought was a routine checkup was just the beginning of a long ordeal.
"That same month, I was diagnosed with cancer and had to undergo extensive surgery followed by six weeks of radiation treatments,'' Karen said.
"Greg met my parents for the first time in the hospital waiting room. He showed up with balloons and a big smile."They knew they had found someone special.
"We were married on July 24, 2004," Karen said.
Said Mara Frazier of Mount Dora, who has known Karen for 13 years: "I am so proud to have Karen for a friend. Whether it's logging 20-plus hours of training per week for a race or working full time as a speech pathologist and helping others conquer their own challenges, she is determined, focused and always accomplishes her goals with grace and gratitude."
Greg Trainor, a logistics manager for an air cargo company, said he tries to run with his wife once or twice a week.
"More than that is tough because of our work schedules,'' Greg said. "During the triathlon season, we'll do a lot of biking with our bike club in Windermere. She knows I'm her biggest fan."
Said Karen: "Greg encourages and supports me in all facets of my life, especially by helping me achieve balance with work, racing, family and friendships and our marriage. Most importantly, he makes me laugh and graciously lets me tease him."
Greg has completed five Ironman races since taking up the sport in 1996, the most recent one being the Ironman Coeur d'Alene in 2004. "Triathlon became addicting and, more importantly, a way of life. Karen and I wouldn't have it any other way."
Karen's best moment in sports came in 2002 while preparing for her first half-Ironman.
She still was undergoing radiation treatment.
"Training for hours on my bike and running in the summer heat while going through radiation was grueling,'' said Karen, 33. "Ironically, the goal empowered me and lifted my spirits.
"Seeing that finish line was never sweeter!"
Said Orlando triathlete Carey Kosson: "Karen always has a positive attitude in all that she does, professionally, personally, and athletically, and that positive attitude is genuine and contagious.
''On a typical weekday, Karen and Greg are up at 5 a.m. for training, put in a full day of work, then often get in another workout before dinner.
The weekends may include a three-hour run and an even longer bike ride during the summer. They also swim, lift weights and still find time to meet up with friends.
"If everything was easy, it wouldn't be much fun," said Karen.
And the best part? Karen is cancer free.
