Life throws many challenges our way, and how we face them shapes who we are. Fitz Koehler, a fitness innovator, race announcer, author, and cancer survivor, exemplifies this resilience. Her story, shared in this interview, offers valuable insights about overcoming adversity, finding strength in the face of illness, and pursuing one’s passion with unyielding determination.
Early Life and Developing a Passion for Fitness
Fitz Koehler’s path to becoming a fitness expert wasn’t a smooth one. Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Fitz came from a sporty family, but she struggled with her athletic abilities. Despite playing soccer and cheerleading in high school, she often faced setbacks, including a severe knee injury at age 14. This injury led her to physical therapy and, eventually, to the gym. By age 15, she began teaching fitness classes, a move that would define her future.
Her early experiences in fitness ignited a passion not only for physical health but for the connections it allowed her to foster with others. She pursued fitness professionally, teaching classes at the University of Florida while attending college. This dedication laid the foundation for a career that would span decades.
A Bold Leap Into Race Announcing
Koehler’s career took another unexpected turn when she transitioned into race announcing. Initially a fitness presenter at Run Disney events, she was invited to try race announcing by veteran announcer Rudy Novotny. Despite never having done it before, she embraced the challenge. This leap of faith paid off, and Fitz became a beloved race announcer, spreading joy and motivation at events across the country. Her infectious energy and ability to make every runner feel like a winner have made her a staple in the running community.
The Cancer Battle
The most significant challenge in Koehler’s life came in 2019, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Just six weeks after a clear mammogram, she found a lump during a routine self-exam. Her life changed instantly with the diagnosis of stage 2B breast cancer, which had already spread to her lymph nodes. What followed was 15 months of grueling chemotherapy, 33 rounds of radiation, and multiple surgeries.
However, even during her toughest moments, Koehler maintained her work schedule, announcing races and delivering keynote speeches. Her ability to push through such physically and emotionally taxing times speaks to her relentless spirit.
Coping with Adversity: Lessons from Fitz
Through her cancer journey, Fitz developed a set of principles that helped her cope and remain positive:
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Utilize Perspective
Koehler constantly reminded herself that, although cancer was difficult, many had it worse. "It would be way harder to be a baby or a child with cancer than to be a grown-up with cancer," she noted. This perspective helped her avoid feeling victimized by her situation. -
Allow Yourself to Cry, But Don’t Wallow
Koehler acknowledged the importance of releasing emotions but was careful not to dwell on them. She allowed herself moments to cry but quickly moved on, refusing to let despair consume her. -
Control What You Can
During her treatment, Koehler focused on what she could control, whether it was her fitness, her work, or her mindset. This approach kept her grounded, helping her navigate the uncertainties of her cancer journey. -
Force Joy
Even on the hardest days, Koehler found ways to bring joy into her life. She sought out things that made her smile, such as watching comedy shows, spending time with her pets, or listening to music. -
Pursue Your Passions
Throughout her cancer treatment, Koehler continued to pursue her passions in fitness and race announcing. This not only gave her a sense of purpose but also helped her stay connected with the community she loved.
Redefining the Cancer Narrative
An interesting aspect of Koehler’s journey is her relationship with the pink ribbon, a symbol of breast cancer awareness. Although she fully supports breast cancer causes, she resists the idea of being defined by the disease. For her, the ribbon symbolizes victimhood, something she refuses to accept. Instead, she chooses to define herself by her actions, her impact on others, and her resilience.
The Power of Saying Yes
A significant part of Koehler’s success, both in her career and her personal challenges, can be attributed to her philosophy of saying “yes.” Whether it was agreeing to announce a race for the first time or deciding to run the Boston Marathon after her cancer treatment, she embraced opportunities, even when they seemed daunting.
This mindset has carried her through countless life changes and challenges. Her story is a powerful reminder that we grow by stepping outside of our comfort zones and facing the unknown with courage.
Final Thoughts
Fitz Koehler’s journey is one of perseverance, resilience, and passion. From a scrappy fitness instructor to a renowned race announcer and cancer survivor, her life serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved when we refuse to give up. Koehler’s story reminds us that no matter how tough life gets, maintaining perspective, seeking joy, and continuing to pursue our passions can make all the difference.
